How to make audio recordings on my laptop? Or should I buy a digital audio recorder then download?

Question

I need to make a kind of audio-book of a manual I wrote. I'd like to record it directly onto my laptop, then burn it onto CDs. The problem is I have no clue how to create audio files on my computer. It's just the spoken word, but I have no idea.

Would it be easier to buy a digital recorder, then download the files onto my computer, or can I just record directly to the computer?

Like I said, I'm clueless, and any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

All Windows versions have Sound Recorder in Accessories/Entertainment. All you need is a microphone.

However, you can do a lot more tweaking/editing etc. with Audacity which is free to download and use.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download...

Answer 2

Audacity is a free software that you can download to your computer.  It will allow you to record with the addition of a computer mic.

However, for what you are needing you may just want to open up a free online account at www.gcast.com.  They will provide a free 1-800 # for you to call in, and it will record your voice.  You can do retakes, etc.  It will automatically convert your audio clips to mp3 format which you can then easily download to your computer as you would do any other file.

Answer 3

There is a program called WavePad. You can use it to record through a mic and it converts the files into wav. Wav. is a music file that can be recorded onto a cd. If you use it correctly you will have self made music in minutes. What you do, is you start up WavePad, connect your mic, if you have on pre-installed it's basically the same as a purchased mic, then you will preset your settings to be recorded by mic, then you open up the recording window, record your audio, then save it as the .wav file and your done with your first Hit.

Here is the website for the WavePad download:

http://www.nch.com.au/wavepad/

Answer 4

Do you have Vista? Search "Sound Recorder"