2-13

Today we will learn a few more Audacity composing strategies, and then conduct peer reviews of our script drafts.

Audacity Exercise

Start by quickly downloading, and then editing these files 

To get started, download this audio file, and then import it into a new Audacity project. Listen to the sound clip.

Next, perform the following operations on the clip; after each operation, 1) listen to the clip, 2) undo the operation (cmd/ctrl-z), 3) redo the operation using more intense settings, 4) listen to the clip, 5) undo the operation. Do all of these moves for:

• Effect > High Pass Filter
• Effect > Low Pass Filter
• Effect > Change Pitch
• Effect > Reverb
• Effect > Compressor

Next, download this audio file, and add it to your project. Listen to the clip. Clean up the noise using these steps:

• Select a small portion of the clip at the very end; select background noise but not the voice.
• GO to Effect > Noise Reduction
• In the dialog box that appears, choose Get Noise Profile; the box will close.
• Now select the entire clip.
• Go to Effect > Noise Reduction, and Select OK.
• Listen to the clip. Experiment with the intensity of the noise removal. 

Now, try the same noise reduction operation on this clip.

Finally, save the project with a name like voice operations, paying attention to where you save the file.

When you have finished, you can get started on the peer review exercise below.

Peer Review Activities 

Go to our collection of script drafts and download and read the scripts of the peers you are partnered with in the chart below. For each script, add a comment to the posting:

• Imagine how the text will translate into speech in a narration
• Think about the word choice and the level of formality
• Think about the pacing
• Look for any areas where the tone or approach shifts or drifts

With all this in mind, share what you like about the piece. Pick one or two aspects that stand out or might be expanded. Pick one or two questions or suggestions. What can you say that will help bring out the best possible narrative voice in the podcast?

Repeat this process for the other scripts you have been assigned below.

For homework, complete the reviews. You can also begin working on the drafts of your audio essay. Also complete this task:

• If you don't already have one, download and install a robust text editor. Atom is a nice cross platform editor, but you can use a different application if you prefer.
• Locate the folder where you saved the voice operations Audacity file. Locate the two items relates to your project--a folder and a file.
• Look inside the folder, opening items until you find the audio files.
• Use the text editor to open the Audacity file--ends in .aup
• Look over the code.

Here are the review assignments: