Recording files with Waveform - Part 1

 So, this will be my quickstart guide for anyone that wants to make hypnofiles. If you don't have the first clue about audio software and audio editing, this guide is for you.

⚠️ While I will try to be as thorough as I can in my illustrations, there are many differences across systems and devices. Some part of the setup process or user experience may differ for you. Please do not DM me on any platform asking me for help with setting up or using the software. I get far too many messages already and will unconditionally decline to provide any tech support over DMs, however quick it may seem.

I'm happy to answer questions in the Erotic Hypnocult discord server when time permits. Others there will likely have gone through these steps as well.

Part 1. Setup

1. Install the audio drivers for your microphone or audio interface, especially if you're using Windows. The exact process will vary from device to device, so consult your microphone's or interface's documentation if you need help with this.

2. Download Tracktion Waveform Free and install it. You may need to create a free account on the Tracktion website. You don't need to buy anything they try to upsell you for the purpose of making hypnofiles.

3. Install the program. The download page has user manuals and video tutorials if you need help with this. 

Note: IGNORE ANYTHING IN THE MANUAL OTHER THAN INSTALLATION. Waveform can be used for much more than making audio files (e.g. music production), so if you start reading about all those features, they might unnecessarily scare you. What we'll be doing in Tracktion will be much simpler than anything described in the manual.

4. Run Waveform. Click on the Setup Audio Device setup step:


You'll see a dialog like this:




Here's what you'll need to do here:

1. On Windows, you will have a driver type selector:


 Choose ASIO if you can. If you can't, try one of the other options. Consult the manual for more information.

2. On all the platforms, set Sample Rate to 41000 Hz.

3. Choose your input and output. Press the Test button and make sure you hear sound in your speakers or headphones. Talk into your microphone, and make sure the color bars under the word "Test" move. 

Important: If your microphone or audio interface has a knob that controls the microphone input level or gain, talk as loud as you can into the microphone and make sure the last bar on that display doesn't light up. If it does, turn down the gain. If only the first bar or two light up, turn the gain up, but never so high as to hit that last rightmost bar. Read this if you want to understand what we're avoiding. Otherwise, let's continue.

Once you've completed step 3, you can skip any remaining setup steps. Simply close the "Setup Progress" bar (there's a tiny X in its top-right corner).

Continue to Part 2


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