Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival April 2, 2013

Here are this edition's entries to Do More with Audio:

Shaun Farley presents Creative Uses of Reverb posted at Designing Sound, saying, "Reverb is used to create realism and adding appropriate reverb will instantly help dialogue fit better into a scene. However, reverb can also be used in many other creative ways, here is a small collection of examples."

Denise Young presents 10 Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument posted at Au Pair Care, saying, "There are many benefits to playing a musical instrument that go beyond improving hand-eye coordination and instilling a sense of responsibility in your child."

Ken Theriot presents EQ Basics posted at Home Brew Audio, saying, "Equalization&emdash;or EQ&emdash;is a big part of mixing and mastering music, but for those new to audio engineering it may be difficult to grasp. Here are some of the basics for using EQ effectively."

stayonbeat presents Free VSTs for Music Producers and Artists posted at stayonbeat.com.

Lee Pritchard presents Why you should remove breaths from voice over audio posted at Media Music Now, saying, "The problem is that once audio is produced with compression and EQ the breaths will actually become more prominent, making de-breathing essential."

Michelle Brown presents 10 iPhone Apps for Music Maniacs posted at Nanny, saying, "Apple and the app developers for the iPhone App Store are bringing instruments and equipment right to your mobile device, allowing you to use them anywhere and at any time."

Sydney Bell presents 10 of the Best Mash Ups posted at Longhorn Leads, saying, "Mash-ups are the combination of two songs sites like YouTube have boosted the art to mind-boggling popularity."

Peter Kirn presents Makey Makey + Fruits and Vegetables = Music posted at Create Digital Music, saying, "Simple circuits have long been able to make use of sensors in real-world items, but the Make Makey interfacing has made those circuits silly-simple. The project grew out of research at MIT Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten. Here see Massive Attack's Teardrop, as covered by artist j.viewz on fruits and veggies using the Make Makey system."


You might also be interested in:

• Using EQ to Boost the Bass in Audio
• Several Ways to Quickly trim and Cut Music and Audio Files
• FFT Spectrum Audio Analysis Software
• Mixing Audio Voice Overs With Other Audio
• Add DirectX and VST Audio Effect Plugins to WavePad

That concludes this edition of Do More with Audio. If you have an audio story to share or advice, tips or tricks to share, we hope you will submit your audio posts and articles to the next edition.

Software Easter Eggs

It's the time of year when stores are lined with pastels, jelly beans and chocolates shaped like eggs and rabbits, but in the software world an "Easter Egg" isn't a colorfully dyed hard-boiled egg. A Software Easter Egg is a fun little surprise hidden inside of the software program. These features are typically un-documented, so you have to be in-the-know to uncover them.

One particularly famous example is the flight simulator that was hidden inside the 1997 version of Excel. So, in addition to crunching numbers you could brush up on your piloting skills. Find more software Easter egg examples on the Lifehaker Easter egg top 10 list.

NCH doesn't have any of these kinds of Easter eggs hidden in our programs which we have tried to streamline as much as possible to keep everything as easy and straight forward as we can, but in the spirit of hunting for—or finding—hidden features, here are some lesser known, or less used features you may want to try:

1. Resize zip files to meet email size restrictions, or split large zip files into pieces with Express Zip software.
2. Record video from anywhere with Debut video capture software. Most recording programs focus on a single source, but with Debut you have the best of all worlds with support for a multitude of video sources.
3. Send recurring invoices and statements in addition to one-off invoices Express Invoice invoicing software which can save you time with managing long term clients and accounts.
4. Practice transcription, we provide dictation practice files that can be downloaded individually for Express Scribe, or KeyBlaze typing tutor has audio dictation exercises already built in.
5. Convert videos to 3D with VideoPad video editor for some extra dimension in your home movies.
6. Broadcast DJ mixes by connecting Zulu DJ software with the streaming power of BroadWave audio streamer to share your remixes online.
7. Be sure to turn on Auto Complete in FastFox instant text expansion software to get the power of auto complete suggestions everywhere you type from emails and word documents to your web browser.

