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Originally uploaded on 10/03/2016
{Note this article was created using an older version of Audacity and may not work on newer versions.}
Now that you have set up your keyboard for recording, I will show you how to record it’s audio using the open source audio editor Audacity. I have decided to use Audacity, as it is free to download and use. Click here to download Audacity.
Please note that these screenshots are taken from the Mac OS X version of Audacity but it should be identical to the Windows and Linux versions.
Audacity has a lot of controls and features, but the ones that we will be using have highlighted by different coloured circles.
Red – Playback controls/ record button
Green – Recording volume control
Orange – Recording VU meters
Purple – Input source combo box
Dark Blue – Input channel combo box
Black - Waveform
Before we can begin recording, first we will need to make sure that we have the correct sound source selected. To change the sound source click the combo box next to the microphone icon in the top center of the Audacity window (circled in purple).
Red – Playback controls/ record button
Green – Recording volume control
Orange – Recording VU meters
Purple – Input source combo box
Dark Blue – Input channel combo box
Black - Waveform
Before we can begin recording, first we will need to make sure that we have the correct sound source selected. To change the sound source click the combo box next to the microphone icon in the top center of the Audacity window (circled in purple).
Once you have selected your input source, you will need to make sure that the audio levels are set.
To check the audio levels click the VU meters located to the right of the Microphone icon on the top center part of the window (see first screenshot circled in orange).
To check the audio levels click the VU meters located to the right of the Microphone icon on the top center part of the window (see first screenshot circled in orange).
The VU meters should show a green bar moving up and down.
If the audio levels are set too low, then the recording will be too quiet. If the audio levels are too high, then the audio will start to distort.
Try to adjust the volume on both the keyboard and the computer’s input so that the green bar does not go over 0 on the VU meter.
If the audio levels are set too low, then the recording will be too quiet. If the audio levels are too high, then the audio will start to distort.
Try to adjust the volume on both the keyboard and the computer’s input so that the green bar does not go over 0 on the VU meter.
It is best not to apply too much volume boost using the input volume slider as it can cause the recording to sound noisy. If you find that you need to turn the microphone volume up quite high, then try adjusting the volume on the keyboard.
Once this is done, you are now ready to record your audio.
Once this is done, you are now ready to record your audio.
When you have finished recording, the waveform of your recording should appear in the Audacity window.
If the waveform looks like the screenshot below then you will need to reduce your audio levels and record again.
If the waveform looks like the screenshot below then you will need to reduce your audio levels and record again.
To export your recording, click on “File” and then “Export Audio” from the menu.
Now choose the location where you would like to save the file. You can also choose which file format to save the recording as (e.g. MP3 file) by clicking the combo box (circled in red).
To adjust settings e.g. MP3 bitrate click the “Options” button next to the combo box.
To adjust settings e.g. MP3 bitrate click the “Options” button next to the combo box.
After you have chosen the location and given it a name, click “Save” (circled in blue).
That’s it.
That’s it.
Troubleshooting
Question 1. I have no audio
Make sure that the correct input is selected. You can change the input by using the combo box next to the microphone icon. If you are unsure of which source to use, try selecting a few until you find the correct one.
If you are using an external soundcard that is connected to a USB hub, try connecting it directly to your computer. I have found that sometimes connecting the soundcard to a USB hub can cause it to not function properly if there are other items connected to it.
Check that the volume levels are adjusted on both the keyboard and audio input.
If you are using Windows, try setting the input that you have connected your keyboard to as the default input.
If you've tried all of the above and it still doesn't work, you may have a driver related issue. Try contacting your soundcard manufacturer for more information.
If you are using an external soundcard that is connected to a USB hub, try connecting it directly to your computer. I have found that sometimes connecting the soundcard to a USB hub can cause it to not function properly if there are other items connected to it.
Check that the volume levels are adjusted on both the keyboard and audio input.
If you are using Windows, try setting the input that you have connected your keyboard to as the default input.
If you've tried all of the above and it still doesn't work, you may have a driver related issue. Try contacting your soundcard manufacturer for more information.
Question 2. The audio keeps cutting out or is only coming in on one channel
Check that your cable isn’t damaged. If the audio keeps cutting out on one or both channels, it could indicate that the cable is damaged. Also make sure that you are using a stereo cable and not a mono cable. A stereo cable should have 2 black lines around the connector that goes into your input source and make sure that it is connect to a stereo output jack.
Question 3. I'm only getting mono audio despite using a stereo cable
Check that Audacity is set to record in stereo. You can change the number of channels by clicking on the combo box next to the input source combo box.
Question 4. There is a loud buzzing or hum in the recording
This could be caused by a ground loop. There are several ways eliminate a ground loop. The first is to use a ground loop isolator box in between your keyboard and sound card audio connections. A second way is to connect your keyboard and computer to the same wall outlet socket using a power strip.
Finally you could run your keyboard on battery.
Finally you could run your keyboard on battery.
Question 5. The recording has a lot of hiss or noise
Try reducing the recording levels on audacity and increasing the volume levels on your keyboard and try to use the shortest cable possible. Cables longer than 15 meters can act as an antenna, which can result in a noisy signal.
If your keyboard has a line output, try using that instead of the headphone jack as it puts out a much cleaner signal.
If your keyboard has a line output, try using that instead of the headphone jack as it puts out a much cleaner signal.
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