Audacity is a program used to edit or create any type of digital audio file. It is often used to put together a "mashup" or a mix of songs using 'samples' ie clips taken from other songs to create an original track. Here are the most important steps to create a mashup with Audacity.
Steps
Step 1. Collect the clips to use in the mashup
Pieces of other songs and audio tracks must be named and saved in an audio format supported by Audacity, such as files with the.wav extension
Create a folder where you can insert the clips and find them easily. You can name the folder according to the type of sound it contains, for example "percussion," "guitar," "miscellaneous," etc
Step 2. Install Audacity on your computer
It is a freeware that is easily installed after downloading the package with the execution files.
Use a secure Audacity download site. Although it is free software, some sites contain viruses and other malware along with the program installation file
Step 3. Transport your samples to Audacity tracks
Use Audacity commands to import files. What you will see is a track made up of lines representing the oscillation of the sound.
Step 4. Change the length and position of the clips
When viewing your sample in the track, you can use mouse controls to move, lengthen or shorten the track or position it in a precise point.
The track starts from left to right. The progress of the sound is shown by the scrolling of the track, from left to right. You will also see points indicating time, essential for rhythmically assembling the different parts
Step 5. Add more samples
- Create other tracks in which to insert several samples that will be played at the same time
- Edit the tracks so that the sounds are rhythmically calibrated. For example, if you are using your samples in relation to a rhythmically static and constant backbeat, use the backbeat as the starting track and simply synchronize the clips by moving them in the track where they are in sync.
Step 6. Play the mashup
Once you've added all the clips, play and listen to everything to find any errors.
- Mix the sounds. You can change the volume of a particular track to make the final result more harmonious.
- Correct the sound. If the sound is unclear, it may be that you have used too many clips. Review everything by listening carefully and making changes where necessary.
Step 7. Save the entire project
Choose a suitable audio format and your mashup is ready.
