Audio editing programs for home music recording - problems, solutions and chat

[editor]

I've only ever thought of Audacity, but it seems that there's some excellent alternatives out there.

Here's the first three:

1. Wavosaur
If you're tired of bloated software then Wavosaur will appeal immediately: it's a 269KB download, no adware, no installation, just unzip and go.

The program is amazingly powerful, too, despite its small size. It can open all the usual file formats; displays the usual waveform view of your file; can trim, cut, copy or paste wherever you like; and has plenty of useful effects (fade in and out, normalize, remove vocals, tweak volume, auto trim, a silence remover and more).
Elsewhere, expert users will appreciate extras like the ASIO and VST effect plugin support. And while the interface is a little dated, it's easy to use, and you'll soon feel at home.


2. WaveShop
Work on a sample in most audio editors and it'll be changed in various ways, perhaps affecting sound quality.
WaveShop, though, is different. It's bit-perfect, which means it only alters your files when absolutely necessary. And so you can trim one section of the file without affecting anything else, while copying and pasting audio won't affect its contents at all.

That's not all, though. WaveShop also supports a wide range of audio formats, has some useful effects (amplify, fade in and out, adjust sample rate and size), and includes plenty of tools for working with channels.
You can swap, insert of delete them, extract individual channels to mono files, and even work with surround sound audio, reassigning channels to another speaker.

3. Acoustica Basic Edition
Acoustica Basic Edition is the free version of a commercial product - but don't let that put you off, it still has plenty of features to explore.
You can open multiple files via an excellent tabbed interface, for example; standard cut, copy, paste and mix editing is easy - you can even drag and drop your selection around - and it's all non-destructive, no re-encoding required.

There's good volume control (normalize, adjust, multiple fades, freehand volume curve), and the program can record audio, too.
Effects are more limited, but support for VST and DirectX plug-ins means you can extend the program, if necessary.

More: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/so...ting-software-9-programs-we-recommend-1136943

 

[editor]

Here's the regurgitated update of the same feature:
Best free audio editing software: 8 programs we recommend | TechRadar

This one looks more modern than most freebies:

Best free audio editing software: 8 programs we recommend | TechRadar

 

[DJWrongspeed]

mp3DirectCut is phenomenal bit of software. It doesn't decode mp3s for editing which is crucial if you're working with long files.

Saved countless hours of work at Resonance104.4FM

 

[editor]

Thought I'd update this thread seeing most of the links above are dead

The best free audio editors at a glance

1. Audacity
2. Ocenaudio
3. Ashampoo Music Studio 2019
4. Audiotool
5. Acoustica 6

I'd really like to get a copy of Audition, but there's no way I can justify a subscription. Is there a standalone early version that can be picked up cheaply anywhere? I need multi track editing.

Best audio editor of 2024

We went hands-on with the top audio editing software - and it was music to our ears

www.techradar.com

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

I'd really like to get a copy of Audition, but there's no way I can justify a subscription. Is there a standalone early version that can be picked up cheaply anywhere? I need multi track editing.

Not audition but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on humble bundle as audio software is often in the loop.

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

this is their current audio software bundle

Humble Software REBundle: Your Sounds. Your Movies. Professional Video and Audio Creation

Pay what you want for awesome software and support charity!

www.humblebundle.com

 

[cybershot]

Thought I'd update this thread seeing most of the links above are dead

The best free audio editors at a glance

1. Audacity
2. Ocenaudio
3. Ashampoo Music Studio 2019
4. Audiotool
5. Acoustica 6

I'd really like to get a copy of Audition, but there's no way I can justify a subscription. Is there a standalone early version that can be picked up cheaply anywhere? I need multi track editing.

Best audio editor of 2024

We went hands-on with the top audio editing software - and it was music to our ears

www.techradar.com

I can download a ‘pre cracked’ version of 13.0.6 via a private torrent tracker which is just a couple points off the latest version once I get my broadband back up and running (30th) if you’re into that sort of jazz.

 

[danski]

Thought I'd update this thread seeing most of the links above are dead

The best free audio editors at a glance

1. Audacity
2. Ocenaudio
3. Ashampoo Music Studio 2019
4. Audiotool
5. Acoustica 6

I'd really like to get a copy of Audition, but there's no way I can justify a subscription. Is there a standalone early version that can be picked up cheaply anywhere? I need multi track editing.

