User Guide

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Chapter 5: File Menu – Edit View
se the commands on the File Menu to open, save, and close wave files; import audio from video files; perform
batch conversions; access recently used waveforms; and more.
New
Select File > New to create a new, empty waveform. The New Waveform window appears so that you can choose the new
file’s properties. Options are provided for Sample Rate, Channels, and Resolution.
New Waveform Dialog
You’ll get better-quality sound when you use a higher sample rate and resolution, but you’ll use more hard disk space.
Audio CDs use a sample rate of 41000 and a resolution of 16 bits per sample.
Sample Rate This value determines how many frequencies can be encoded in the audio signal. Higher sampling rates
mean a wider bandwidth. Popular sample rates are already listed; just click on one to select it. Or, enter a custom number
in the Sample Rate box to specify a different rate from those provided. However, keep in mind that most sound cards
only support certain sample rates.
Channels Select Mono if you want to record a waveform with just one channel of audio information (such as a voice-
only recording).
The Stereo option allows you to create a two-channel waveform with separate right and left channels. This is usually the
best option for a music recording. Because they contain twice as much data, stereo waveforms consume double the
storage space of mono waveforms.
Resolution Three options are provided:
• 8-bit creates waveforms where quality is not much of a concern, but small file size is. 8-bit waveforms are usually fine
for telephony applications, or for use as embedded sounds in Web pages. While they tend to be noisier than their 16-
bit counterparts, they’re half the size.
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