Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 1: Downloading and Installing Audacity
• What do you need

The audio file editor known as Audacity can be used to create any kind of audio files and audio projects. Audacity can even be used to create a "mashup" or composition from multiple songs. Mixups use chunks of two or more songs and compositions used to create the original track - sometimes with dramatic implications. Start reading step 1 to make your own mashup with Audacity!

Steps

1. 1 Collect samples for your mashup. Mashups are created from pieces of different songs called "samples". The songs, excerpts and audio tracks you intend to use must be clearly named and saved as audio files in a format supported by Audacity, such as .wav.
   • Drop your samples in a folder where you can find them when you need to use them. It can help if you name the various sample kits or folders with names like "drums", "guitar", "miscellaneous", etc., so that you can quickly find and use them.
2. 2 Install Audacity on your computer. This free program can be easily installed by downloading the installer file from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ or from many other sources. If you are unsure how to download and install Audacity then see the section below to find out more.
   • To download Audacity, use trusted sites. Although this program is free, some dubious sites may attach viruses or other malware to their downloads.
3. 3 Dump your samples onto Audacity tracks. Use the Audacity controls to import the sample. You will see it appear in the first Audacity track as a system of moving lines that represent sound waves.
4. 4 Adjust your samples for length and position. Audacity uses graphic design to reflect the location of sounds in your audio file. When you see your sample in a track, you can use your mouse to move the sample around the track, lengthen and shorten the sample, or place it in a specific time frame.
   • View your Audacity track from left to right. Sound movement is represented by a track moving from left to right. You can also see time markers on the track, which are very important for rhythmically combining different samples.
5. 5 Add additional samples to your Audacity tracks. Start to lay out your song excerpts and samples while maintaining the rhythm. Gradually create additional Audacity tracks that will contain different samples of sounds that are played simultaneously.
   • Edit your tracks to make sure they are rhythmically calibrated. For example, if you are using samples in relation to a constant, static background beat, use the background beat as the lead track, and "sync" the samples to it by moving them to places in the moving tracks where they are synced.
6. 6 Play the mashup. When you've added all the samples you want, play the mashup and listen for possible problems. Look for out-of-sync rhythms, dissonance, clipping, and other common sound problems.
   • Mix your sounds. You can change the volume of a specific Audacity track to better match sounds.
   • Take care of the "muddy" sound. If you get an unclear sound, then you may have mixed too many sounds. Listen to the song critically and edit it if necessary.
7. 7 Save your entire Audacity project. When everything is ready, save the entire project in formats that can be played by players on your computer (.wav and .mp3 are great). Congratulations! You've made a mashup that you can call your own.

Method 1 of 1: Downloading and Installing Audacity

1. 1 Go to the main Audacity website. Audacity is completely free to download and use - you don't even need to create an account or provide your email address. To download Audacity from its creators website, visit http://audacity.sourceforge.net/. On the main page, you will see a large blue "Download Audacity" link.
2. 2 If you are unable to download Audacity from Sourceforge, use an additional download mirror. If for some reason you can't access the main Sourceforge site, don't worry. You can still download Audacity from many other sites. Search for "Audacity download" or similar words in your search engine - you should get some relevant results. Make sure you are using a reputable, secure download site - beware of adware, spyware, and scammers.
   • If you are unsure if the site you are downloading Audacity from is safe and trustworthy, check it out with the free Scam Adviser as follows:
     • Go to www.scamadviser.com.
     • Enter the URL of the site you are downloading Audacity from (e.g. www.fakewebsite.com)
     • Get a free reliability rating. If it is not in the "green" area, do not use this site.
3. 3 Download Audacity. Whether you're downloading from Sourceforge or elsewhere, the process is usually pretty straightforward. Click on the "Download" link, if asked, specify the location on your hard drive where you want to save the file, and wait for the file to download. This process may differ slightly depending on your browser. See further:
   • In the case of Internet Explorer 9, a new window should open showing your downloads. From here, you can run the file if you haven't already.
   • In the case of Firefox, the browser will ask you whether to save the file or not. If you choose to save the file, then the progress will be displayed as a small icon in the corner of the browser. When the download is complete, click on this icon and select a file to run it.
   • In the case of Chrome, to access your file, go to the Preferences panel, select Downloads (or press Ctrl + J or Command + J for Mac) and open the file.
4. 4 Run the installer file. Once you download the Audacity installation file, find and launch it. Follow the onscreen instructions to install Audacity!
5. 5 Open Audacity. When the installation process is complete, the installation wizard will allow you to open Audacity. If you don't want this, uncheck the box that says "Open Audacity". You can also open Audacity at any time by navigating to the location where you installed the file and double-clicking on the appropriate icon.
6. 6 Remix as you please. Congratulations! You have downloaded and installed Audacity. Use the instructions in the section above to create your first mashup.

What do you need

• Audacity computer
• Digital samples and sound material
• The music you want to mashup.