Getting Started with Soundtrap for Education: Student Guide
Soundtrap for Education provides in-course engagement and assessment opportunities for podcast-style audio content.
Providing a 'walled garden' experience, Soundtrap offers a secure space for confidentiality and safe experimentation while still providing full access to the recording and editing features (such as muti-tracking, post-production and a library of professional-quality presets) of their industry version. It also includes assignment tools, class rosters and project collaboration.
Using Soundtrap in Your Module
Soundtrap is currently available on a limited basis for specific modules. Your instructor will provide further information on accessing the system once your account has been created.
Access will be limited based on the duration of your module, and we'd recommend you export and save any work you would like kept after this period. No work is lost if an account is closed; if your account has already been limited and you require temporary access to save your work, please reach out to us via the IT Service Desk.
Accessing Soundtrap
Soundtrap can be accessed by staff and students via the Soundtrap login page. Studio and collaboration tools are also available via the Soundtrap App, available through iOS and Android.
See our Support Browsers for Soundtrap page for more info.
Changing your Soundtrap Password
Soundtrap is not integrated with the university's Single Sign-On system. We recommend the first thing to do once logged in for the first time is to change your password.
Open the navigation menu by clicking the three-dot icon by your name, then select settings. A new page will open, with options to change your password as well as messaging and notification settings. Once you've create a unique password (not your Leeds login password), click save review your other settings options and click save again.
Starting your First Recording
It's always good to start with a brief sound-check recording to make sure your equipment is working and to get comfortable in front of the microphone before your first take.
From a computer
Desktop users can select New Podcast Project to open a new workspace with presets tuned for spoken word. Select Add new track then Voice & Mic to get started. Soundtrap should automatically detect your device microphone, and will calibrate your settings the first time you select Record at the bottom of the page.
From tablet or mobile
If you're starting a new recording from a mobile device you may only see one option to start a music project. All features are still available with a music project with justfew settings changes: open the Settings menu, then select Grid and change the ruler to Time. Next, select the Plus icon to add a new track, then select Voice & Mic. A drop-down menu for microphone presets is available. Switching this to Podcast will use presets best for spoken word, but feel free to explore other options. Finally, select Start Recording.
Further tips for recording and editing are available through Skills@Library, podcasting guides from HELIX, or the tutorial videos within Soundtrap itself. You can also contact the Digital Education Systems team via the IT Service Desk for further advice, technical support or troubleshooting as well as within the guides below.