How to Make Audio File on Computer

Steps

1. If you do not already have one, buy a computer microphone. Stores like RadioShack sell store-brand microphones that work well, and have little interference.
2. If you have a desktop, plug the microphone into the jack in its rear end. Usually at the bottom or right of the back panel, an icon of an old-fashioned mic is above it.
3. Start the Sound Recorder application. This can be done through: Start -> (All) Programs -> Accessories -> Entertainment -> Sound Recorder.
4. Position your mouth about three or four inches away from the reciever of your microphone.
5. Click the Record (big red button) button on Sound Recorder, and talk. You cannot record sounds for more than 60 seconds at a time — to continue recording once you have reached the 60-second mark, simply click the Record button again and your recording will start right where you left off.

Tips

• Most microphones do not perfectly filter your voice when you make sounds like "p-", "b-," "t-," etc. A handy way to filter out the excess air made when producing these sounds so the soundclip will not get distorted is to cover the reciever of the microphone with a blanket sheet.
• The default configuration of Sound Recorder does not give you crystal quality for audio clips. For better quality, follow these steps:
  • Before recording, go to File->Properties, and in the new window, click the "Convert Now" button. In the attributes menu, select the 187kb/sec option.
  • Once finished recording and in the Save dialog, click the "Change" button at the button of the dialog and again select the 187kb/sec option in the attributes menu.

Warnings

• Sound Recorder will not allow you to play back or record sound without a sound card. Make sure you have one installed.

Things You'll Need

• A microphone
• Microsoft Windows 3.1 or up
• A blanket sheet
• A sound card

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