File format support is limited (mainly MP3, OGG and WAV), and even then you'll need to install something like the LAME encoder to save MP3s. It's a mere 289KB download for Windows, with no adware or installation required, yet still comes packed with tools to edit, process, record, analyse and convert audio files. If you're tired of bloated software then Wavosaur might surprise you. It's available for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Ocenaudio doesn't have as many effects and high-end processing features as Audacity, but it's easier to use, and probably a better choice for audio editing beginners. You're able to have multiple selections active at the same time, then process them all simultaneously with a good range of effects.Įxport options include the ability to save audio files, upload them to an FTP server, or even create an iPhone ringtone. File management alone is exceptional: the program opens most audio or video formats (locally or via a URL), you can have several files open simultaneously, and it's easy to create new ones as required (make a selection, click Copy > Paste to New). There's none of the dated clutter you get with most of the competition, just a few key buttons and an area to drop your target files.ĭespite this apparent simplicity, there's a great deal of power here. Ocenaudio stands out immediately for its well-designed interface. Whether you're a beginner or an audio expert, there's plenty for you here. There are tools to reduce static, hiss or hum, adjust volume, change pitch without adjusting the tempo (or vice versa), remove vocals and more, as well as plugins to extend the program even further.
Open a file, its waveform is displayed, and you can select sections, cut, copy or paste them, maybe export the selection as some other format.Īudacity's big plus is its wide range of effects. The program has built-in support for a good range of files – WAV, OGG, MP3, FLAC – and an optional FFMPEG-based library extends this to just about every audio format that's ever existed (it can even import video soundtracks).īasic operations work much like other editors. reality: Everything you ever need to know about audioĪudacity is a hugely popular open source audio editor for Windows, OS X and Linux. We've cut, pasted, trimmed, normalised, re-encoded and generally played around with a host of audio tools – and these are some of the best desktop and mobile audio editors around.
Whether it's creating ringtones, tweaking the volume or trimming awkward silences, everyone needs a good audio editor occasionally.įinding the right package can be a challenge because there's such a vast selection of tools out there, ranging from the feeble and underpowered to the horribly complex.ĭon't worry, though, there's no need to investigate every audio editing option, because we've done it for you. This feature was first published in March 2013.
Note: Our best free audio editing software round-up has been fully updated.