After listening back to your newly laid tracks, you may notice that the track just isn’t as polished or clean as you had hoped. Maybe there are frequencies that are overbearing, or guitar notes that have pitch issues. In these cases, editing your audio files in a digital audio editor like Audacity or Pro Tools can quickly solve your problems by fixing the frequency distribution, pitch and timing of each track.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Digital Audio Editing Software, What is the best free audio editor, What does a digital audio editor do, and Which is the best software for audio editing?
Digital Audio Editing Software
If you’re an aspiring sound engineer, or even just a casual music enthusiast, it’s probably safe to say that you’ve heard of Audacity. The free digital audio editing software is one of the most widely used tools in the world for recording and editing audio. But if you’re looking for something more robust than Audacity, there are plenty of other programs out there to choose from. This article will outline some popular options for musicians who want to edit their music digitally rather than with analog equipment like reel-to-reel tape machines and mixing boards.
Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source digital audio editor that can be used to record, edit and mix audio files. It’s available for Windows, OS X and Linux operating systems.
It was originally developed by Dominic Mazzoni and Roger Dannenberg in 1999 as an alternative to the pricey commercial software packages at the time. Audacity has grown a lot since then; its current feature list includes:
- Record from more than 40 sources (including built-in microphones or external ones connected via USB).
- Import/export WAV, AIFF, FLAC or OGG Vorbis audio files into Audacity projects—then export them as MP3s or other formats.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a professional audio editing software that has been used by many studios for decades. It comes in three versions: Pro Tools Standard, Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools Ultimate. The first two are more expensive than the third, but they do offer more features as well.
If you’re looking to start a career in music production, these versions may be overkill for you. However, if you just want to edit some audio files on your computer at home or at work without paying too much money for it (or no money at all), then using Pro Tools First is definitely an option worth considering.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Apple Inc. It comes with a user interface, making it easier to use than other DAWs. Logic Pro X can be used for creating music, podcasts, soundtracks and more. With many different tools and features at your disposal you can create anything you want with this software!
GarageBand
GarageBand is the free, built-in music creation software for all Apple products. It has a lot of features that make it easy to start editing your audio files and performing some basic mixing, like adding effects and loops to your project.
It’s also a great starting point if you have no experience with digital audio editing, but want to try your hand at it.
FL Studio
FL Studio is a digital audio workstation that can be used to record and edit audio, compose music, mix audio tracks, create music loops and more. It has a very large community of users who share their music with each other. If you need help getting started with FL Studio or are looking for creative inspiration from other people’s work, check out this forum thread on the FL Studio community forums where you’ll find many helpful answers from other users who are enthusiastic about using FL Studio themselves!
There are many programs that can be used to edit audio.
There are many programs that can be used to edit audio. Some, like Audacity and Pro Tools, are free. Others, like Logic Pro X and GarageBand, are not free but are still easy enough to use for novice users. Finally there is FL Studio which has a moderate learning curve but offers many features for advanced users.
What is the best free audio editor
If you need audio editing software for your next podcast or just for mixing some music or for trimming any of your sound recordings then you have landed on the right page. We have listed below the best free audio editing software that you can utilize in your next project. A good audio editor is really important as audio recording can get spoiled due to a lower pitch or background noise. You can prevent this using an audio editor.
Our audio editing software is free for beginners and people with low budgets. You can perform simple tasks like making simple cuts, adding transitions or controlling the decibels. If you want to make use of the more advanced features such as adding effects then you can get the paid version of these audio editors.
Best Audio Editing Software
AUDACITY
Audacity is considered the best free audio editing software. There is the feature of multi-tracking but only up to certain extent. You can use it easily once you get used to its interface. There are several plugins and special effects available on audacity. It is by far the most popular audio editor among the users. Its envelope makes automating audio pretty easy. You can also easily mute any section of your audio or just delete it.
However there are certain demerits with audacity that you should know about. There are many features in this editor that rarely come in use. These features tend to get the toolbar cluttered and thus make the interface less appealing. By the look of this software, you may find it to be old school. But it will get the work done for you. Audacity is best for beginners who have just stepped into this field.
