Getting Started

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Audacity & Setting Up Your First Recording Session

Getting Started with VocaLIXIR

User Agreement
Insert Disc 2 into your computer. Select Open folder to view files, Click OK

Illustration 1: Open _READ FIRST_VocaLIXIR - User Agreement.pdf (reference Illustration 2)

Illustration 2: If you do not have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer to allow you to view the PDF file, Open the folder Install Adobe Reader10 -free- to view PDF files Double-Click install_reader10_en_air_mssd_aih.exe to install Acrobat Reader 10 *Proceed ONLY if you accept the terms laid forth in the User Agreement* (Use of VocaLIXIR implies acceptance of the terms in the User Agreement.)

Installing the Free Recording Software

Open the folder FREE RECORDING SOFTWARE (reference Illustration 2) Open the folder Audacity (Installation Files)

Illustration 3: ~For Windows~ Open the folder Windows Installation

Illustration 4: If you are unsure which Windows operating system you have, Right Click on My Computer and select properties. For Windows Vista or Windows 7: Open 1.3 Series folder

Illustration 5: Double-Click audacity-win-unicode-1.3.13.exe to install Audacity.

Illustration 6:

For Windows XP or Older: Open 1.2 Series folder (reference Illustration 5) Double-Click audacity-win-1.2.6.exe to install Audacity.

Illustration 7: Accept the License Agreement

Illustration 8: Click Next

Illustration 9:

Choose where to install Audacity (default recommended), Click Next

Illustration 10: Click Next

Illustration 11: Click Install

Illustration 12:

Click Finish

Illustration 13:

Refer to the the Setting Up Audacity To Record section

~For Mac~ Open the folder Mac Installation

Illustration 22: For OS X 10.6: Open 1.3 Series folder

Illustration 23: Double-Click audacity-macosx-ub-1.3.12.dmg to install Audacity. For OS 9 or X: Open 1.2 Series folder (reference Illustration 22) Open the folder that corresponds to your Operating System Notice OS X has 2 folders, one for Intel processors and one for PPC Install the file contained in that folder. The following steps are from the Windows version, but the process should be similar on Macs as well. Accept the License Agreement

Illustration 24:

Click Next

Illustration 25: Choose where to install Audacity (default recommended), Click Next

Illustration 26: Click Next

Illustration 27:

Click Install

Illustration 28: Click Finish

Illustration 29:

Refer to the the Setting Up Audacity To Record section

Setting Up Audacity To Record

Go to Edit > Preferences

Illustration 14: Select the tab Audio I/O

Illustration 15: Make sure the correct sound card device is selected for both Playback and for Recording You can leave the Channels at their default, but you can change this later if needed. Notice the 2 check boxes. ~You want the top one checked so that you can hear the music you are recording to. ~The bottom one you probably want to leave unchecked. Allowing Playthrough can be distracting (usually there is a slight delay and it can throw you off rhythm). It may be a good idea to skim through the other tabs just to become familiar with the options and settings available. Click OK

NOTE: We recommend creating: a VocaLIXIR folder a BETA BEATS folder within the VocaLIXIR folder Go back to the window that shows the files on the VocaLIXIR CD. Select the folder Files for Recording (reference Illustration 2) Copy ALL of these files to your computer (we recommend placing these files in the BETA BEATS folder that you just created)

Illustration 16: Go back to Audacity. Select File > Open

Illustration 17:

In the Look In box, navigate to BETA BEATS folder you just placed the files in

Illustration 18:

Select VocaLIXIR-BetaBeats.aup, and Click Open

Illustration 19: Each instrumental will automatically load to its own audio track. You can re-size the tracks by putting your cursor between the audio tracks until your pointer turns into a Up & Down Arrow, then click and drag Click Mute on the tracks you are not using for this recording. Make sure your mic is plugged in, and/or turned on... Press the Red Record button at the top and start singing!

Illustration 20: Notice: - & + bar is for Volume L & R bar is for Panning Mute only mutes that track Solo mutes every track except the solo'd track

Illustration 21:

Don't forget to check out the links provided in the Tools & Resources folder on your VocaLIXIR Disc 2. you will find shortcuts to video tutorials for Audacity, as well as additional free tools (like Audacity plug-ins).

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We are constantly striving to make VocaLIXIR better. If you have question, comments or suggestions please email us at info@vocalixir.com. Be sure to check out VocaLIXIR.com. Our most up-to-date information will be found on the site. Including Frequently Asked Questions, software updates, new instrumentals and the latest tips & secrets to making great recordings.

Best wishes from the VocaLIXIR Team!

Thank you for using VocaLIXIR!