Audio_Dialogue


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In the classroom, we use microphone equipped headsets to record voicework for multimedia productions. Adjust the headset so the mic is close to your mouth, and check that any switches and volume controls are turned on. Recording in early morning, at noon or after classes is ideal to minimize background noise.
 * RECORDING VOICEWORK in Class**
 * **To Get Started:**

In the FRONT (or back) of the computers, OPEN THE BLACK HATCH and plug the headset's green (speaker output) and pink (mic input) cables into the appropriately coloured ports.
 * //Note how the cables are bundled up - please return the headset neatly in this condition at the end of your usage.//** || [[image:cyberdog:Audacity00.jpg]] ||
 * **Plug In**:


 * //Please be VERY careful to restore the speaker cables to their original state at the end of your session.//** || [[image:cyberdog:Audacity00b.jpg]] ||

Once the headset has been plugged in, you have to set up the software to record your voice:

> (Note - if you set it too high while recording, your voice may trip Windows “circuit breaker”, and you’ll have to repeat these steps)
 * 1. SET UP THE WINDOWS MIC SETTINGS**[[image:cyberdog:Audacity01.jpg align="right"]]
 * Double click the Audio icon at the bottom right of your screen
 * Use OPTIONS - PROPERTIES and choose RECORDING. The “Microphone” option should be checked on. Click OK when ready.
 * Use OPTIONS - PROPERTIES and choose ADVANCED CONTROLS
 * The “Microphone” SELECT should be checked ON. Click the new “ADVANCED” button that appears under that.
 * In the “ADVANCED” settings,
 * Turn on the “MIC BOOST”
 * Use the FRONT PANEL Microphone if it's available
 * Be sure SELECT is ON for the Microphone - set the slider about 60%
 * Close the volume box when complete

Also note that some microphones have an ON/OFF switch. Make sure it's ON!

> >> //(Hint - Try moving the mic closer to your mouth!)//
 * 2. INSTALL and START UP AUDACITY**[[image:cyberdog:Audacity03.jpg align="right"]]
 * Install AUDACITY from the HANDOUTS - MAY - APPZ folder if need be
 * If need be, change the input source to MICROPHONE in the top selection box
 * Press the RECORD button and speak to TEST your recording levels. Adjust the Microphone slider if required:
 * MIC SET TOO LOW: This yields faint audio that sounds “hissy” when amplified.
 * MIC SET TOO HIGH: This creates CLIPPING resulting in unacceptable distortion.
 * IDEAL LEVELS: The waveform fills the “canvas” without “Clipping”
 * Close any test tracks by clicking the X in the top left corner.


 * 3. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO RECORD**
 * Position your script so you can read it
 * RECORD YOUR DIALOGUE
 * SPEAK SLOWLY and CLEARLY
 * SPEAK EMPHATICALLY! If you don’t use an emphatic, upbeat voice, your dialogue can get lost under any video or animation, and you’ll need to re-record.
 * Record ALL your lines at once with a slight gap between them. Hit the STOP button when you’re done.


 * 4. PROCESS YOUR DIALOGUE**
 * Highlight a chunk of dialogue and hit the PLAY button to preview it
 * Delete the chunks of dialogue that is flawed
 * Amplify chunks of dialogue that are too low in levels
 * Trim and fade chunks to remove leading and trailing noise


 * 5. SELECT - SAVE YOUR DIALOGUE**[[image:cyberdog:Audacity04.jpg align="right"]]
 * Highlight the first bit of dialogue you’d like to save. Preview it by click the PLAY button
 * Use **FILE | EXPORT //SELECTION// as WAV** to save that first clip. Repeat the process for any remaining audio clips.
 * Record all your dialoque at once, but save them into seperate files.
 * //NOTE: Be careful NOT to simply use [CTRL-S] or SAVE PROJECT - that creates a complex series of files in Audacity's project storage format. It will NOT create any useful files for you to import into any other program//.

If you've followed the instructions properly, your voiceover work is now in WAV format and ready to be imported into Premiere or Flash.

Be sure to
 * Coil up your headphones
 * Restore the plugs in the back of the computer
 * Return the headphones to the classroom teacher