OCENAUDIO
If you compare it with audacity, Ocenaudio is more on the lighter side. With a colorful and neat interface Ocenaudio is easy to use. You can tweak and then apply its large collection of effects too in real time.
Most of the free editors like Audacity tend to record the effects directly in the audio. This makes you depend on a preview button. But in Ocenaudio you can edit the parameters of all the effects and listen to them instantly. You can even use your own plugins as this editor supports VST. Further, there is an option to record audio directly into the software. There are also many advanced tools like spectogram which makes this a professional audio editing software.
Some of the shortfalls of ocenaudio is that you can only use single or mono stereo files. In addition to this, there is no multi-tracking option and no option to record more than one instrument. Overall, ocenaudio is very simple with regards to its features.
WAVEPAD
This is a very useful audio editing software free for Windows, iPad, Mac and android. Even though Wavepad is an old digital audio workstation it is still very effective. You may find its interface to be a bit outdated but that is compensated for by its features.
Wavepad can be easily installed and used. Effects such as reverb, compression, and noise removal are available in bundles. The professional or experienced users can make use of its analysis tools. You can also change the speed and pitch in this audio editor. It has an audio scrubbing feature that can be really useful. One issue with this software is that it doesn’t support multi-tracking which means you can only edit mono audio files. Batch processing is our favorite feature of the software. This lets you add effects to more than on audio files at once. This will save you lots of time.
HYA-WAVE
This is a browser based audio editing software. With a very easy to navigate interface and user friendly features it is very easy to learn for beginners. It must be commended for its simplicity.
Your audio can be copied, pasted, cut, cleared, and cropped but there is a multi-tracing option. Since it is web-based you can load or save your work in the cloud. Effects can be applied online and then uploaded on social media or shared using the URL.
The future of audio editing lies in these kinds of web based audio editors. If you don’t want to download huge software on your computer then you can use this audio editor.
TWISTEDWAVE FREE AUDIO EDITING SOFTWARE
It is another popular audio editor for mac and iPhone. Even though there is no option for multi-tracking, its features and functions compensate for that. With this software you can easily normalize the audio and apply effects.
When you delete any section of audio the rest of audio reshuffle automatically to fill up the gaps. You will have to silence or mute any section with noise to remove it without reshuffling the audio. You can do that on this software by highlighting the particular section that you want to remove and then press “s”
AUDIO CUTTER PRO
This web based application is perfect if you need to simply crop tracks or add fades. Intuitive keyboard controls and simple interface makes it one of the best free audio editing software out there. It further supports cloud based storage as there is an option of importing files from google drive and dropbox.
Audio Cutter comes with up to 300 file formats. There is an option for extracting the audio tracks from videos. There is installation involved as you can cut an audio track directly from your browser window. If you access an uploaded file, it will automatically get deleted from the server after work is done. This makes it a very secure process. It is also very easy to create ringtones on this app.
WAVOSAUR FREE AUDIO EDITING SOFTWARE
This is a very old audio editor. It appears to be the link between modern digital audio workstation and primitive tape cutting. Even though Wavosaur is a pretty basic audio editor, it gets the job done. It is also very small in size (1.3mb).
Wavosaur doesn’t have any VSTs but it supports them. So, you can apply effects of your own. It is very easy to automate volume. In addition to that there are several tools that help in analysis. It may not look very good but it gets the job done without you having to download a huge file.
SOUNDATION
Soundation is a web based application that has a multi-tracking digital audio workstation. So, you can play more than one track at once.
Attractive design and easy recording make this audio editor very user-friendly. It is very easy to perform automation of pan and volume. You can organize tracks by changing the colors. There is an option of time stretching and you can also make use of a wide range of plugins and tools.
Its looping feature is similar to Logic Pro. Soundation has been created not just for editing audio but also for music composition. But it may not be that great for composition as it was primarily made for arranging music.
NERO WAVE EDITOR
This is a pretty simple audio editor with not many special features. But even then it gets the job done very well. It has all the basic features of an audio editor.
There is an option to create your own presets and also you can apply effects in a non destructive way.
