I am trying to record live music using a USB microphone and I have tried this on two computers, both using windows 7 Professional, 32 bit version. After setting up the Audacity program for my microphone and speakers, I record a sound track. I can then play back the track and it sounds OK. I then go to “File” “Export”, assign a file name and location, and save. When I try to play the file, it won’t play - it is as if there is nothing there, although the file size looks correct. I have tried several playback programs with the same result. I have tried importing the file back into Audacity and it won’t play that way either. I also have tried selecting the whole file and using “Export Selection” with no better results. What am I missing?
When you record your show, do you get the bounding red sound meter and blue waves like this:
http://kozco.com/tech/audacity/Audacity1_record.jpg
Audacity provides tiny meters. Grab the right-hand edge and pull to the right to get bigger meters.
If you don’t get those two, then you didn’t get a good recording. If you did get those two during the recording, then I need to think about this…
Start a fresh Audacity.
Edit > Preferences > Quality, 44100, 16-bit
Generate > Noise, Pink, 0.8 level, 2 seconds.
File > Export, WAV (Microsoft) 16-bit PCM,
Name it:
noise
You should be able to upload it to the forum according to these instructions.
https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/how-to-attach-files-to-forum-posts/24026/1
Koz
Try disconnecting the USB microphone or going into Windows Sound and setting your speakers or headphones as the default playback device. See here http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/faq_playback.html#usb .
Gale
I can then play back the track and it sounds OK.
Won’t bad sound routing affect the show right away - not wait until later?
Koz
I tried several of the suggestions, but after unplugging my USB microphone I was suddenly able to play back my files. Thank you for all of the fast and insightful suggestions! You put me back in business
PHR