Software Sweethearts

With so much software, what's not to love?

VideoPad & Express Burn

This dynamic duo will guide you faithfully from beginning to end of any video project. Use VideoPad video editing software to capture, import, edit and add effects to your videos. Finish up by burning the video to DVD with Express Burn. Create a heartfelt video recording for your beau this Valentine's Day.

WavePad & MixPad

This pair is the audio software dream team. Use WavePad audio editor to record and edit a song first, then incorporate with other tracks with MixPad for your multi-track mixing needs. They work together seamlessly to help you create your own love song for your valentine this year.

Express Dictate & Express Scribe

If ever there was a practical match, it's this one. Express Dictate digital dictation software allows you to record dictation, and send to a transcriptionist, while Express Scribe makes transcription easy with features like variable speed playback, and file management.

Looking for the perfect match? Save by bundling related programs pairs and purchasing them together.

Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival February 4, 2013

Here are this edition's entries to Do More with Audio:

Matt presents Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record posted at Make: Blog, saying, "What would the trunk of a tree sound like if a cross section of it were played like an LP?"

Mary presents Music resources for small churches posted at The Mustard Seed Journal, saying, "links to sources of instrumental music for hymn singing and more."

Mel presents Audio reporting tools of the trade: then and now posted at journomel.com: Examining where journalism is heading, saying, "a shift from using many one-use devices to one device with many applications."

Darren presents C25K Podcast Music � Make Your Own and DIY! posted at PromoGuy dot Net, saying, "How you can create your own C25K podcast and get running!"

profmaja presents Why I Put a Recording Space in My Classroom posted at Day in the Life of a Backwards Musical Mind, saying, "A space for my students to work on their rhythm projects and promote excitement towards doing their best."

Jessica Clark presents 10 iPhone Apps for Recording & Editing Audio posted at Kenney Myers, saying, "Here is a list of 10 interesting applications that I have looked into recently for recording and editing audio."

Chris presents Epic Musical Mashup posted at Mental Floss, saying, "video artist Crumbs Chief mashes up an insane number of musical dance numbers, matching them to the mashup track 'Come Again (Beatles vs Rare Earth vs Beaties vs Daft Punk vs Cypress Hill vs Boston)' by the Kleptones."

Floppy music DUO - Imperial march by Pawel Zadrozniak:



You might also be interested in:

• WavePad Sound Editor Makes a Cameo on NBC's Chicago Fire
• Speaker Recording Software for Windows and Mac
• How to Record an Audio Book
• An Audio Swiss Army Knife

That concludes this edition of Do More with Audio. If you have an audio story to share or advice, tips or tricks to share, we hope you will submit your audio posts and articles to the next edition.

Software from A to Z

A: Audio Software	B: Business Software	C: Converting Software	D: Dictation Software
E: Easy Software	F: FTP Software	G: Graphics Software	H: Hardware
I: International	J: Jamming Software	K: Keep (Protect & Save)	L: Live Broadcasting
M: Mobile Software	N: New Programs	O: Optimize	P: PDF Software
Q: Quick	R: Recording Software	S: Social Sharing	T: Typing Software
U: Utility Software	V: Video Software	W: Web Access	X: eXpress
Y: YouTube Software	Z: Zip Software

Convert Old Files to Give Documents New Life

Have a large number of .doc files? Did you recently upgrade your word processor? Or get a new computer?

The good news is you don't need to manually open every document in order to re-save them to the .docx format. As Computeractive recently highlighted, with Doxillion Document Converter to help you, you can easily batch convert documents, transforming them all in one pass.

In their article on, How to convert text documents to other formats, the Computeractive staff detail how to use Doxillion for converting documents, praising the program as "a handy free tool that can convert a wide range of document formats with a couple of clicks from within Windows Explorer. [Requiring] no technical expertise." So if you have files to update, download Doxillion Document Converting Software to get the converting done quickly and easily.

