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Basic guidelines showing how to edit audio files in Audacity

A document explaining 'how to edit' and four screenshots related to this document: 

If the retreat is led by two teachers, like in the Buddhist/Christian retreats in the Artist, you can write Ajahn Candasiri (if she is giving a talk or GM) and Brother Nicolas (if he is speaking),. and ifIf they both talk in the same recordingrecording, you can write Ajahn Candasiri and Brother Nicolas. You can use Audacity for the tagging, as you normally will do,will, or Mp3tag.

1) The audio files cannot be exported into the final version with too long gaps, or empty spaces between the last word and the next that will be said

2) Split stereo to mono. 
Note that splitting stereo to mono is not the same as 'splitting stereo tack'. The later split stereo track into two separate mono tracks: the left channel panned hard left, and the right channel panned hard right (seefor screenshotmore attached)details, check 'panning (audio)'. Splitting stereo to mono results in two separate mono tracks that are both centre-panned. This function cuts some of the file sizes that stereo tracks would have, but the sound still works in both channels, right and left.

2) Amplification.
When editing, try to keep the sound volume of all tracks on the same level (see screenshots below) which is around -12db when working on Audacity. It's good when all tracks remain on the same volume level.

Amplification.jpeg

Amplification2.jpg

In between -12 and -6 is where we're aiming at.

Amplification3.jpg

  • Cut the beginning and the end to just a few seconds (3-4 sec).
  • No chanting at the beginning and the end.
  • SoundUsually, sound volume needs to be usually increased (between -12db and -6db,18db, it shouldn't go below -12db)18db) which you can do by Amplify effect.
  • The gaps,audio asfiles I already mentioned, need tocan be short.exported with reduced gaps, or empty spaces, between the sentences. The max. Gaps in guided meditation can be shortened to max. 11-2 min, and when GM is paused for the period of meditation (i.e. 40 min) and then resumed, the gap can be even shorter (see 'Removing gaps' screenshot below).

Removing gaps.jpeg

If something is not clear please ask as many questions as necessary sending them to audio@amaravati.org.


HOW TO EDIT (PDF)

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