There are several simple ways to do this with common computers and common software. Whether you are a student or a teacher, you will enjoy this short overview of simple ways to slow down audio and video files. Tips for Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Audacity and the Sony PSP 3000.
When you are learning complicated material using video and audio materials it is very helpful to slow them down. It is helpful for any subject but typical examples would be language learning, music and mathematics. Slowing down the audio gives you more time to think. It allows you to listen carefully. It gives you time to hit the pause button if you need to take a note. For language learning, it is essential.
In the Windows Media Player (on Windows) and in QuickTime (the video and audio player for the Apple Mac computers that is also installed on most Windows computers) there are already functions built-in that make slowing down sound and video as simple as the click of a mouse.
Below, we will also give you a few tips about the Sony PSP 3000 sound and video playback controls and a key tip for using the free software program called Audacity to slow down and save your audio files.
The key idea is this : Slow down the playback without distorting the sound of the voices or the music.
We have all heard funny recordings where a normal voice was sped up (making it sound like a chipmunk) or slowed down (making it deep and heavy sounding). This is called changing the pitch of the sound file.
You can slow down sound and video without distorting the voices (or the music) by changing the Tempo (not the pitch). But you don’t need to know all that unless you want to make your own sound and video files.
Modern computers and software make slowing down sound and video as easy as a click of the mouse (if you know where to look!).
BTW : If you are looking for free ebooks, free audiobooks and free music on the web, it is a good idea to check out the web sites before you visit them. You might find our blog post Top 10 ways to check if a web site is safe and useful helpful!
Slow down audio and video for Windows Media Player
Tested with file types : wmv (video) and mp3 (audio)
1. You will need to set the ‘Play Speed Settings’.
2. Click on the check box marked ‘Snap slider to common speeds’ to allow smooth adjustment of the playback speed.
Slow down audio and video with QuickTime
Tested with file type : mp4 (video)
1. You will find ‘Show A/V Controls’ in the menu called ‘Windows’.
2. Put the A/V controls and your video side-by-side (see image) so that you can adjust the controls while you are watching the video.
Slow down video with Sony PSP 3000
Tested with file type : mp4 (video)
Note : The Sony PSP 3000 does not allow you to slow down mp3 files or PSP movies. You can only slow down video files in the mp4 format.
1. On your PSP 3000, create a folder called VIDEO (if it does not exist)
2. Transfer the mp4 file into your Sony into the folder called VIDEO. If you wish, you can create folders inside the folder VIDEO to organize your video files.
3. Play the video file. The buttons you need are shown in the image. The speed of the playback will go up (or down) 10% for each time you push the faster (or slower) button. Push the buttons twice (or more) and see how the speed changes.
Slow down audio with free Audacity software
Tested with file type : mp3 (audio)
Important Note : Geeky. The LAME mp3 plugin is required, Installation of the plugin is not intuitive. The LAME plugin might not be legal in your country!
The idea of changing the Tempo (and not the Pitch) applies to all sound editing software (not just Audacity).
1. Use Edit->Select All to select the audio you wish to change before opening the Change Tempo dialog.
2. Image shows how to use the controls.
We wish you much success in your learning activities!
