(But that doesn't mean it isn't possible. Have something playing in more than one channel at the same time. The Volume Control program works similarly, although people rarely In addition, the sound mixingīoard has a master volume control, which sets the volume level of theįinal mix which gets sent to the loud speakers. The volume slider on each channel, to achieve the desired mix, the (often referred to as the "sound man") uses the mixing board toīalance all the various inputs, which are individually controlled by Mixing boardsĪre used in the sound systems for musical concerts and similar events.Īll the mics and wired instruments on stage feed into separateĬhannels (i.e., inputs) in the mixing board. Like a sound mixing board, although very simplified. The interface of the Volume Control program (illustrated below) looks This replacement program, but the concepts will be similar to those
Its own software for controlling it, then that software will replace On the other hand, if you have a separate sound card that comes with Recording software variously as the "System Mixer" or "Windows Mixer". Which is typical of inexpensive PCs, then you will use the "VolumeĬontrol" program supplied with MS Windows. If the soundĬard is integrated into the main circuit board (i.e., the mother board),
Software your PC and, in particular, its sound card. How you do this depends on your recording Under MS Windows, sound levels - for both recording and play-back -Īre set in several places. The last third on the right-hand side shows a recording with a good volume level.Īudacity (shows the upper portion of the wave form display):Ĭool Edit 2000 (shows the lower portion of the wave form display):.The input level for the middle third of the wave is much too low.You can see how the peaks have been clipped, especially in the Cool Edit picture. The first third of the wave form shows an input level that is too high.These two screen shots show the same wave form at three different Too much clipping and the recording soundsĭistorted. If the volume level of the input signal (your voice) is too highĭuring the recording process, the loudest peaks will get clipped, that Options include digital audio players, video cameras and camcorders, and audio tape recorders. The most common recording set-up used by !LibriVox volunteers is a computer with an external microphone, along with recording software. This is the basic approach for all methods of recording.
If your recorder is something other than a computer, say, a video camera, now would be a good time to transfer your test recording to your computer for a further check of its volume level. Also, there are many volunteers on the Forum who would be willing to lend a second set of ears to determine whether or not your test recording is at the right level. It is recommended to use headphones when playing back your test recording because it is often an accurate judge of how loud or low sound is. Continue until you've reached the point where your volume level is just perfect. If one of the two above statements is true about the test recording you've just done, then turn up or down the input volume(s) a bit and record again. You should not have to strain in order to hear your voice. This is called peaking, and will have a sound of more vibration in your voice than is normal. The wave forms consistently reach the highest point.Your volume needs to be adjusted further if: Set the computer's volume to about half of maximum, and play back the recording in your recording software.Make a short test recording of you reading as you will for a normal audio book recording.Start with all recording levels set to about three quarters of maximum.Make sure to test after you have changed your settings as well, to be certain your volume is at the correct level before you record. Make certain it is neither too loud nor too soft. You will need to test the input volume on your recording set-up to 5 A More Detailed Explanation of RecordingĪdjusting the Recording Volume, Take 1 Testing.