Lesson 16

16. How to use the Amplify Effect

Resource Type:

Tutorial Video

Duration:

4 minutes

Outcomes:

Learners are expected to:

SO 4.9.            adjust the volume level of a sound sample using the Amplify effect

Suggested Evaluation:

Learners can be evaluated through the completion of the following projects:

Halloween Soundscape

Interview a Superhero

Radio Play

Instructors may choose to observe learners complete this task as the evaluation method.

Procedure:

An important part of editing sound is making sure that the volume levels are set properly. In an earlier tutorial you learned how to set the Input Volume levels for your recordings. There will be times when you will need to adjust the volume level of your recordings after they have been done or adjust the volume of a sound you imported into Audacity. To adjust the volume we use the Amplify effect.

To use the Amplify effect you first need to select the sound you wish to adjust then you need to go to the EFFECT menu and select AMPLIFY.

When you first open the Amplify window Audacity will automatically analyze the sound you have selected and make a suggestion as to how much Amplification should be applied to make your sound as loud as possible with out clipping. If you feel that this is a good suggestion you can click OK, click PLAY and listen to the result.

If you wish to manually adjust the Amplify effect you can either put a number in the Amplification window or use the slider. By entering in a positive number the volume of the sound will be increase. By entering in a negative number the volume of the sound will be decrease. When you make your selection you can click OK and click play to hear the result.

If you are not happy with your selection you can go to the EDIT menu and select UNDO to return to the original volume level.