What does a digital audio editor do
When you think of audio editing, what exactly do you come up with? Most often, when we think of editing, we often don’t think of music or audio. In fact, it’s more common to think of writing in relation to editing in many cases. In reality, audio editing is a lot like editing a written document. Things are deleted, replaced, cut, copied, and pasted just like they would be in an essay or a novel. Only, instead of manipulating words, you are manipulating sounds. So, the answer to the question, “What is audio editing?” is that it is a way to edit, shorten, or otherwise shift a piece of music or spoken audio to make it ideal for either listening or viewing pleasure.
How it Works
With the advent of new technologies in audio editing, editing over the years has become more accurate and easier. Software and hardware programs are designed specifically to help editors piece together music or audio pieces. These programs are generally referred to as digital audio workstations (DAWs). The idea behind audio editing is usually to take a piece of music and slice it and dice it so that it is free of errors and consistent to listen to.
Editing can be purely for audio (example audio podcast, music cds etc.) or it can be for a video. For audio which needs to be synced with video, the editors are provided with a video clip and an audio clip that both need to be matched. Obviously, the video clip isn’t going to undergo any editing because it is the section of media that the music is supposed to conform to (not the other way around).
In many cases, the audio editor is given a file that works with their specific DAW. They can then manipulate virtually every part of the musical piece. Most DAWs give you access to all of the individual tracks that go into making a complete song. That means editors gain access to the vocal track, the guitar track (or other instrumental track), the drum track, and many more. This is not just an mp3 audio file, but, instead, a song divided into its individual tracks (or stems). It’s also conveniently placed into a visual interface—generally conveyed as “waveform”—that is a visual representation of each audio track.
Some general application of audio editing are:
Challenges of Audio Editing
The difficulty of matching audio and video shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, many audio editors are given a 30-second video clip to work with and a song that is, of course, well over 3 minutes. You have to pare down the audio file so that it fits into that 30-second window, but you also have to make sure that it is aesthetic and feasible within the constraints of the time allotted.
In some cases (for instance, in films), the script might be flipped. Audio editors might receive a 30-second audio clip that needs to fit into a 53-second video window. In that event, they must stretch the audio either by looping it in some sections or slowing down the tempo. Looping essentially means repeating a section of music (you can think of it copying and pasting—some DAWs even use those terms). But, again, the edit needs to appear flawless and completely enmeshed with the video. During an emotionally powerful scene in a film, it’s not often that you recognize the music if only because it generally fits so well with the visual.
Editing only for audio is less challenging but equally difficult. The editor has to make sure the voice flow is natural and there are no jerks in the audio. Music editing requires very minute cuts (correct upto 1 millisecond), which ensures that the song sits perfectly on the tempo.
Editing: The heart of a song
No discussion revolving around the question, “What is audio editing?” would be complete without the mention of audio editing as a way to make music.
Indeed, musicians will record a song as composite parts (i.e. vocals, guitar, strings, drums, etc.) and then take all that audio information and place it in a DAW. From there, they can add all kinds of effects including reverb, equalization, bass boosts, crossfades, and much more. This is what we might refer to as “post-production.” Intrinsic to many DAWs is the ability to shift the tone of a piece of music. Each section of the music is 100% editable. Everything from tempo and pitch to the actual score of the music can be manipulated.
Sometimes, a song on its own merits isn’t that great, but, when put through some audio editing, it can provide a much better listening experience overall. A good audio editor can sometimes make the song great.
You might still be wondering exactly what is audio editing, but, the reality of the situation is that you’re surrounded by audio editing every day. When you watch a commercial on television and that commercial plays a song you’re fond of, it’s unlikely that the song appears in its original form. Maybe some (or all) of the lyrics have been removed or there’s a particular instrument that doesn’t show up. This is audio editing.
If you hear recorded music in almost any medium, be it television, radio, cds internet or your ipod, then it’s likely that it has seen some form of audio editing. It’s not an easy process, and requires years of technical training not only in softwares and hardware but also requires a trained ear and a through grasp of psychoacoustics and musical theory.
If you are looking for profession editing services, please visit our webpage for free sample and great prices:profession audio and voice editing services.
Which is the best software for audio editing?
Audio editing software is a program that allows making changes in audio data. This program will enable you to cut, copy, and paste parts of recordings. Such an application helps you to import or export various file formats like MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, and more.
