Most tools have a well thought out interface, convenient functionalities for both new and advanced users.
To choose the right one for you, there are several things to consider:
- what are you going to use it for?
- what are your skills?
- what budget do you have?
Here is the collection of audio processing software we have selected:
- Оcenaudio (macOS, Windows, Linux)
The best program for simple and fast music editing.
Despite its simplified interface, it has a number of powerful features for changing audio files. Easy to use by inexperienced users.
It also includes support for VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins that make it possible to use special effects in real-time.
There are also noise reduction options, 31 band equalizers and more.
The unique algorithms used do not require large system resources. Assessudio can run in the background and open multiple files at once.
It also looks pretty good visually (UX).
2. WaveLab Elements (macOS, Windows)
WaveLab Elements is a good alternative to Adobe Audition. It is also an abbreviated version of Steinberg’s much more expensive WaveLab Pro, incorporating a number of audio visualization, editing, and audio preparation tools.
Unlike Adobe Audition, WaveLab is not a multi-track editor, but in terms of its professional applications, it has many similarities, such as a wide range of effects and a user-friendly interface.
The wide range of audio visualization tools is also not an understatement.
It offers options for editing waveforms or using a spectral view to calculate different frequencies.
There is an option to add tags to each entry point or mark specific areas for later review.
WaveLab Elements comes with a modularly-based management suite, capable of creating a custom toolbox perfectly suited to music lovers and podcasters, without the mandatory subscription required by Adobe.
3. Hya-Wave (Chrome)
Hya-Wave is a member of a new wave of online editors for working directly in the browser. It has a clean and easy-to-use interface and no training is required.
It does not support multi-track recording but does allow copying, pasting, cutting and clearing of audio. You can upload and save the record to the cloud, with the ability to apply effects directly online, as well as share via social networks via the URL.
Browser-based editors are definitely the future of audio processing. They are also ideal for home processing because they do not require the installation of huge programs on your computer.
4. Acoustica Basic (Windows)
The only free editor with a reverb option enabled.
Acoustica Audio Editor is the perfect software solution for easy project creation and recording. It has a cleaning tool that is quite useful.
Unfortunately, its core package does not support multi-track recording, but it does have some very good quality analysis tools. This sound editing software is the best free editor with the included reverb tool (a special kind of digital technology for reflecting sound indoors).
Easy to operate, intuitive interface.
Free Audio Editor is a super easy-to-use desktop audio editing program whose key features are deleting unwanted parts of recording and splitting audio files. The interface is simple and straightforward, and the waveform is displayed in a display to assist users in visual editing.
The program also contains:
- convert audio to a wide range of formats;
- adjusting the volume;
- use of tags and selections to facilitate the work;
- supports many audio formats: MP3, WAV, AAC, AC3, M4A, MP2, OGG, WMA, FLAC.
Free Audio Editor does not support spyware or adware. It is very safe to install and use.
6. TwistedWave (Web)
The best online audio editor for sound.
TwistedWave is the best audio editor for web-based audio processing. It has access to a huge library of effects.
The free plan is limited to 5 minutes of mono recording, 16-bit audio, 48kHz, one hour of free online storage when registering for an account.
The basic plan gives a lot more options and also an option for stereo recording.
By giving access to a microphone, you can record directly into the browser or upload files for editing.
Price: Free for (limited features)
- one feature is that when the free plan is activated, the files are kept for up to 30 days if there is no activity;
- $5/month for stereo editing, 20 minutes file length and 10 hours of online storage.
7. REAPER
One of the titans of audio processing.
Reaper is a comprehensive digital audio application featuring a flexible set of features and stability. It is suitable for use both in professional studios and at home, for post-production of podcasts, for training and more.
8. Audacity (macOS, Windows, Linux)
Perhaps the best free audio editor with a recording option.
It offers recording and playback capabilities (supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, etc.), editing by cropping, copying and pasting, mixing tracks, applying effects to recordings, and more.
It also has a rich library of features — sound compressor, noise reduction, and automatic repair tool. There is support for external sound effects as well as VST, AU, LADSPA and LV2 audio generator plug-ins.
Due to its open-source, Audacity supports a wide range of formats such as Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, and M4A. A slight disadvantage is a cumbersome interface and the inability to record from several sources at the same time.
9. Adobe Audition (macOS, Windows)
The best sound processor if your budget is no problem.
This is probably the best solution for price-quality. It is updated and updated constantly and is compatible with the latest versions of macOS and Windows.
The Adobe Audition interface is clean, well-organized and customizable, with different panels optional and some removable. It offers useful recording and audio processing tools.
It has everything an audio processing program needs.
It contains a complete set of tools including multiple recording capability, waveform and spectral display for creating, mixing and editing audio content. In addition, it is also possible to record and process several tracks simultaneously that are connected to DAW (Digital Audio Workstations).
The software can improve the quality of a low-quality piece by turning it into a work of art. Multiple effects can be applied.
There is also support for VST / AU plugins.
Price: 23,99 EUR/month
10. FL Studio
One of the most powerful audio editors for professionals.
FL Studio has everything you need for professional sound processing wherever you remember — composing, organizing, recording, editing, mixing and shaping professional quality audio. If you want a professional tool, this is it!
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