With so many audio editors out there, finding the right tool for the job can be tricky. Available from CNET Download.com for Windows, Mac, and even in Mac and PC portable editions, open-source Audacity sits at the top of our list for its clean interface, excellent features, and support of 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, Linux Audio Developers Simple Plugin API, 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. Though Audacity doesn't offer advanced effects or features out of the box, its usability makes it pitch-perfect.
The editors here at CNET Download.com have bashed our heads together trying to sort through the bloody mess that was the past 12 months in software. The rise of webware sure changed the playing field, but we think we've found 10 Windows applications that are either new to the world or had such a major upgrade that they might as well be. We present these in no particular order, but please feel free to add your favorites in the comments below.
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Audacity's updated equalizer tool adds power and maneuvering room.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Audacity's follow-up to its cult-classic audio editor, Audacity 1.3, warrants the attention of amateur and "prosumer" music editors. Audacity 1.3 adds minor (though useful) editing effects, and greases the wheels with some time-saving functionality. Of Audacity's recently integrated features, the new repair tool, improved equalizer, and souped-up selection bar will have the biggest impact on track masters.
The repair effect bridges two sections of a track over a minor audio irregularity, such as a distortion spike. Docked at the bottom of the app, the selection toolbar adds control to set a track's audio position alongside its project rate. Most impressive is the new equalizer, which adds larger dynamic range, and additional filtering and view controls.
Unlike some beta releases, Audacity 1.3 won't cannibalize the stable version, Audacity 1.2, so feel free to fix, fine-tune, and equalize at will. Although this beta release hasn't been approved as stable yet, it's a good way to master Audacity 1.3's new features in advance.
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