Is anyone using Audacity?

[pscot]

I've downloaded the beta 1.3 release, but haven't tried to use it yet. If you're familiar with the program I'd like to know how you use it and what you think of it.

[Syrinx]

1. I've used it in the past

I used it just to edit some audio files.

Coincidentally, I've been looking for information on recording audio (line-in) with Linux.

What program to use. How to get my levels right, etc.

Specifically, I want to record something from the radio, via line-in. If you have any advice to offer, I'd pay attention. :)

[pscot]

2. I'm pretty sure I know less about it

than you. I want to transfer some vinyl to the computer for use on an mp3, but the gear is in storage and I haven't even set it up yet. From what I've read on Audacity's website what you want seems doable. They suggest Pulse Audio for use with Linux systems, but I know nothing about it's capabilities.

[Syrinx]

3. oh, I forgot to say what I thought of Audacity

From my limited experience, it seems like a top-notch open source piece of software. If I recall correctly, it uses the cross-platform wxWidgets library, which is cool. I've used Audacity under Linux, but I'm guessing it's available for Windows and Mac also. Otherwise what's the point in using wxWidgets.

It seems to me that editing audio is harder than editing video, especially for longish files.

I've never used any commercial, "professional" audio software, but Audacity seems like the real deal to my naive self.

I just installed Linux Mint for the first time, so I'm off to experiment with recording audio with it. I want to record the local announcer here calling the BCS national championship game next month. If my team loses, I'll delete it immediately. But if we win, I'm going to download the video of the TV broadcast, and use Cinelerra or something to replace the audio with the homer. :)

In the past, I've had luck using simple command-lines to record audio, eg:

arecord -f cd -t wav -D copy file.wav

But that wasn't working so well in Ubuntu 11.10. I ended up with a big file of static. I never could nail down what the problem was. Hopefully, I can get it all sorted out soon.

Good luck!