Student Handout: How to Use Audacity to Record on a PC

What You Need

• A PC with Audacity installed
• A microphone, headset mic, or built-in microphone
• A quiet place to record

Step 1: Connect Your Microphone

• If you have a USB microphone, plug it into a USB port.
• If you have a headset mic, plug it into the microphone jack.
• If you are using a built-in microphone, make sure it is enabled.

Step 2: Open Audacity

Launch the Audacity program on your PC.

Step 3: Choose Your Recording Device

1. Click Audio Setup.
2. Select your Recording Device.
3. Choose 1 channel (Mono) for a normal voice recording.

Step 4: Test Your Microphone

1. Speak into your microphone.
2. Watch the recording meter in Audacity.
3. Try to keep the loudest sound around -6 dB.

If the sound goes too high, it may become distorted.

Step 5: Start Recording

1. Click the red Record button.
2. Speak clearly into the microphone.
3. When finished, click the Stop button.

Step 6: Listen to Your Recording

1. Click the Play button.
2. Check that your voice sounds clear.
3. If needed, delete the recording and try again.

Step 7: Save or Export Your File

• Use File > Save Project if you want to keep editing later.
• Use File > Export if you need an audio file such as MP3 or WAV.

If Audacity Does Not Detect Your Microphone

• Check that the microphone is plugged in.
• Go back to Audio Setup and choose the correct device.
• Try Transport > Rescan Audio Devices.
• Make sure your microphone is enabled in Windows sound settings.

Helpful Recording Tips

• Record in a quiet room.
• Keep the microphone the same distance from your mouth.
• Speak clearly and at a steady volume.
• Make a short test recording before doing the full recording.