Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Although Macs come with some decent audio software such as GarageBand, Audacity goes beyond the Apple-designed app in many ways. The one area it isn't so successful in is its user interface, which can be overwhelming.
As you launch Audacity, you'll be greeted by a pop-up window that leads you to multiple Help files. You'll need these files if you want to use all the great features that the small application has in it. You'll likely be overwhelmed by the number of tools that are available, but you'll get used to them as soon as you start reading the Audacity Wiki. It is available in multiple languages, which we consider a great addition to the software.
Although the interface needs some work to make it more user-friendly, all the basic editing tools are available and visible at first glance. You will need to spend some time playing around with the app before you can master the program, even after reading the Help files, but we found it was worth the time investment. People who hunger for special effects will have a long drop-down list to choose from, and depending on your Mac's performance, the app will apply those filters in no time. We also liked the export options, which are more than GarageBand offers.
Overall, we liked this speedy little app, but novice users might not be willing to spend the time necessary to get up to speed using Audacity. For more-advanced users, we recommend giving this app a try.
Publisher's Description
From Audacity Developer Team:
Audacity is a free audio editor. You can record sounds, play sounds, import and export WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files, and more. Use it to edit your sounds using Cut, Copy and Paste (with unlimited Undo), mix tracks together, or apply effects to your recordings. It also has a built-in amplitude envelope editor, a customizable spectrogram mode and a frequency analysis window for audio analysis applications. Built-in effects include Bass Boost, Wahwah, and Noise Removal, and it also supports VST plug-in effects.
What's new in this version:
Bug fixes
General
- Crash using Undo whilst time-shifting a track.
- Crash using Repair if the selection extended into an empty track.
- Export Multiple didn't prevent export if there was no audio or all audio was muted. This allowed export of small invalid files.
Time Track
- Loop ... See all new features
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 89 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-2 of 2
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"Audacity is a great program."
Version: Audacity 2.0.3
Pros
All positive.
Cons
There's a learning curve, yes, but it is a very rewarding one.
Summary
Audacity is worth any amount of time you can make available to work with it. It will reward you amply.
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"Free. Good"
Version: Audacity 2.0.3
Pros
quick and easy to down load. Intuitive response better than struggling with separate download for help.
Depending on computer expertise can be plain sailing.
I remember using earlier version and getting used to it quite quickly. It certainly lives up to its promise to provide all you need to do a good recording session.Cons
Why after downloading should you need to download help separately.
It may be that it is windows 8 making life more difficult. But,I remember the earlier version being so much more friendly. After the simple easy download things go downhill fast. It is honest. Saying you will need another download, or other programmes will not play these recordings. Download three?? Then you struggle with how these work together. Then give up.
OK. I am some years into computer use. But still struggling with Geek speak. Which assumes that you just cannot be that dumb. And
I am. So unless there is access to simple English. I and others, will continue to struggle with what could be a very good programmeSummary
Good programme. But, makes life difficult
Results 1-2 of 2
