Audio Production Studio - Software Tutorials
This guide is to help users navigate software installed on the computers in the production studios. Please use left pane to navigate to your preferred application.
For questions, suggestions or to report any issues, please contact:
Joshua Garris
Director of Library Information Technology
Email: jbgarris@mailbox.sc.edu
Basics of Audacity
This guide will help in navigating Audacity, a open-source software used to record and manipulate sound. If you wish to download this software on your personal computer, you may go to https://www.audacityteam.org/.
Getting Started
Before you open a recording program, be sure the ProFX8 mixer by using the toggle on the back. If you're using the Focusrite (recommended), ensure it is connected to the computer and 48V is on and receiving sound.
- Once you login to the computer you should see the Audacity icon on the desktop
- Open the program.
Reference: The application should look like the below picture. Audacity version 3.2.5 (updated 4/5/23)
Recording
For podcast recording, it is recommended to use Mono. Change the "Stereo" option to "Mono." Your Audio setup should have USB Audio Codec for the mixer or Focusrite as the recording device. Playback should be your headset or the external speakers.
The Project Rate (Hz) is default in Audacity at 44100, but standard rate is typically 48000. You can change this on the bottom left corner of the screen.
To begin recording, press the red record button 
You should be able to see sound waves as you record on the active channel. If not, you should check the power, ensure 48V is activated, and check your gain levels. Gain levels are discussed during the orientation and how to adjust them.
To stop recording, press the black square button. 
To play back your recorded audio, press press. 
To save your recording:
File - Save project: This will save your file as an Audacity project.
File - Export: This will allow you to export your file and save as your preferred format. If you are unsure, MP3 will play on most playback devices.
This concludes the basics of Audacity portion of this guide.
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Basics of Adobe Audition
This guide will help in navigating Adobe Audition, professional software used to record and manipulate sound.
Getting Started
Before you open a recording program, be sure the ProFX8 mixer is on and receiving sound. See Mixer guide for more information.
Once you login, you should see the Audition icon on the desktop—Looks like this 
Open the program. Must have Adobe ID to sign in.
Reference: When opened, the application should look like the below image. You can change your workspace layout in the upper right corner denoted by >> - generally default is "Radio Production". "Simple Editing" is the best for beginners.
Recording
To begin recording, you must open a new track. Go to file - New - "Audio File." Don't forget to name your file something easily recognizable.
Look for the tool bar beneath the track screen. 
Playback Record
Recorded track
To save your recording, go to "File" - "Save As."
Change the location of your save file to an external drive and change your preferred format (typically MP3).
Multitrack Recording
To create a multitrack project either through recording or importing sound, begin by creating a new file, but this time, instead of new “Audio Track”, choose, “Multitrack Session.”
Multitrack session example:
Drag your file into the track from your save location. You may record directly into these tracks as well.
Navigate to your save location via the Media Browser. 
Basic Editing
Editing tools are in the tool bar.
Move Razor Selection tool
Move: Allows the user to move audio files around on the track.
Selection Tool: Select and drag over audio sections to highlight and modify.
Razor: Cuts audio files. Select tool and click on section of audio to cut.
Don’t forget to save your project and/or audio file to an external source.