Have you ever edited a podcast or audio recording and needed to slow down the audio but found that the default Audacity speed was too fast or too slow? In this blog post, we will show you how to easily change the playback speed of your audio files in Audacity.
We’ll also give you tips on ensuring that the edited audio sounds natural and doesn’t sound like it’s been slowed down.
Let’s get started!
Related: How To Edit A Podcast In Audacity
Contents
What Is Audacity, And What Can It Do For Me?
Audacity is a free, open-source application that allows users to record and edit audio files.
It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems. Free audio editor Audacity can be used to create professional-sounding podcasts, recordings, and more.
One feature that makes Audacity so powerful is its ability to change the playback speed of an audio file. This can be useful for slowing down fast-paced dialogues or speeding up interviews.
Related: The 11 Best Podcast Editing Software For a Perfect Show
How To Slow Down Audio Or Playback Speed In Audacity
Open the Audacity application.
Locate The Audio File
Click “File” in the top left corner of the screen and select “Open.” This will open the Open file window.
Locate the audio file you want to slow down. Select file and then click “Open.” The selected audio file will now appear in a new window in Audacity.
Click on the “Selection Tool” icon from the drop-down menu, which looks like the capital letter “I” on the toolbar at the top of the window.
Click and drag across a section of the audio waveform to select it. The selected area will be highlighted in blue if you want to set the entire track, press “Ctrl-A” on your keyboard.
Related: How To Open M4A Files In Audacity
Change Tempo
Click “Effect” on the toolbar and select “Change Tempo.” The Change Tempo window will appear.
To slow down the whole audio file, use the slider to adjust the speed of the new file; you can increase slow down or even set the normal speed by using the slider: left of center for reduction and right of center for faster speed. You can also enter a number in the specified field to for percent change of the tempo. For example, if you want to reduce the speed by 10 percent, type a negative number of “-10” into the field.
Click “OK” to close the Change Tempo window.
Export And Hear The Results
The selected audio track will now be slowed down. Click “Preview” button on the toolbar to hear the results. When you’re finished, click “File” and select “Export.” Choose your desired export format and location, and then select “Save.”
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to slow down audio in Audacity.
Related: How To Export From Audacity
Different Ways To Slow Down Audio In Audacity
There are a few different ways to slow down audio in Audacity. One is to use the built-in Change Tempo effect. This is great for slowing down an entire track or just a section.
Another way to slow down audio is to change the project rate. This can be done by selecting Project > Project Rate and selecting a new rate. This is great for slowing down an entire track but can also lead to some distortion if done too much.
Finally, you can also use the Slowing Down tool. This is found under Tools > Slowing Down. This tool will let you slow down audio by stretching it out. This is great for slowing down specific parts of a track without affecting the rest.
Which Method Is Best For You?
The best method for slowing down audio will depend on your needs. If you need to slow down an entire track, then using the Change Tempo effect is probably the easiest way to do it.
If you need to slow down a specific part of a track, then using the Slowing Down tool can give you more control. However, it can also lead to some distortion if done too much.
Finally, changing the project rate can be a good option if you need to slow down an entire track.
FAQs
How do I slow down audio in Audacity without changing the pitch?
You’ll need to use the Slowing Down tool to slow down audio without changing any bit of the pitch. This is found under Tools > Slowing Down. With this tool, you can slow down audio by stretching it out.
Can I change the tempo of an audio file in Audacity?
Yes, you can definitely change the tempo of an audio file in Audacity. To do this, click “Effect” and select “Change Tempo.” You can use the slider to adjust the speed or enter a specific percentage.
How do I slow down a part of an audio file in Audacity?
If you want to slow down a part of an audio file, you’ll need to use the Slowing Down tool. This is found under Tools > Slowing Down. With this tool, you can slow down audio by stretching it out.
Related: How to Lower the Volume of a Section in Audacity
Conclusion
In conclusion, Audacity is a powerful free program for audio editing tool that can slow down or speed up audio files.
By following the simple steps in this article, you can easily down audio in the latest version of Audacity for any purpose you desire.
Have fun experimenting with different speeds, and see what creative projects you can come up with!