WavePad's Chicago Fire Cameo

If you're a fan of the new NBC show Chicago Fire and you have sharp eyes you might have spotted WavePad on the recent Two Families episode that aired on November 21st. For those of you not familiar with the show it is an intense look at the lives of the firefighters and paramedics Chicago Firehouse 51. One of the subplots of this rather intense Thanksgiving episode includes one of the firefighters deciding to put together a podcast, and there is a scene with him doing an interview with another one of the station 51 firefighters. As they are talking if you are familiar with the WavePad interface you might recognize it in the computer sitting on the table between them. For us this was an added excitement to add to the already action packed television show.

If you haven't seen it you may very well want to start following the heroes portrayed in Chicago Fire. And if you want to create a podcast of your own you will want to have WavePad Audio Editing Software on your computer.

Do More with Audio - Blog Carnival December 3, 2012

Here are this edition's entries to Do More with Audio:

Lambert Varias presents 3D Printed Records for Fisher Price Toy Player posted at Technabob, saying, "Instructables member Fred27 figured out a way to play pretty much any tune on a Fisher Price toy record player with a little bit of code and a 3D printer."

Mitchell Morris presents Helping Your Child Choose a Musical Instrument posted at Full Time Nanny, saying, "Musical instruction can help your child master more than just how to play an instrument over the course of their education"

Jeff Moore presents 10 Signs Your Child Thinks Your Taste in Music is Lame posted at Babysitting Jobs, saying, "Hating your parents taste in music seems to be a rite of passage these days."

Anisha presents How I Minimized My College Debt as a DJ posted at NerdWallet, saying, "A self-taught DJ tackled college debt by spinning records at college parties. Get creative and get paid."

Neil presents What was the number one song the day you were born? posted at This Day in Music.

Bobby McFerrin plays... the audience! posted on TED: Ideas worth Spreading:


You might also be interested in:

• Audiophiles Rejoice
  
• Record Skype Calls
  
• Give Your Computer A New Voice
  
• Text to Speech Software
  
• Audio Software for Radio
  
• Best Software for Making Music
  
• Hawaiian Slack String Guitar Tuning
  

That concludes this edition of Do More with Audio. If you have an audio story to share or advice, tips or tricks to share, we hope you will submit your audio posts and articles to the next edition.

Hawaiian Slack String Guitar Tuning

I started my holiday season this year visiting family in Hawaii and in addition to some fun in the sun, and some really amazing produce; we took the opportunity to learn a bit about Hawaiian culture and music. It sometimes amazes me how much technology and software surrounds me and is a part of my life even when I am trying to unplug myself from the grid. This time it was my appreciation of music that started me thinking about PitchPerfect guitar tuning software.

I had the chance to listen to a very interesting performer who not only played for the audience, but talk about the history of music on the islands. He talked about the traditional instruments they played on the islands, how music and hula played a big part in their oral history and how the Hawaiians began to adopt the guitar and use more western melodies learned from Spanish contractors and other traders. As they continued to embrace and experiment with the guitar Hawaii made two contributions to guitar music before also creating the ukulele. The lap steel guitar and the slack string guitar both originated on the Hawaiian islands.

Unlike my instrument, the cello, the guitar has many alternative tunings that can be used to achieve different sounds or make it easier to play certain chords. This makes the guitar a very versatile instrument but it also makes tuning the guitar more of a challenge. This is why it can be extremely useful for guitar players of all levels to take advantage of an easy-to-use tuning program like PitchPerfect when tuning their instrument, especially when using a tuning pattern you aren't as familiar with.

For a tropical influence to help you relax as we all make our way through the rest of this holiday season maybe you will try a slack-key guitar tuning and look up some Hawaiian music to help you hang loose. Also be sure to take a look at our other musician software for guitar players and more. Because even software can help you relax, by doing things for you, like taking the stress out of tuning.

Audiophiles Rejoice

xkcd - Audiophiles

Do you have a significant investment in audio equipment and want to get the most range from your music collection? Do you want the crisp highs and deep bass you�re used to from CD�s? Then stop listening to audio compressed in the outdated MP3 format! Anytime audio is compressed, even with 320kbps quality MP3s, some range is sacrificed to reduce the file size and sound artifacts can occur.

