Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
With so many audio editors out there, finding the right tool for the job can be tricky. The multiplatform, open-source editor Audacity has leaped to the top of our list with its clean interface, excellent features, and support for 32-bit floating-point audio. Audacity succeeds at being both feature-rich and flexible, while keeping the toolbar and work space uncluttered. It does this by relegating most functions--such as effects, edits, and project management--to handy drop-down menus.
Audacity supports uncompressed audio standards such as WAV and AIFF in addition to OGG and MP3 files. A full complement of basic effects such as reverb, delay, and compression are included. Virtual Studio Technology (VST), Linux Audio Developers Simple Plugin Architecture (LAPSDA), and Nyquist plug-ins also are available if you're looking to expand. Another eye-catching feature is the Beat Analyzer, which helps you peg the beats per minute of a phrase.
The performance of most functions is quick--even CPU-hogging tasks such as exporting to MP3 or adding complex effects. Though Audacity doesn't offer advanced effects or features out of the box, its usability and price set this freeware wonder above the crowd.
Watch the CNET video review of Audacity:Publisher's Description
From Audacity Developer Team:
This editor can record and play sounds and import and export WAV, AIFF, MP3, and OGG files. Edit your sounds using cut, copy, and paste features (with unlimited undo functionality), mix tracks, or apply effects to your recordings. The program 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, wah wah, and noise removal, and the program also supports VST plug-in effects.
Version 1.2.6 enables FLAC support and contains some bug fixes.
What's new in this version: Version 2.0 improves many effects, improves track labeling, features automatic crash recovery, and more.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 761 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
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"Many steps have to do for recording the songs."
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
It is nice to get some of the songs out to mp3.
Cons
Many steps have to do for recording the songs
Summary
It is nice to know it there to use.
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"Great, but lacks some of the things I wanted most..."
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
This program allows you to record several tracks and mix them, easily and effectively. Basic recording is extremely easy and recording a live song is the easiest thing to do with this program.
Cons
You can't add bass, mid, or treble to the final track, or individual tracks through this program, which makes it very difficult to use this as a professional program. Even if you do have a mixer plugged in it's nice to have these effects in the actual program. You also lack (what I think is a key component) the ability to save the final product as an MP3 without an additional program.
Summary
Great for recording, but some of the most basic and simple things I was looking for in this program just weren't there...
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"About to erase this :-("
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
Seems like it does a lot
Cons
NO idea how to use this AT ALL
Summary
Maybe I'm really slow, but I just wanted to fix up a song for my website to promote my voice, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to use this, my head hurts now and so I am deleting it. I'm very sad and frustrated. :-(
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"Easy to install and use with good results."
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
Easy installation; Ease of use (I hate reading directions; Good end product; Easy to export and use in other programs, like Camtasia and Adobe Presenter; Oh and GREAT price
Cons
None None None
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"Great freeware"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
Great audio freeware. Period. Very powerful software considering it's free. Also never had a memory conflict, crash, or hang on XP or W7.
Cons
Be aware that this software records only sounds that are generated from your sound card. No direct recording so the sound quality is only going to be as good as your sound card.
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"I wanted 1 thing, no more!"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
on top, top rated
Cons
I just don't trust someone who offers more then you ask for.. lets say you download a game and pow, you got a game you can't delete. I'm sure this company is the tops.
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"good basic recording features"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
good quality codices support, good support for program questions in help and forums
Cons
when ripping LP, it can be hard to break a LP side into its tracks; after a side has been ripped. however, fairly easy to break side into tracks if you listing, live for the breaks. all in order to create CD with tracks just like the CD from a retailer you can surf through by song.
Summary
all and all, good tool to record for intermediate user, could be improved in how the track breaks are detected during ripping LP; or better, setting for low noise vs length of time of low noise threshold (led in/out) so tracks are added more reliably, automatically.
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"Not recommended if you have aggression issues"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
Comes with great tools and effects for free software.
Cons
Absolute nightmare to use. I'm not exaggerating either. You will get so frustrated using Audacity. Trying to manipulate audio stuff in it is like trying to juggle a fish, and jello at the same time. I basically use it to apply one thing at time, like change tempo function. If I have to do anything else, I have to take a stress relief course afterwards, or an anger management course. It would be so much better if they had grid lines in the playlist, as well as snap-to function for it.
Summary
Great effects for free software but absolute nightmare for extensive work.
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"Great to use, but BE CAREFUL!"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
Easy to use, plenty of effects, editing tools, its easily a $60 program, if not more...for free. Fantastic program.
Cons
Crashes randomly. I've run windows XP, Vista Home Premium, and 7 home premium on different computers and they have all done the same thing. They crash if you try to cancel a save. You would probably ask "why would you want to cancel a save process?" well, i dont save, I export as WAV or mp3. it's easier and i dont have to deal with as many files. well, save. save after every edit, because Audacity DOES recover, but It's usually corrupted.
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"Audacity 2.0 is here!!!!"
Version: Audacity 2.0
Pros
What can I say....Audacity will always be on a computer of mine as long as I live. First it's free....ya' can't beat the price anywhere...secondly it's easy to use. You can record and mix tracks all day using just a simple PC....no matter how simple the PC is or How many "bells and audio whistles" ya' put on it Audacity will take it...While it's not my recorder of choice for pro audio it is my recorder for choice if I gotta Idea and I don't want to go through a bunch of setup screens torecord...let's face it by then the essance of the Idea for the song would be long gone....but with this simple program you can create all day long....just point click and record mutitrack ideas...for free!!!!
Cons
How can you put cons on a freebee???? As long as it works Hey it's free use it for what it was intended to be used for...If you want something more goto your local music store and flop down 2 grand..It's as simple as that! I did hear a few flaws in this version as compared to 1.3 but like I said....It's free! I'm sure there will be some patches downloadable soon.
Summary
As always Aduacity came through with another award winning package....FOR FREE!!!! and dispite all the B.S. from the big time musicians who are in the biz for the money go out and buy your 10K recording time at a big guy studio and print your $25.00 cd's as for me.....I make my music for free.....and I give it to God for free.....it's a gift that always gives back in fun as it used to be....as so many have forgotten....except for the folks at Audacity!
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