heavy dark lines! (an easy one I'm sure)

Hello.

I’m doing some cutting and pasting of portions of audio tracks for a production. This is usually very standard fare. However, when I’m doing it now, heavy dark lines are created where I pasted. It all seems to playback ok but I am concerned about what that might be, and whether I can get rid of those dark lines.

My guess is this is an easy one; in any case, any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Monte

Which version of Audacity are you using?

2.3.2.

Sorry about the delayed response - thanks

If the “dark” lines are red, then you’ve probably enabled “Enable cut lines”. This is off (not selected) by default. See: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tracks_behaviors_preferences.html

If the “dark” lines are black, then they are probably “split lines” and can be rejoined by clicking on the line. See: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/edit_menu_clip_boundaries.html

They’re black. They’re actually not causing any dysfunction…just annoying. They came when I cut and pasted, and only in some cases.

And they did go away when I clicked on them.

Thanks!

Normally you should not get split lines from cut and paste, and should happen less in the current version of Audacity (2.4.1).
The current version may be downloaded via the Audacity website: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/windows/

It’s funny you would mention that, as our conversation got me wondering if I should download it. Would I need a password to use it? Would I have access to all my existing files? Is there somewhere I can read about performance enhancements? I’m all for keeping with the latest versions, but I have a comfort level with the version I’m currently using so would like to read up on the new one a bit. I’m interested in performance enhancements, particularly the one that will make me a better interviewer! :slight_smile:

Thanks!!!

I see that it offers loudness normalization. I could really use that.

Depending on how your computer security is set up, you may need an admin password to install it (as you would for installing any app).
You don’t need a password for Audacity, it’s free, open source software.

Audacity 2.4.1 fully supports projects made in earlier versions. It also works in pretty much the same way as earlier versions, and the recommended download includes a comprehensive user manual (and you can ask for help on this forum if you get stuck).

There’s a brief summary here: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/new_features_in_this_release.html

Thanks!

Going to finish up my current project, just to allay my concerns about scary glitches, and then will give it a try for sure.

Appreciated,

Monte