For true studio sound, lossless formats such as an uncompressed WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), or a compressed FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), are the better option, even though they require more storage space. The smaller file size of the lossless FLAC is great for music collections, supports tagging for artist and album information, and is ideal for streaming audio because it is fast seeking. One note of caution if you�re straying away from your computer, while FLAC is a popular lossless audio format, not all devices, like car stereos, will support playback without modification.

Additionally, editing music in lossless formats, like with our WavePad Audio Editor Software, means you can exercise more control, on more sound data than with other formats. Starting with the highest quality possible source will result in the best final product. Use our other audio tools, like Switch Audio File Converter Software, to batch convert audio files between formats, for example if you don�t have room for your FLAC collection on your gym iPod.

Give your equipment and ears the quality they deserve!

Where in the World is NCH Software?

NCH Software was founded back in 1993 in Canberra and is still headquartered in Australia today. Now there is also an office in Denver, Colorado, and these two main offices are where the majority of the software development and business happen. However, with customers worldwide you will also find a sprinkling of remote developers and support staff in other countries as well.

VideoPad Introduction in Manga

Not only is it fun for us to learn about see or listen to the audio and video projects that people create with NCH Software products, we also enjoy hearing and seeing what people think about and have to say about our software. When we stumbled upon a comic in a Japanese blog introducing readers to our VideoPad video editing software we contacted the creator and asked for permission to share a translated version with our readers. So take a look at the translated VideoPad comic below.

For those of you who are curious or know Japaenese you can view the original and read more of his thoughts on VideoPad in his blog, Try! Various things! (?????!????!). While you're there scroll to the bottom of the post to watch his test video showing some of the things that VideoPad is capable of.


If you are read to give VideoPad your own test drive, visit www.nchsoftware.com/videopad to download a copy for yourself.

30 Seconds to Type

As promised, KeyBlaze typing tutor now has a second typing game. In addition to Word Blizzard,which we told you about previously, on the game tab you will now also find 30 Seconds to Type. The name says it all: in this typing game you are racing the clock, typing as many words as you can as they appear on the center of the screen before you run out of time. Type twelve words correctly for a twelve-second bonus, giving you more time to reach a high score and make it to the next level.

So, how fast can you type? Take KeyBlaze typing tutor software out for a test drive, and play not only 30 Seconds to Type, but keep practicing with lessons, exercises and drills to watch your fingers really start to fly.

Unzip To See What's Inside

Today's Google Doodle is a zipper in honor of Gideon Sundback, the creator of the modern day zipper. Today you can unzip the Google homepage to see search results. Not only is this another fun addition to the long line of Google Doodles but it actually made me pause to think about the zipper. When I�m getting dressed or putting on a coat I don't think about zippers; they are simply part of the garment.

Similarly, we have been discussing improvements to Express Zip, and I�ve never considered how zip files were named. Usually compression is the first thing that comes to mind when I start thinking about the software/file side of zipping. However, it is still a way to bring together two or more parts into one file, similar to bringing together two sides of your jacket with a zipper. When you unzip a file it is just like what Google is doing today - unzipping it to see what is inside. With Express Zip file compression software, we are making zipping and unzipping files as easy as using any other zipper.

J is for Jammin' Music Software

NCH Software ABCs Series

Get down with your music, and liven up all your favorite jams. Keep the beat on the dance floor, be the DJ at your party with your music library favorites, modernize and convert your vinyl collection, or record a jam session with your garage band, all with software from NCH Software�s audio department. Music is a part of who we are. It defines us as listeners and fans, and is a creative outlet for musicians. Whether you are trying to identify notes in a song to play along, or commit the composition in your head to paper, there are all kinds of jammin' musical software for your inner musician to explore:

• Zulu disc jockey software
  
• MixPad multi-track music mixing and recording
  
• WavePad music editing software
  
• PitchPerfect guitar tuning software
  
• TempoPerfect metronome software
  
• TwelveKeys music transcription software
  
• Crescendo music notation and composition software
  
• RecordPad simple sound recording software
  
• Golden Records vinyl and cassette digital audio converter
  

<<< Previous: I is for International

Next: K is for Keep >>>

Having Fun While Learning to Type

One of the pivotal points in my career came when I attended the 2006 Game Developers Conference and happened to attend a presentation given by Ian Bogost. I had long been interested in developing games, but I also struggled with the idea that video games might be harmful to society. Mr. Bogost's ideas pointed me in a different direction though. Games can teach.

