Basic guidelines showing how to edit audio files in Audacity
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). If they both talk in the same recording, you can write Ajahn Candasiri and Brother Nicolas. You can use Audacity for the tagging, as you normally will, or Mp3tag.
1) 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 (for more details, checksearch 'panning (audio)'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.
-12 is where we're aiming at.
It's also ok if the sound stays aboveat -24.18.
If the highest peak in the whole track goes below -18, that can be increased/amplified.
- Cut the beginning and the end to just a few seconds (3-4 sec).
- No chanting at the beginning and the end.
- Usually, sound volume needs to be increased (between -12db and -18db, it shouldn't go below -18db) which you can do by Amplify effect.
- The audio files can be exported with reduced gaps, or empty spaces, between the sentences. The max. Gaps in guided meditation can be shortened to max. 1-2 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).
If something is not clearunclear please ask as many questions as necessary sendingand send them to audio@amaravati.org.