Creating Audio Files

Both Windows 7 and Macintosh OS X include programs that you can use to create your own audio files. They come loaded on your computer, and unless you removed them, you should be all set to get started making sound recordings.

Earlier versions of Windows also have a Sound Recorder application, but it looks different from the one used in the example. Also, the Sound Recorder that is part of Windows XP saves files to .wav format, so they’re all ready for a Web page. However, the newer version of Sound Recorder that ships with Windows 7 only saves files in .wma format and must be converted to a file type recognized by HTML5 browsers.

Windows 7 Sound Recorder

The first thing you want to do when you make a recording is to set up some kind of microphone for the recording. Most computers that run Windows 7 have built-in microphones, and you can use those. Otherwise, you’ll need to plug in the microphone you plan to use and make sure it’s properly configured. Usually, your computer can find the audio drivers you need, but some microphones come with software drivers that you need to install. Directions for such installations will come with the microphone.