I attended the Serious Games Summit in Washington, D.C. the following fall and became enamored with the thought of using game technology to benefit society. Games, as it turns out, are the perfect training and teaching tools. However, games must be fun if they are to teach.

Every element of gameplay in the KeyBlaze typing game, Word Blizzard, is focused on improving an aspect of typing�while you�re having fun. In Word Blizzard, the emphasis was placed on speed, but things like eye tracking and rhythm were also considered. And fun. We chose real-life words because they matter, but we also included obscure words to challenge the mind and improve finger-key recognition. Then we added more fun.

There will be more games coming to KeyBlaze typing tutor in the future, so I hope you give us your feedback on how our games are helping your typing improve.

New Typing Games Coming to KeyBlaze Typing Tutor

Lately there has been a lot of development focused on not only KeyBlaze typing tutor, but specifically on the typing game. There are a lot of great improvements and fixes in the new version. We gave the game a new set of graphics in the motif of a snowy landscape. Along with the new graphics, we have changed the name of the game from Falling Words to Word Blizzard. The game mechanics have also been reworked to make it more fun to play (and coincidentally improve your typing).

Word Blizzard is the first of four typing games that KeyBlaze is going to gain in the next few months. The next game coming to KeyBlaze is going to be a race the clock style called 30 Seconds to Type, to help users develop their speed. Then we will do a game focusing on rhythm and key combinations called Typing Hero. If you like games, keep an eye out for these upcoming additions to KeyBlaze typing tutor software!

NCH Software ABCs

We have put together a series of posts looking at many different aspects of NCH Software and what you can do with software. The gimmick is an A-Z tour of our software, but we�re confident it will thoroughly introduce you these different facets of the NCH Software world.

A is for Audio B is for Business C is for Converters D is for Dictation E is for Easy F is for FTP G is for Graphics H is for Hardware I is for International J is for Jams K is for Keep L is for Live M is for Mobile N is for New O is for Optimize P is for PDF Q is for Quick R is for Recording S is for Sharing T is for Typing U is for Utilities V is for Video W is for Web Access X is for eXpress Y is for YouTube Z is for Zip

First: A is for Audio >>>

Make Animated GIFs from Video Files

Did you know that Prism Video Converter can be used to convert video clips into animated gifs? In addition to sharing video files, animated gifs are also a popular way to share short or funny video clips on websites without needing to embed and wait on larger video files to download/buffer.

To create an animated gif simply add the video clip in Prism and select .gif as the Output Format. You should also consider resizing the video in the Video Options, to make an animated gif at a smaller resolution that will be better suited for posting on the web.

New Typing Game Makes Typing Fun in KeyBlaze

Everyone has a slightly different learning style, but learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to ingrain something in your memory. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect," but there are some things that just aren't any fun to practice. Touch typing has the potential to be one of those tedious task, but we have been working to keep KeyBlaze typing tutor software out of the realm of typing tedium by making it a fun way to learn the vital skill of touch typing.

One of fun ways KeyBlaze does recognizes accomplishments is by awarding certificates as you test your typing speed and accuracy throughout the lesson structure. Another, that we recently added, is the addition of a typing game where words fall down the screen like rain drops. You have to type the words correctly to prevent them from hitting the pavement, bringing the competitive edge to touch typing practice by providing a challenge in the heat of the moment while you try to outdo your high score. So whether you have kids who need to learn to type or you want to improve your own typing skills, take a look at KeyBlaze for more than just typing lessons, but a fun way to practice and learn how to type.