Best audio editor of 2024

We went hands-on with the top audio editing software - and it was music to our ears

www.techradar.com

Pretty sure I’ve got a free serial number for ableton lite if that’s any good to you?

Get started with Ableton Live 12 Lite | Ableton

Learn how to download, install and authorize your Ableton Live Lite license.

www.ableton.com

 

[editor]

Here's what I'm looking to do:

My band are working on the next album and in the past I'd be sent a rough mix of the new tracks, with a guide vocal, guitar (and basic bass) and a click track.
I'd then have to try and work out mu ideas for drums and then I'd get a massive (!) two rehearsals for the entire album before I go into the studio and - being the drummer - I have to nail the track quickly so the rest of the band can play their parts.

We can't rehearse because of covid, so I bought an electro drum kit and need to be able to:

1. Record my drum track on top of the rough mix (possibly dropping in for some parts) on to the laptop
2. and dub on some percussion

The singer uses Adobe Audition so if I could open those files I would be able to remove the click track after. Can Audition expert multi-track recording sinto other formats that could be opened by different software?

I'm looking for the easiest peasiest way of doing this! My kit has USB out and line out.

 

[editor]

this is their current audio software bundle

Humble Software REBundle: Your Sounds. Your Movies. Professional Video and Audio Creation

Pay what you want for awesome software and support charity!

www.humblebundle.com

How does that work? You pay £20 and it's totally unlocked, full version software?

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

Yep. usually about a year or so out of date but it's an excellent place where people can get stuff.
Plus money to charity.

 

[xenon]

Here's what I'm looking to do:

My band are working on the next album and in the past I'd be sent a rough mix of the new tracks, with a guide vocal, guitar (and basic bass) and a click track.
I'd then have to try and work out mu ideas for drums and then I'd get a massive (!) two rehearsals for the entire album before I go into the studio and - being the drummer - I have to nail the track quickly so the rest of the band can play their parts.

We can't rehearse because of covid, so I bought an electro drum kit and need to be able to:

1. Record my drum track on top of the rough mix (possibly dropping in for some parts) on to the laptop
2. and dub on some percussion

The singer uses Adobe Audition so if I could open those files I would be able to remove the click track after. Can Audition expert multi-track recording sinto other formats that could be opened by different software?

I'm looking for the easiest peasiest way of doing this! My kit has USB out and line out.

have you tried reaper? you can try free for 60 days but it’s only $60 anyway. Amazingly powerful DAW. Loads of tutorials on YouTube. But you can import your files, add your drums. The stock plug-ins are okay for the bread and butter stuff but it supports VST so you can add others.
Bit of a learning curve but it is seriously good software and pretty resource light.

 

[editor]

have you tried reaper? you can try free for 60 days but it’s only $60 anyway. Amazingly powerful DAW. Loads of tutorials on YouTube. But you can import your files, add your drums. The stock plug-ins are okay for the bread and butter stuff but it supports VST so you can add others.
Bit of a learning curve but it is seriously good software and pretty resource light.

I'm really looking for extra dumbed-down easy peasy stuff to be honest. It's hard enough learning the songs!

 

[xenon]

I'm really looking for extra dumbed-down easy peasy stuff to be honest. It's hard enough learning the songs!

if you do give it a go and get stuck, give me a shout. Audacity is multi track as well but reaper is much more designed for the whole mixing and producing thing. But it can be as simple or complicated as you want.
Sounds like the drums you got have an audio interface. So what ever Software you use, you need to have that as the interface. Listening to the PC audio back through it as you drum over the top.

 

[Crispy]

MIxpad is free for personal use. Very lightweight, but a decent amount of features. Much nicer than Audacity.

Multitrack Recording Software, Mixing Audio, Music and Voice Tracks Easy

MixPad Multitrack Mixer lets you record and mix an unlimited number of audio tracks into studio-quality files. Export to Mp3, CD or upload to the web.

www.nch.com.au

It has a companion app Wavepad for more in-depth sample editing.

 

[editor]

MIxpad is free for personal use. Very lightweight, but a decent amount of features. Much nicer than Audacity.

Multitrack Recording Software, Mixing Audio, Music and Voice Tracks Easy

MixPad Multitrack Mixer lets you record and mix an unlimited number of audio tracks into studio-quality files. Export to Mp3, CD or upload to the web.

www.nch.com.au

It has a companion app Wavepad for more in-depth sample editing.

I need multitrack recording but I can't work out of the free version supports that?

