Instructions for Recording on Tape and Saving Sound Files in the Language Lab

    NOTE: The procedure for saving sound files may change slightly from time to time as software, folder locations, or security needs change.  Please be flexible and don't hesitate to ask lab personnel if you're having trouble.

  1. To make a tape, either cue the tape up to the first exercise that needs to be recorded or select the correct program source file on the "M:" drive under "applications" and cue it up. Click PLAY on the bottom set of buttons.  To make a .wav file, you obviously don't need to mess with a tape.
  2. Click RECORD on the top set of buttons. The computer will now record whatever is on the tape or in the source file along with your responses. Of course, you can also reverse steps one and two by clicking RECORD on the top set of buttons first and then PLAY on the bottom set.  Repeat steps one and two until you've recorded all of the exercises required.
  3. When you're done recording, the computer will have in its memory the temporary sound (.wav) file that you've just created. Pop a blank tape into the deck and click COPY on the bottom set of buttons. The sound file in computer memory will download onto your tape.
  4. When this is complete, you can get rid the computer file by pressing the middle of the three buttons in the upper right-hand corner of the Soloist window (It has a yellow folder on it). When prompted, you will tell the computer that you DO NOT want to permanently save the sound recording. Go on to step #6. 
  5. You can also and save the .wav file in whatever directory and folder you wish - it's just like saving files in any Windows application.  Language instructors are supposed to have folders on the "M:" drive under their names.  For example, to save a file for my FR 2002 class, you'd have to navigate to "My Computer," then find drive "M," then find the folder named "MANN," then find the folder named FR 2002A, and save the file in that folder.  Be sure to rename the file after yourself so I know it's yours: don't save it as the default "seat 5 file 1" or whatever.  Also, remember that for security reasons, once you save your file and close it, you can't reopen it.
  6. If you're going to hand in your tape or submit a file for a grade, have a look at the file properties to make sure it isn't blank (cassette), or a 0KB file.  Then, listen to it to make sure your work was recorded properly.  Don't forget to take your tape out of the deck before you log off. 

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