bna_li said:
Is there a free software for converting mp3s or wmas into mp3s?
LAME.
No, that's not a bad remark, LAME is actually the name of one of the best MP3 converters out there. x]
There are various programs that can convert different sound files to MP3, but LAME is great because you can modify compression specifications, and it's free. :]
Anyways, it's time for...
AN AUDIO MIXING TUTORIAL OF SORTS
BY RIFTED
All right, in this tutorial (of sorts), I'll just explain the basics of audio formats, mixing, etc. It's pretty easy. I mean, even I learned how to do it somehow. x]
SOFTWARE
- GOLDWAVE v4.26 - [
Download] - Yes, I know that a newer version has come out, but this is the version that I'm going to use for this tutorial. Somehow I can't install v5.06. >.>;; This is the basic audio program we're going to be using.
- LAMEWIN32 - [
Download] - One of the best MP3 encoders out there. Install this after GoldWave, and be sure to install it into folder where GoldWave was installed (for example, C:\Program Files\GoldWave) so that you can have the capability to save MP3 files in GoldWave. RazorLAME is not really necessary if you're only going to be using GoldWave to convert (although there are many compression options available in RazorLAME, it's basically a program used to run LAME on it's own).
Well, since this is for singing, I might as well just formulate the tutorial around it. o.o
1. Open up GoldWave, and head towards File > New. Go with CD quick settings, as that's probably the best choice for high quality recording (however, it still all depends on your microphone and soundcard). Choose the length of the file, and make it a bit longer than the song that you're going to be singing.
2. All right, hit the record button at the Device Controls window (if it's not there, head to Tools > Device controls) and start singing! There may be a safety lock on the Record button, so you'll have to hold CTRL while clicking the button (you can change the safety in the Device control options).
Here's a tip...
- In order to get the timing right, try listening to the song with headphones while singing. Depending on your sound card, you may be able to record and listen to an audio file at once. Be sure to use headphones, though! If your sound card doesn't support the listening of more than one audio file, then try getting out a portable CD player or MP3 player and sticking your headphones jack in there.
3. Screenshot
You've probably got a nice file similar to this. It all depends on how loud you sang, but that's okay. Give it a listen-through, and if you're pleased, save it as either an MP3 (128kbps is the standard quality) or WAV (16bit stereo for those who have nice big hard drives).
4. Screenshot
Now, time for the mixing! With your file that has the singing, trim the beginning and end silence portions off by clicking with your left/right mouse buttons. For the beginning part, try and get it close to when your voice starts. Then go to Edit > Trim.
5. Screenshot
Get out your karaoke file, or the background music that you'll be mixing your singing to. If there isn't a karaoke version of the song that you're using, you could always try removing the vocals. It's more of a process of reversing parts of the different stereo channels, so don't expect it to be perfect. Sometimes only the drums are removed, and the voice will will be audible. It all depends on the song, so try out the process with different songs and see if you can find one that works out well with the "Remove vocals." This can be found in Effects > Stereo > Remove Vocals.
6. Screenshot
Save the background music to a different file, to avoid overwriting the original. Now, with your left mouse button, select to the point where the vocals are supposed to start.
7. Screenshot
Go to your vocals file, and select Edit > Copy. Go back to the background music file, and select Edit > Mix. Now you've got a choice as to how loud the file should be when mixing. If you found that you sang pretty loud, reduce the percentage number. If you sang pretty softly, try increasing the percentage. Then hit OK.
8. Screenshot
Voila! Give it a listen-through, and if your voice is too loud/too quiet, try modifying the volume while mixing. If your vocals are sort of off in terms of timing, Edit > Undo the entire thing and try moving the selection a little bit. It may be frustrating, but you'll get it done.
9. File > Save your sompleted file. You're done!
>.>
Hope that helps. I'm not the master of this kind of stuff, but PM me if you need any extra help.
Oh, and Carol...I sound like a 8-year-old boy in my song. x]