Making Your Own Wav Files

For those of you with a desire to make your own wav (or MP3) files but don't know how to go about it, let me assure you that the basics are very simple. If you are working from a DVD player already built into your computer, you're set for equipment and can skip the next section and go down to software.

On the back of almost every DVD/VCR player or stereo is an output socket (or two) labeled "Audio Out." On your computer sound card you will likely find three "mini" sockets. One is labeled "Audio out" (this is the socket your computer speakers should be plugged into). One is labeled "Line In" and the other is labeled "Mic."

You'll need to go to Radio Shack, or a similar electronics store, and buy an audio patch cord and a mini-jack adapter. In most cases, if you tell the store clerk what you are trying to do, they can fix you up with what you need. Your total out of pocket expense should only be a few bucks. Before you buy, consider what length of cord you will need (my computer is across the room from my DVD/VCR and stereo so I got a twenty five footer).

Attach the mini-jack adapter to one end of the audio patch cord and plug it into the "Line In" socket on your computer sound card. Plug the other end of the cord into the "Audio out" socket on your stereo or DVD/VCR. You now have an audio feed to your computer. If you are plugged into your DVD/VCR, and have it turned on, you should be hearing the same sound over your computer speakers that is coming from your TV (via the DVD/VCR). You can also use a microphone plugged into your computer sound card "Mic" socket to record your own voice. If you don't have a mic, you can buy one that works just fine for ten or fifteen bucks. Do not use the mic to record sounds from your TV or stereo speakers. That method produces poor results.

The last thing you'll need is some sound software. Most computers come with some form of this software already installed. But to be quite honest, the sound software that came bundled with my computer is about as versatile as a door bell. Fortunately, great sound software is available for downloading on the Web. One program that works well in this area is Goldwave (it's what I use). You can download and try this shareware for free. If you don't like it, don't buy it, but the free version has some restrictions.

An absolutely free program is called Audacity. It's quite a powerful piece of sound editing software. It's available for Windows, Mac, or Linux/Unix, and you sure can't beat the price. Grab this one now, because they might start charging soon.

If you don't want to use those links right now, typing either name into any search engine will get you the URL's to download from.

These programs are pretty user friendly and won't require visits to the help file to get started. However, I would suggest that you get familiar with some of the higher functions of either program fairly quickly. You can have a lot of fun using the editing capabilities with any audio program once you get to know them.

There you have it. Your favorite TV show, movie or music wavs are just waiting to be made. You're only limited by your imagination. To give a listen to a couple possible uses of this information, download my brnyfans.wav (137k), or listen to me poke fun at Rush Limbaugh with Limbaugh In Space! (105k). I had a great deal of fun making those clips using bits from movies, TV, sound effects, my own voice, and, of course, the Fat Man himself. They show what you can do with these programs.

Have fun and let me know when you put up your own wav pages on the Web. I like to hear the wavs other folks are making too.

Now showing elsewhere on Clay's Sound Emporium: