| Did you know that it is easy to record your voice and make a MP3 file out of it? Well you can even do it for free as long as you have a computer and a microphone that plugs into the computer. You can use a stand-alone microphone or a headset with a microphone like what is used to transmit your voice in gaming or dictation software.
You can use an awesome software program called Audacity which is free to download and very easy to use. Audacity is an open-source software where several people collaborated to develop it. It is a fantastic free piece of software.
Just download and install Audacity from their web site at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ . They have a version for Linux, Mac and PC. Make sure you download the Lame MP3 encoder also at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3 . This will allow you to export your recorded info as a MP3 file.
Once you have Audacity installed, open up the program. You will see a very easy-to-use interface. The main buttons look just like a VCR recorder with a record button, a play button, stop and pause buttons, along with rewind to beginning, and fast forward to the end.
To record, just make sure your microphone is plugged into your computer in the microphone jack and press the red record button. Start talking in a normal tone and volume of voice. You will see the sound waves oscillating on the screen. Once you are done recording, just press the stop button and save the file. You must also export the file as an MP3 file (under the file menu) to listen to it on your MP3 player or Windows Media Player. Voila! You have just recorded your first MP3 file.
If you are up for it, you can add all sorts of special effects, mix tracks, add in white noise or silence too. Be a kid again and do a little experimenting!
Now that you know about this awesome free software, take this opportunity to record a special “I love you” message or even recite your favorite poem for a special gift to your sweetheart or loved ones.
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