Buy . Official NCH Software Store. Always the Best Price.

Always get the best pricing by purchasing directly with NCH Software. Shop our range of popular software titles for PC & Mac.

secure.nch.com.au

 

[souljacker]

Pretty sure I’ve got a free serial number for ableton lite if that’s any good to you?

Get started with Ableton Live 12 Lite | Ableton

Learn how to download, install and authorize your Ableton Live Lite license.

www.ableton.com

Live Lite is being given away free with Splice accounts at the moment. I've got a spare serial too though if editor wants it? I think it can do 16 tracks.

 

[editor]

Live Lite is being given away free with Splice accounts at the moment. I've got a spare serial too though if editor wants it? I think it can do 16 tracks.

I could give it a go if you don't mind!

 

[souljacker]

I could give it a go if you don't mind!

On it's way via PM

 

[BoxRoom]

Keeping an eye on this thread, looking for useful stuff too. I use Audacity regularly and have used Audition to good effect in the past, unfortunately lost the link to the free old version that was on that Adobe list. I think they've cut that version off now alas. I used Mixpad (and Wavepad etc) a long time ago too which was great, managed to utilise surround sound on that, if I recall correctly. There was a free trial that you could keep using by keeping on putting the computer clock back but, unhelpfully, I'm not sure if that works anymore.

 

[Crispy]

I need multitrack recording but I can't work out of the free version supports that?

Buy . Official NCH Software Store. Always the Best Price.

Always get the best pricing by purchasing directly with NCH Software. Shop our range of popular software titles for PC & Mac.

secure.nch.com.au

No idea, my computer only has one input

 

[editor]

I've had a play around with some of the older software kindly provided by urbanites, but I'm still keen to get a copy of adobe audition CS6 (the last standalone version) which would offer the easiest way of working with the band. I don't mind paying for the thing!

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

I'd go with Reaper tbh. Yes, it can become an insanely complicated full studio recording beast, but it can do simple multitrack recording with minimal fuss, and once you've learned the basics it will stand you in good stead for future projects.

 

[editor]

I'd go with Reaper tbh. Yes, it can become an insanely complicated full studio recording beast, but it can do simple multitrack recording with minimal fuss, and once you've learned the basics it will stand you in good stead for future projects.

I'm sure its ace, but it's $60 and I'm not really minded to get involved in anything more complicated than the basic needs I've outlined. That said, I'm going to take a look at their 'getting started videos.

The reason I'd like to get Audition is because that's what the singer uses and I have to be able to edit his files somehow (they come with a clock track which is what I'd need to record my drum part, but then I'd need to be able to mute that later. Does anyone know if Audition can output multitrack files that Reaper can read ad edit?

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

I'm sure its ace, but it's $60 and I'm not really minded to get involved in anything more complicated than the basic needs I've outlined. That said, I'm going to take a look at their 'getting started videos.

The reason I'd like to get Audition is because that's what the singer uses and I have to be able to edit his files somehow (they come with a clock track which is what I'd need to record my drum part, but then I'd need to be able to mute that later. Does anyone know if Audition can output multitrack files that Reaper can read ad edit?

It's free for as long as you need it to be

As for Audition - never used it, but if it can't export multitrack wavs that will import to any DAW it isn't fit for purpose, that's about as basic an audio editing task as there is...

 

[editor]

It's free for as long as you need it to be

It says:

From mission-critical professional environments to students' laptops, there is a single version of REAPER, fully featured with no artificial limitations. You can evaluate REAPER in full for 60 days. A REAPER license is affordably priced and DRM-free.

I'll give it a go later I think. Cheers for the tip.

 

[klang]

The reason I'd like to get Audition is because that's what the singer uses and I have to be able to edit his files somehow (they come with a clock track which is what I'd need to record my drum part, but then I'd need to be able to mute that later.

one way around it (if your software won't match) would be to get your singer to do two bounces - one with click, one without.

 

[editor]

one way around it (if your software won't match) would be to get your singer to do two bounces - one with click, one without.

So I'd have to sync up the non click version after I've recorded my drums?

 

[klang]

So I'd have to sync up the non click version after I've recorded my drums?

Just make sure the click and the non click version have the same starting point / same length. Piss easy to then line up on any software, even garage band if you must.

 

[klang]

you put the two versions underneath each other and un-mute whichever one you want to hear.
I do it all the time for exactly that - drum recordings to songs people worked at elsewhere on different software.