Following is a handpicked list of Top Audio Editor Software, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software.
Best Audio | Sound | Music Editor Software [Free/Paid]
Adobe Audition is a one of the best music recording software that includes waveform and multitrack display to create, mix, edit, and restoring audio content. This workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio.
Soundop is a professional audio editing software that offers a seamless audio production workflow. It helps you to edit metadata across formats. This application offers support for multitrack recording and mixing.
#3) Audacity
Audacity is open-source audio editing software. It uses a multi-track editor that helps you to edit any sound easily. This professional audio editing software enables you to import or export various files like MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, and more.
Avid Pro Tools Studio collection of sound editing toolset. It enables you to manipulate audio and MIDI tracks. This application supports drag and drops features.
Ashampoo Music Studio is a music software to edit and organize sound. It enables you to make a device compatible playlist. You can create mixed audio with just a few mouse clicks. The application supports M3U, XSPF, WPL, and PLS file formats.
AudioDirector 365 is a one-stop shop for mixing, editing, and mastering your tracks. It offers powerful AI tools to create the perfect recording environment anywhere. It intelligently removes wind gusts, reverb, and echo from audio clips so that dialogue and ambient sounds are clearly heard. It exports the entire audio project from AudioDirector, directly into PowerDirector. It helps restore and fine-tune speech in your video and audio projects and creates unmatched clarity.
AVS Audio Editor is an easy-to-use audio editing app for Windows that lets you create quality tracks for any purpose. It allows you to select between 20 built-in effects and filters, including delay, flanger, chorus, reverb, reverse, echo, and more. You can edit all popular formats MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, WMA, AAC, MP2, AMR, OGG, etc.
FL Studio is a music production environment that helps you to compose, edit, arrange, record, and mix music. It enables you to quickly create sound patterns and sequencing. You can use this application to add harmonies and melodies to production.
Acoustica Basic is a tool that can be used for editing sound. This application can be used to make a remix in real-time. It is one of the best music editing software that allows you to import mix into a multitrack session.
#10) Wavepad
Wavepad is a fully-featured sound editing software. It enables you to record and edit music and voice. This program allows you to cut, copy, and paste parts of recordings. It supports echo, amplification, and noise reduction facility.
#11) Soundation
Soundation is a tool that enables you to create your beats. It is one of the best free audio editing software which contains ready to use more than 20,000 mix basslines and melodies. This tool provides an easy way to use drum machines and synthesizers.
#12) PreSonus Studio One
PreSonus Studio One is software that provides various sound editing tools, unlimited tracks, and virtual instruments. This tool helps you to arrange the speed of your track. The application makes it possible to edit harmony.
#13) Acoustica
Acoustica is a software that helps you to add effects in sound. You can record your recording and open it from your PC. It also enables you to import tracks from the CD.
#14) Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is an easy and fast audio editor. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. This application runs any time-consuming tasks in the background so that you can focus on your important work.
#15) Wavosaur
Wavosaur is an editor for editing, processing, and recording sound. It helps you to produce music, loops, and record sound. This program can be used without installing it.
#16) Mixxx
Mixxx is a program to create live mixes with music files. This application has a musical key detection facility that helps you to find audio from the library. You can use this software to add numerous sound effects to your music.
#17) DVDVideoSoft Free Audio Editor
DVDVideoSoft free audio editor application that helps you to delete unwanted parts of the audio and split into files. You can use this tool to make changes in the file visually.
#18) Media Converter
Media Converter is an Android application that allows you to convert one media format to another. This tool supports mp3, mp4, avi, ogg, and many more.
#19) Apple Garageband
Apple Garageband is a fully equipped music creating software. This application can be sued for the Mac operating system. It is one of the best music editor apps that provides a sound library that includes guitar, instruments, drum, and many more.
#20) Ardour
Ardour is a software that lets you to record, edit, and mix audio on Windows, Linux, and macOS. This application enables you to plug in a microphone or keyboard. It allows you to import MIDI from your PC.
#21) Audio tool
The audio tool is a software that helps you to produce music online. It has a library of 250,000 samples. You can route, split, and merge various outputs.