Activity 3

Activity – Multitrack Recording in Audacity

Resource Type:

Tutorial Video

Duration:

6 minutes

Outcomes:

Learners are expected to:

SO 2.8.            export an Audacity project as an MP3 file

SO 3.1.            identify and use the Audacity transport controls for Play, Record and Stop

SO 3.2.            perform a basic record function

SO 3.3.            create a multitrack audio recording

SO 3.5.            adjust the input levels in Audacity

SO 3.6.            use the Zoom tools

SO 3.7.            demonstrate how to use the Selection Tool

SO 3.8.            delete an entire audio track

SO 3.9.            use the Time Shift tool to effectively edit sound

SO 4.3.            analyze the volume level of a sound and make appropriate adjustments

SO 4.6.            analyze the synchronization of multiple tracks and make appropriate adjustments

SO 5.3.            identify an audio waveform

SO 5.4.            identify the visual characteristics of a good sounding waveform

SO 5.5.            identify the components of an audio track

SO 5.8.            demonstrate an understanding of the term tempo

Suggested Evaluation:

A simple rubric can be used to evaluate students’ achievement of the specific curriculum outcomes for this activity. Some outcomes can be evaluated when reviewing students’ submitted MP3’s. Outcomes such as SO’s 3.6, 3.8, 5.3, and 5.5 can be evaluated by observing and dialoging with students as they work on the project.

Below is a suggested rubric to assist with your evaluation:

Incomplete                 0
Unsatisfactory           1
Satisfactory                2
Exceptional                3

OUTCOMES	EVALUATION
SO 2.8
SO 3.1
SO 3.2
SO 3.1
SO 3.5
SO 3.6
SO 3.9
SO 4.3
SO 4.6
SO 5.3
SO 5.4
SO 5.5
SO 5.8

Procedure:

In this activity you will be creating a 2-track beatbox recording. Beatbox is percussion sounds made with your voice. It is very easy to do and a lot of fun. In this activity we will be make a very simple beatbox recording.

We will be making 2 tracks of sound in this activity. The first track will be a bass drum beatbox sound for 8 beats, which can be done by making the sound, “Boo.” The second track will be a snare drum sound on beats 2, 4, 6 and 8. The snare drum sound can be made by making the sound “Kish.”

You will need to wear headphones to do this project and all multitrack recording projects. As you record your tracks you will need to hear previously recorded tracks. If you use speakers your microphone will hear the playback of other tracks and cause feedback. Headphones eliminates this problem.

Open the Audacity software and start a new blank project. Click the Input Level Meter to ensure that your microphone Input Level is set correctly. If you are not sure how to set the Input Level please see the tutorial on how to set it.

Click the RECORD button to start recording. Audacity will create a new track for you and start recording sound. You will need to count in 1, 2, 3, 4 before you start your bass drum, “Boo.” This count-in will help keep your multitrack recording synchronized later. In a slow steady voice say, “1 2 3 4 Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo.” Click STOP.

Check your waveform to make sure that your level was neither too high (clipping) nor too low. If you are unhappy with your level then click the X in the top right of the track to delete that track and start over. If you are happy with your level then proceed to track 2.

Click RECORD and along with the beatbox in track 1, say, “1 2 3 4 ____ Kish ____ Kish ____ Kish ____ Kish.” Click STOP.

Click play to listen to both your tracks. If track 2 is not perfectly lined up with track 1 you can use your Time Shift tool to adjust track 2. If you are not sure how to use the Time Shift tool you can watch the tutorial in this series on the Time Shift tool.

Once your tracks are lined up you will need to export your project as an MP3 and send it to your instructor for evaluation. You can name your MP3, “Beat Box your name.” If you are not sure how to export an MP3 you can watch the tutorial in this series on how to do that.