Creating Spoken Audio Files on your Computer

Some IUHS classes may require you to create spoken audio files as part of your regular assignments. This can be an important component of courses in world languages, speech and communication, English, and other topics. If a class you are taking requires you to submit voice recordings, don’t panic—making a recording on the computer is easier than you might think!

What you will need

Virtually all computers are adequately equipped to record simple sound files. To make your recording, you will need:

  • a computer with a sound card (nearly all have one)
  • a microphone (built in or separate)
  • headphones or speakers to listen to the results
  • sound recording software (usually already on your computer or a free download)

Most newer laptops already have a microphone built in. If you have to buy one, you can get a headset-style microphone (used for Internet phone service) for less than ten dollars. On a desktop computer, the jacks or sockets for microphones are usually on the back. Microphone jacks are often designated by red or pink colors, while speaker/headphone jacks are green.

Options for recording

Most computers already have some kind of sound recording software installed. What you will need for IUHS courses is any software that can make a file in one of the following formats:

  • .mp3 (preferred)
  • .wav
  • .wma

The following programs for creating recordings are all free and widely available.

Windows Voice Recorder (Widows 10) or Sound Recorder (Windows 11)

Voice Recorder is an app that is usually included with Windows 10, very similar to Sound Recorder on Windows 11.
(If not, Voice Recorder is available here Links to an external site. and Sound Recorder here Links to an external site..)
Once installed and running, you will simply click the big Record button at bottom left. There is a Pause button and a Stop button for when you are done. If you want something fancier, try Audacity (see below).

Older Windows versions - Sound Recorder

Sound Recorder is a simple program that is included as part of Windows. Its main advantages are that it is simple to use, and that it is already installed on your Windows computer. PC users might want to try this program first, and if you do not like the results you can try the more powerful Audacity program (see below).

For information about how to use Sound Recorder, follow the link for your version of Windows:


Macintosh Options:

To record your voice on a Mac, you can use either the Voice Memos app or QuickTime Player: 

  • Voice Memos - Use the built-in microphone, a headset, or an external mic: 
  1. Open the Voice Memos app 
  2. Click the Record button 
  3. Click Pause to pause recording 
  4. Click Resume to continue recording 
  5. Click Done in the lower-right corner when you're finished 
  • QuickTime Player - Choose a microphone, select a recording quality, and adjust the volume control: 
  1. Open the QuickTime Player app 
  2.  Select File > New Audio Recording 
  3. Click the Record button to start recording 
  4. Click the Stop button when you're done 
  5. Select File > Save to save and name the recording 

 

Audacity (Windows or Macintosh)

Audacity is a versatile sound recording program that is nevertheless quite simple to use. If you choose to use Audacity, you will need to download it and install it on your computer. You may also need to download a separate program for exporting your sound as an .mp3. Find Audacity here Links to an external site..

Questions?

Most people find that recording speech on their computer is easier than they thought it would be, but if you have difficulty, please don’t hesitate to contact IU’s Support Center at 812-855-6789.

Long-distance callers can call IUHS at 800-334-1011 (8 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Friday), and ask the operator to be transferred to the Support Center at 855-6789.