Hindenburg is an intuitive audio editing software for storytellers installed on the iMac. The directions below are intended to be used specifically in StoryLab LITC #124.

To Record:

Create a New Project:

  • Open Hindenburg. Go to the “File” menu and select “New” (or use the top toolbar).

Set Up Tracks:

  • Track 1 “Speak”: Input “Left Microphone Left”
  • Track 2 “Interview”: Input “Right Microphone Right”

Enable Tracks:

  • Click the small red circle above the track name to enable recording.
  • Enable live monitoring by holding the “control” key and clicking the red track enable button. Select “Record Monitor: On” to hear the microphone through headphones.

Playback Tips:

  • M (Mute): Mutes the track during playback.
  • S (Solo): Plays only this track.

Microphone Recording:

  • A steady red light indicates recording; a blinking light means muted.
  • Save your work frequently (File > Save).

Adjust Voice Volume:

  • Have each person speak into a microphone and check sound levels in the left track bar. Keep volumes in the upper blue and yellow range.
  • Use the “Gain” knob on the back of the microphone to adjust volume.
  • Tip: Ensure the other knob on the microphone is set to Cardoid for voice recording.

Record and Save:

  • Click the flashing red “record” button at the bottom of the window.
  • Press the spacebar to pause; click the record button again to continue.
  • Click stop (white square) or press the spacebar to finish.
  • Hindenburg will automatically adjust volume levels to the preset international sound standard (can be adjusted in File > Preferences).

To Edit:

Make the edit

  • If you are working with an existing audio file, import it by selecting “Import” from the toolbar at the top of the screen. You can also drag audio in from your Finder or desktop. This may be useful in incorporating sound you recorded using a smartphone or field recorder.
  • Remember to save regularly as you edit.
  • Click and drag audio into its desired sequences across multiple tracks.
  • To cut audio out of a track, drag the cursor over the desired segment of a track to select it and select cut in the Edit menu (or click Cmd-x).

Export file

  • To export, select “File” and “Export” and select your preferred file format (mp3, wav, etc.).

Further Resources

Here are other helpful keyboard shortcuts for editing in Hindenburg: https://hindenburg.com/support/guides?pid=1401&cid=1876&oid=Windows

Hindenburg also provides several helpful video tutorials on editing, including how to record a conversation with someone via Skype or Google Hangouts, how to incorporate music into your recording, and more: https://hindenburg.com/support/tutorials

Hindenburg Audio Software – StoryLab LITC 124