To record on Audacity, plug in your microphone, choose it under Audio setup, then Recording devices, and press the red Record button. Speak at a level that keeps the meter around -18 to -12 dB, press Stop when you're done, then save the project and use File, then Export Audio, to make an MP3 or WAV.
Audacity is the free recorder I recommend to anyone starting a podcast, recording voiceovers for videos or capturing audio for a course. It's simple once it's set up, and most recording problems come down to two things: the wrong microphone selected and the level set too high or too low. Here's how to get both right.
How to record on Audacity, step by step
- Plug in your microphone (see the table below).
- In Audacity, go to Audio setup, then Recording devices, and select your mic.
- If it isn't listed, click Rescan audio devices.
- Set the recording to Mono, which suits most voice microphones.
- Press the red Record button and start speaking.
- Press Stop when you're done and play it back.
- Save the project, then export your audio.
How to connect your microphone
| Type of mic | How to connect it |
|---|---|
| USB microphone | Plug straight into a USB port |
| 3.5mm jack microphone | Plug into the mic-in port |
| XLR microphone | Plug into an XLR-to-USB audio interface, then the interface into USB |
| Built-in laptop mic | Already connected, but usually the weakest option |
Audacity's own guide is honest about laptop mics: they may be fine for a quick voice note, but recordings often sound unpleasant. Even an entry-level USB microphone is a big step up for anything public.
The catch: getting the level right
This is the bit that makes or breaks a recording, and you can't fully fix it afterwards. Watch the meter while you speak:
| What you see | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Meter hits the red, waveform looks like a solid block | Too loud, causing distortion (clipping) | Turn the mic down or move back |
| Waveform barely moves | Too quiet | Turn up or move closer |
| Normal speech around -18 to -12 dB | About right | Keep going |
Clipping is the worst problem, because the distorted sound is baked in. A slightly quiet recording can be boosted later with the Amplify effect; a distorted one can't be repaired. If in doubt, record a little quieter.
Record a test first
Always record ten seconds, stop, and play it back with headphones. Check that you can hear yourself clearly, that it's the right microphone (Audacity sometimes lists webcams and virtual devices too), and that the room doesn't echo. Then start the real take.
Saving vs exporting
| Option | Menu | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Save Project | File, Save Project, Save Project | An .aup3 file you can keep editing |
| Export Audio | File, Export Audio | An MP3, WAV or other audio file to share |
Save the project while you're working, and export when you're finished. Audacity warns against saving projects you're actively working on to external drives, USB sticks or network storage, because it needs fast, uninterrupted access to your files while recording and editing.
Which format to export
- MP3 for podcasts and sharing, because it plays everywhere.
- M4A (AAC) or Opus if you want better quality at the same file size, which Audacity recommends as alternatives to MP3.
- WAV or FLAC for a master copy to keep. Audacity says FLAC can cut file size by up to half without losing any information.
Tips for a better-sounding recording
- Record in a small room with soft furnishings to cut echo.
- Turn off fans and noisy appliances.
- Keep a steady distance from the microphone.
- Use a pop filter or speak slightly across the mic to soften harsh p and b sounds.
- Leave a few seconds of silence at the start for noise reduction later.
If you're recording a podcast, my guides to podcast editing software and podcast marketing cover what to do after you've pressed stop.
Recording longer sessions
For an hour-long interview or a full course module, a few habits stop disasters. Save the project before you press Record, so Audacity knows where to put it. Plug your laptop in, because a battery warning mid-recording is distracting at best. Close other apps that might make notification sounds, and put your phone on silent or in another room. Keep a glass of water nearby too, and pause rather than talking through a coughing fit; it's much easier to cut a clean pause than to edit around a cough in the middle of a sentence.
If you're recording a guest remotely, ask them to record their side in Audacity too and send you the file. Two clean local recordings almost always sound better than one recording of a video call.
My verdict
Plug in a decent USB mic, select it under Recording devices, record in mono and keep your level around -18 to -12 dB. Test first, save the project as you go, and export to MP3 for sharing and FLAC or WAV for your master copy. Get the level right and a quiet room, and Audacity will do the rest.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Frequently asked questions
Can Audacity record computer audio?
It depends on your system and devices. For voice work, record your microphone and add other audio as separate tracks afterwards.
Where does Audacity save recordings?
In the project you save with File, then Save Project. Export a separate audio file with File, then Export Audio.
How do I select my microphone in Audacity?
Go to Audio setup, then Recording devices. Click Rescan audio devices if your mic isn't listed.
Should I record in mono or stereo in Audacity?
Mono for most voice recordings. Audacity says most microphones are mono.
What level should I record at in Audacity?
Normal speech ideally sits around -18 to -12 dB.
Why does my Audacity recording sound distorted?
It's too loud and clipping. Turn the mic down or move further away, and re-record.
How do I save an Audacity recording as MP3?
Use File, then Export Audio, and choose MP3.
Can I record on Audacity with my laptop microphone?
Yes, but Audacity notes laptop mics often sound poor. A USB microphone is a big improvement.
