Wavosaur

For a lightweight, portable audio editor, Wavosaur has a lot going for it, starting with ASIO and VST compatibility and including recording, editing, batch conversion, audio analysis, looping, and real-time effects processing and resampling. Wavosaur is also MIDI-compatible, and its commands can be triggered and controlled by external MIDI devices. Though a compact 768KB in size, Wavosaur packs some advanced features, too, such as volume envelope analysis and editing, slicing, auto-slice, and waveform generator. It handles most media file types, accepts plug-ins, incorporates high-quality spectral displays, and has plenty of support, including a user forum, tutorials, and skins. Recent updates include new VST and rack visualizations. Wavosaur is portable freeware (donationware) for Windows 2000 to 7.

Since Wavosaur is a portable tool, you'll need to extract its compressed executable and README files. We suggest creating a new folder on your desktop or some memorable place since you'll also need to keep the configuration files with the program. Wavosaur's busy toolbar, gray tones, and slider levers add up to a distinct resemblance to a word processor, which is a familiar sight to many users and makes Wavosaur quick and easy to start up with, though Web-based Help resources and tutorials are available, too. We started by loading a variety of audio file types. Wavosaur opened nearly all the files, though not everything (like WMA files, for instance). But of course Wavosaur specializes in large files like WAVs. Both pro and amateur users will be pleased to know that Wavosaur uses the nearly standard format of twin spectral displays, easy selection of start and end points, and a wide range of effects and processing tools. With ASIO direct monitoring via an external soundcard, Wavosaur's sound quality was excellent.

Wavosaur's businesslike face might not win many beauty contests, though we find its plain gray wrapper a nice break from the ubiquitous white fonts on black backgrounds (plus you can re-skin it if you don't agree). Pro studio integration via ASIO, VST, and MIDI compatibility simply set Wavosaur above the crowd, though it's as flexible and easy to use as much less capable tools, too, including some premium programs.