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How to Cut Samples on Time in Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source music recording program for Mac OS X and Windows. Using this software, you can create original audio recordings, or you can manipulate existing recordings for fun or remixing purposes. For example, if you have an audio sample (sometimes referred to as a "loop"), you can use Audacity to cut the region into individual segments and then move them around or delete unwanted portions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Open Audacity and import your sample. Click "File" on your menu bar, hover over the word "Import," and select "Audio." A navigation menu will appear, from which you can select your audio sample from your hard drive.

    • 2

      Click "Play" (the green triangle button near the top of your project window) and listen to your imported sample. As the play head (the vertical line moving along your screen) spans to the right on your screen, pay attention to your time line. Your time line looks like a horizontal ruler and measures the time of your song. When you find the part of the sample that you want to cut, click the green triangle again to stop, and make a note of the exact time on the time line.

    • 3

      Click your mouse directly on the wave forms (the wavy animated lines corresponding to your imported audio) in your project window to place your play head in that precise location. For instance, if you want to cut the audio at "4:30" on the time line, click your mouse on the wavy lines directly beneath the number "4:30." If you want to cut an entire section, drag your mouse along the time line. For instance, you might click your mouse at "4:30" and drag it to "4:35," creating a selection.

    • 4

      Click the "Cut" icon on your tool bar at the top of your screen. It appears on the far left side of your tool bar, and looks like a pair of scissors. Your selection will then disappear from your project.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each additional section that you want to cut.

    • 6

      Click (File > Save) on your menu bar to save your amended audio sample.

Digital Music

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