How to Split a Recording Into Music and Talking Parts

Marking speeches, interviews, or background music in recordings can be a straightforward but tedious task. Understanding how to split audio files accurately and efficiently is a valuable skill. Here, we'll explore different methods to achieve this, including using audio editing software, AI tools, and a manual approach.

Method 1: Using Audio Editing Software

One effective way to separate a recording is by using specialized audio editing software. Here's a detailed guide:

Select Software

Audacity (Free and Open Source) Adobe Audition (Professional) GarageBand (Mac Only)

Import the Recording

Open your chosen software and import the audio file into the editor.

Visual Analysis

Look at the waveform to visually identify the differences between music and talking parts. Talking sections often have more erratic patterns compared to the steady, more continuous patterns of music.

Select Sections

Highlight the talking parts using the selection tool. Play back the selected section to ensure accuracy.

Split the Audio

In Audacity, use:

Edit Split Or press Ctrl I on Windows or Cmd I on Mac to split the audio at the selected points.

Repeat for the music parts.

Export the Parts

After splitting, export the sections separately. In Audacity, go to:

File Export Export Selected Audio

Method 2: Using AI Tools

For a more automated approach, consider using AI tools designed to separate audio tracks.

Online Services

Audio-Sphinx Spleeter

Upload your audio file, and these services will provide separated tracks for you.

Local Solution

Spleeter

Follow these steps to install Spleeter:

Install Python Install Spleeter using pip:

pip install spleeter

Run Spleeter on your audio file:

spleeter separate -i your_audio_file -o output_directory

Method 3: Manual Method

For a less technical approach, you can manually listen and mark sections to be separated.

Listen and Note

Play the recording and note the timestamps where talking and music occur.

Cut and Save

Use a simple audio editor like Windows Voice Recorder or QuickTime to manually cut the sections based on your notes.

Tips

Quality Check

Always listen to the exported sections to ensure they are accurate and no important parts are lost.

Backup

Keep a copy of the original recording before making edits.

By following these methods, you will be able to effectively split your recordings into music and talking parts. Whether you prefer a technical or automated workflow, there's a method that suits your needs.