Switch to AT&T Mobile ShareCNET Editors' review
Those who want to edit audio files may not be satisfied with the native options available on their Mac. WavePad for Mac functions well and has most of the features users look for in a usable audio editor.
WavePad for Mac is available as a free trial version with a 14-day usage limit, while the full version requires payment of $129 to unlock. Despite requiring the user to accept a lengthy licensing agreement, the program did download and install quickly. Video tutorials and technical support were both available. The program's main menu is cluttered but well designed. Buttons for creating a new file or opening an existing one are also well positioned. The program opened an existing MP3 file quickly and with no errors. The main window displays the audio file's sound output visually, which makes it easier for editing. In addition to major features like cutting and copying sections, the program can also process files in batches, making working with a number of audio files a lot easier. After editing, the audio output file's sound matched the original and the changes incorporated well.
For users who want to edit large numbers of audio files, WavePad for Mac contains all of the features expected of this type of program and performs well.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of WavePad for Mac 5.14.
Publisher's Description
From NCH Software:
WavePad is a sound editor program for Mac OS X. This software lets you make and edit voice and other audio recordings. You can cut copy and paste parts of recording and, if required, add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction. Features: Sound editing functions include cut, copy, paste, delete, insert, silence, auto trim and more. Audio effects include, amplify, and normalize, equalizer, envelope, reverb, echo, reverse, sample rate conversion. Special effects include reduce vocals, distortion, chorus and more. Batch processing allows you to apply effects and/or convert your files as a single function
More Products to Consider
-
Convert MPC, APE, WV, FLAC, OGG, WMA, AIFF, WAV and Video to MP...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Universal, highly tweakable DVD/video ripper and converter.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
WavePad Music editor software to edit songs and other music rec...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Mix, scratch and remix MP3s or music videos live.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Switch Mac audio file format converter. Convert between over 40...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Play nearly any audio or video file without additional codecs.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Download videos and transfer to mobile devices.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert your music to WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG or Apple Lossles...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
YouTube video player and downloader.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Music player with social aspects.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Create subtitles, captions, annotations.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Save YouTube videos in MP3 format.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert your records and tapes to CD, MP3, AAC, MP3, FLAC, OGG,...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Manage your music and movie libraries on your Mac, iPod, iPhone...DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Audio editor/recorder with effects, mixing, & unlimited undo.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Tag and transcribe audio and video files.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Mac video file format converter. Convert avi, mov, wmv, 3gp and...DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Listen to free Internet radio.Visit SiteThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Digital video editing system.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Sound recording app. Record notes, voice and other audio.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Beatslicing effect for VST/MAS/RTAS host programs.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Create media sequences for theater, dance, installation & more.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Music creation and audio production.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Learn to play an instrument, write music, record a song.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install
-
All versions:
2.9 starsout of 16 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"This program works the way I would expect!"
Version: WavePad 4.54
Pros
The whole concept of Skype is great, especially when you get to see and talk with our grandchildren.
Cons
This application still seems to take up a lot space on my desktop, so I am forced to move it all to the right off screen most of the time.
-
"Works great!"
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
Understandable at a glance!
Cons
My 14-day trial ran out in 7, giving me time to convert into mp3s only 11 audio cassettes out of fifty!
Summary
I'm going to have to buy this software! Got LPs I want to convert into mp3s, too!
-
"Good learning program"
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
Easy controls
Cons
I have a lot to learn
Summary
Worth starting here!
-
"WavePad audio editor is a winner on Mac."
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
I like the easy to use interface and the simplicity of the program. WavePad has sophisticated tools that are easy to use.
Cons
It seems to me they should create one program that would run on a PowerPC or Intel operating system.
Summary
I was very happy with Mac version of WavePad and performed beyond my expectation.
-
"Short and Simple."
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
Very easy to edit. Anyone ,not dumb enough, could use it effectively.
Cons
My only gripe is that when I finish editing I hear (barely) some clicks and Pops
Summary
I recommend it. Excellent product.
-
"Terrible compared to Wavepad for PC Greatly disapointed"
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
There are no pro's compared to the MANY of pros their were with Wavepad for PC
Cons
clicks and pops when saving any format.
distortion in files
terrible quality when saving files (sounds like a recording.)Summary
I greatly disliked wavepad sound editor for mac computers, Wavepad sound editor for PC was amazing and i never had any problems with it when i was using a PC. I find the quality of any music format saved in wavepad on a mac is greatly decreased with clicks and pops. I found if you load a wav file on Wavepad and then save it without even making any changes to the file, the quality will be greatly decreased no matter how you are saving it, This problem i never had with Wavepad for a PC
-
"There are better FREE editors .yticaduA"
Version: WavePad 3.14
Pros
Is good for editing.
Cons
Licensing is a ripoff scheme, old version not available anymore.
-
"Nice and Simple"
Version: WavePad 4.53
Pros
Easy to use
Straight forward interface
Intuitive
Supports lots of formats
Free!Cons
None for me
Summary
I was looking for something that would edit my sound files. Did not want anything to fancy and WavePad seemed to fit the bill. I have been using it now for some time and have not found anything that I could not do. Love the fact that it is easy to use out of the box. No real need to poke around as the controls are right there. Not sure how robust it is since I really don't need it.
-
"Caveat emptor. They throw you on the barby like shrimp."
Version: WavePad 3.14
Pros
Pro: WavePad is very good software. It's NCH's slippery license paragraphs, obfuscartion, and weird Rube Goldberg key code procedures for installing the software that makes it unattractive.
Cons
The review above, "You must be wary in purchasing from NCH Software" by RandalOulton says it all. READ IT. NCH is a collection of Australian characters with the most confusing of restrictive reinstallation rules. Just hope you never have a crash.
Summary
Note how NCH handles uncomplimentary reviews. Only the critcal reviews also receive an opposing, favorable "Editor's Review." Even if the complaint is exclusively about NCH's business practices, their editorial response is always about how great their software is. Apples and oranges arguments bother them not at all. If you want to reinstall WavePad after a crash, you will likely end up buying it again. You get a whopping 2 reinstalls per 12 months. Even so, if you don't have your exact, original file version of the software on hand, all the key codes, registration codes, and secret handshakes won't let you reinstall it. One decimal point change in version makes your key codes, etc. obsolete. There's a gotcha in the instructions that tells you to store your original file, but this EXTREMELY important information gets no emphasis, not even italic typeface. NCH "can't afford the expense" to keep the older versions available on line for you. To put the older versions on their website would bankrupt the poor company. WavePad is good software, but the hassles if you need to reinstall it aren't worth it.
-
"You must be wary in purchasing from NCH Software."
Version: WavePad 3.14
Pros
I purchased this product in July of 2008. Website & activation process were *very* confusing but I got through it after a determined hour.
Cons
Redownloaded from the website 1 Jan 2009 to reinstall on a new computer.
Summary
Discovered they had snuck the version number up by a fractional decimal point to correct some bugs in the software AND that you must repurchase the software all over again for any new versioning, including their fixing their own bugs. To force you to do this, they won't even supply on their website the original point release you purchased. Purchasing documentation does NOT make it clear that you purchased only a particular fractional point release and are not entitled to bug fixes. Summary: avoid. They are nickle and dime artists. They are not a vendor you can rely on and have a relationship with. They feel more like a bait and switch operation.
