Software Update

Hey everyone,
I see that the progress on the podcasts have definitely increased in the past few weeks. Reading about the different ideas that people have as their topics has been both inspirational and fun, so keep it up  :).

This week I looked into different editing softwares that I wanted to test out for the final assignment. After looking into a few reviews, I decided upon the software "Audacity".
One review I looked at was a website that reviewed the top ten podcast programs. It rated audacity as 7.3 out of 10 overall. From this review, there was an important section that struck out to me.

Editing Features 10/10
Audacity offers an outstanding array of editing tools including. The tools you use most for podcasts include mixing, cropping, cross fading, noise reduction and much more. It also has effects like echo, fade, modulation, normalization, reverse and tempo.
Editing sound files is Audacity’s primary function. Therefore, it offers every tool and function you need to create the perfect sounding podcast. The software provides you a waveform of the sound file you are working on. This gives you the ability to do whatever you want to your sound file. You just have to know how to use it.
("Audacity." Tech Media Network, 2014. Web. 2014.)

For me, the fact that audacity primarily focuses on the editing features is a huge plus, as I believe that the editing process is the most important aspect of creating a podcast. Audacity essentially as the ability to manipulate the podcast in almost any way possible from all the editing features.
The other source I looked at to find out more about audacity was the manual.
This site provides information and tutorials for all sorts of topics including “vocal removal and isolation” and “mixing voice with background music.”
("Audacity Manual Contents." Audacity Manual. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.)

When I first tried out the program, it seemed a little confusing, though that may be because of my lack of technology skills. However, with the help of this manual, I was able to understand the software and navigate the program pretty quickly. Now when I have questions on how to do things, I refer straight to the manual.
Over the weekend, I tried recording a part of my podcast to play around with the software. As soon as I played it back, I cringed. It feels odd hearing the sound of your own voice played back to you. I’m sure I will get used to it, but for my podcast, I’m personally going to try and get other people to speak instead. Listening to myself go on about a topic makes me feel weird! I’m sure there are others who can relate! However, I do also believe that the more I hear myself speak, the more used to it I will feel!
Anyways, until next time... Good luck everybody!