Audio editing software is a vital part of the content creation process. Whether you’re a student learning the ropes, or a professional sound editor, having the right audio editor can make all the difference. When it comes to audio editing software, there are a lot of different options to choose.
Some audio editors are free, while others have expensive price tags. So, what is the best audio editor for beginner-level sound engineers, students, and sound editors? In this blog post, we will explore some popular audio editing software and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
The Best Free Audio Editing Software
As a student, free resources are always a plus. Generally, free software is associated with lower quality than paid software. However, some great free audio editors rival even the best paid software. Here are two of the best free audio editors:
Audacity
Audacity is a trendy, open-source audio editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The audio editor is a versatile, free audio editor that competes with many premium paid-for applications. It has a simple interface and is easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Audacity has many features, including recording live audio, editing audio files, and adding effects.
The program is frequently named one of the best audio editors, and it’s generally the first, last, and only stop for anybody searching for intelligent audio editing software – be it a novice or an expert. It has a well-deserved reputation. Audacity is an audio editor with many features supported by a large developer community. You can precisely create the sounds you want with the help of its colossal library of plugins.
The skill barrier is the only negative aspect of an open-source audio editor. It’s not as complicated as it appears, but newcomers should spend a few minutes learning the basics to get the most out of it.
Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is a cross-platform audio editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux; it has a simple, intuitive interface that is easy to use. Ocenaudio is a simple program to start your studies as a student. It’s ideal for editing audio if you find Audacity intimidating, yet you don’t want to compromise on features. The performance is excellent, with a responsive and light feel to the device. In addition, there is (to my knowledge) plugin support like that found in Audacity.
However, because Ocenaudio is so easy to use, its few shortcomings are easily overlooked. For example, you may instantly change the parameters of your music with Ocenaudio. As a result, altering effects such as reverb is quick and easy. The disadvantage, however, is a slower software update deployment rate. If you want to edit audio quickly, memorize Ocenaudio’s easy-to-use keyboard shortcuts. It will save you time in the long run.
Media.io
Audacity may not be the best option for you if you’re a beginner. Instead, try using Media.io to do some basic audio editing on your phone, computer, or tablet. The audio editor works perfectly as an MP3 editor; it’s a simple website where you may change audio formats like MP3, M4A, M4R, OGG, and AU.
Media.io is the perfect tool for anyone looking to trim and split audio by waveform, as well as add fade effects. Plus, it has other great features like an audio compressor, music remixer, and audio converter!
The Best Online Audio Editor
So far, we’ve discussed several different audio editing software solutions you can download and install on your computer. But what if you don’t want to install any software? Maybe you’re working on a public computer and don’t want to leave any trace of your work. Or perhaps you just don’t have the storage space for another program. If that’s the case, then an online audio editor is the way to go.
Audiotool
AudioTool allows you to create and edit videos online using your Chrome browser. That means you can access and manage your audio clips from anywhere. In addition, you won’t have to download anything new. A Chrome plugin is also available.
The tool shares more of Apple’s DNA with GarageBand than most of the best audio editors on our list and allows you to record 30-second segments of sound as samples. You can even blend pieces with digital instruments, tools, and drum machines built into the audio editing system.
Audiotool lets you change your tracks by adding filters from 14 different effects. You can also create a MIDI controller within the program or use a splitter tool to modify and control your audio signal. In addition, the website, which holds community and collaboration as top priorities, provides users with uploads of music made in Audiotool. This gives listeners a preview of what they could create with the software by hearing edits audio editors have already made.
Audio Editor: Honorable Mention
Not all audio editing software is created equal, and some didn’t quite make the cut for our list. However, here are a few honorable mentions:
Wavepad
Wavepad is a sound editor with many features available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Music, voice, and other audio recordings may be recorded and modified easily. Beginner-level sound engineers can cut, copy, and paste pieces of audio files to add effects like echo, amplification, and noise reduction while editing audio files.
The program is a WAV or MP3 editor that supports various other file types. You can even add audio effects that leave certain parts of your audio files muted.
Your Toolbox of Audio Editing Software Should Evolve
As you become more comfortable with sound editing, your software toolbox should evolve. As a beginner, finding an audio editor that is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of time to learn is crucial. But as you become more comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more complex software.
The important thing is to keep growing and expanding your skills as a sound editor. Remember, just because these audio editors are free doesn’t mean they’re not powerful. With the proper knowledge, you can create amazing things with any of these tools. What’s your favorite audio editor? Did it make it on our list?
