Best Software for Audio Editing: Expert Picks for 2024

In the constantly evolving digital landscape, finding the best software for audio editing can feel a bit like hunting for treasure in a vast sea—exciting yet daunting. Whether you’re stitching together your latest podcast, polishing up your band’s new single, or venturing into the intricate world of film scoring, the right DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) can make or break your project. The importance of choosing software that not only suits your creative needs but also meshes well with your audio hardware cannot be understated. With a myriad of options out there, each boasting features from pitch correction to MIDI support, navigating the audio engineering sphere can be overwhelming.

This article aims to serve as your compass, guiding you through the best software for audio editing available in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer searching for the best DAW software with advanced audio processing capabilities, a budding musician in need of user-friendly audio recording editing software, or a podcast creator looking for the best audio editing software for podcasts, we’ve got you covered. From industry-standard offerings like Avid Pro Tools to completely free treasures such as Audacity and specialized picks designed for Macs and iOS, we will explore a variety of options to ensure you find the perfect fit for your post-production needs. Let’s dive into the world of audio formats, interfaces, and software to discover how you can bring your sonic visions to life with unparalleled clarity and precision.

Best Overall: Adobe Audition

Features

Adobe Audition stands out as a comprehensive audio workstation designed to enhance your audio production workflow. This software not only allows you to create, mix, and design sound effects but also excels in editing and restoring audio content. With features like multitrack, waveform, and spectral display, it caters to a variety of audio editing needs. Whether you’re adjusting audio clips to perfection in a video project or crafting sound effects for your next game, Adobe Audition makes it seamless. Notable tools include the Loudness Meter for real-time audio analysis and the Remix feature, which lets you rearrange any song to fit any duration effortlessly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Adobe Audition provides an industry-leading toolset that includes everything from noise reduction to advanced spectral editing.
• It integrates well with other Adobe Creative Suite applications, making it a versatile choice for multimedia projects.
• The user interface is tailored for professionals, offering powerful tools like Batch Processing and the Essential Sound panel for high-quality audio—even if you’re not a pro.

Cons:

• Some users initially find the interface confusing and the software quite expensive compared to its alternatives.
• Feature updates and new releases have slowed down, which raises concerns about the future development of the software.

Who Should Use It?

Adobe Audition is ideal for a wide range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises, and is particularly favoured by those in the media industry. Whether you are a podcaster, a video producer, or an audio engineer, Adobe Audition has the tools to meet your needs. Its robust feature set makes it suitable for complex audio editing tasks, such as cleaning up field recordings or producing high-quality soundtracks for videos. If you’re involved in any form of digital media creation, Adobe Audition provides the precision and control required to produce professional-grade audio.

Remember, while it might seem a bit daunting at first with its array of sliders and buttons, think of it like a super-powered audio Swiss Army knife—complex but extremely handy once you get the hang of it!

Best Free Editor: Audacity

Features

Audacity, widely recognized as the world’s most popular free software for recording and editing audio, is a powerhouse packed into a user-friendly interface. It supports a variety of operations that you can perform on your audio files, including recording live audio through a microphone or mixer and digitizing recordings from other media. With Audacity, you can effortlessly edit your tracks with tools for cutting, pasting, and mixing volumes and apply a suite of effects to perfect your audio output. The software supports multiple audio formats like MP3, WAV, and AIFF and even allows you to import and combine them into a single project.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Audacity is completely free, making it accessible to everyone from hobbyists to professional producers.
• Versatile and Powerful: Offers a range of features from basic track editing to more advanced audio processing effects.
• Extensive Plugin Support: Compatible with a vast array of third-party plugins, enhancing its functionality.
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it caters to users across different operating systems.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: Some users might find the interface and multitude of features daunting at first.
• Limited Multitrack Editing: While it offers multitrack editing, it is somewhat restricted compared to more advanced DAWs, which might be a drawback for complex projects.
• No Real-Time Effects: Effects need to be previewed and rendered, which can slow down the editing process.

Who Should Use It?

Audacity is ideal for a wide range of users. If you’re starting a podcast, tweaking recordings of live music, or simply experimenting with sound design, Audacity provides the tools to do so effectively. It’s particularly beneficial for beginners due to its cost (free!) and the comprehensive support available from its community. Educators and students can also benefit from its straightforward interface and powerful features for audio analysis and enhancement.

This software is not just for casual use; even professionals who need to edit audio clips for presentations or digital content creation quickly will find Audacity’s robust feature set up for the task. Its ability to handle various audio formats and integrate with multiple plugins makes it a flexible choice for many audio editing needs.

Remember, just like a magic wand in the world of audio editing, Audacity might take a little getting used to. Still, once you’re familiar with it, it can perform audio editing tricks that are nothing short of spellbinding!

Best Budget: Ashampoo Music Studio

Features

Ashampoo Music Studio is dubbed the “Swiss Army knife” for your music, offering a comprehensive set of tools that make editing, producing, trimming, mixing, and organizing music and audio files a breeze. This software is equipped with eight handy modules that cover nearly everything a music lover might need on a computer. From recording popular streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music to creating mixtapes for your next party, Ashampoo Music Studio simplifies these tasks with its user-friendly interface.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive Toolset: Whether you want to edit, burn, or cut your favourite songs, Ashampoo Music Studio provides a robust suite of features to handle various audio tasks.
• User-Friendly: Designed with simplicity in mind, it allows even beginners to navigate its features easily, making it less daunting than more complex software.
• Versatility: It supports a wide range of audio formats and integrates well with different audio devices, ensuring a smooth workflow regardless of your hardware.

Cons:

• Limited Multi-Track Editing: While it offers basic multi-track editing, it may not suffice for more complex audio projects that require detailed track manipulation.
• Occasional Technical Glitches: Some users have reported minor technical issues, although these are generally quickly resolved.

Who Should Use It?

Ashampoo Music Studio is an excellent choice for budget-conscious music enthusiasts who need a reliable and versatile audio editing tool. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediate users who appreciate a straightforward setup without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re a podcaster, a budding musician, or just someone who loves to tinker with sound, this software provides the necessary tools to enhance your audio projects without breaking the bank.

Remember, while it may not have the bells and whistles of higher-end software, its charm lies in its simplicity and effectiveness—making it the perfect companion for your audio editing adventures!

Best for Macs: Apple Logic Pro

Features

Apple Logic Pro, the powerhouse of audio editing on Mac, is a dream come true for those entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. Known for its seamless integration with macOS, Logic Pro offers a suite of powerful creative tools for professional songwriting, beat-making, editing, and mixing. Suppose you’re looking to control music-making sessions from your iPad or iPhone. In that case, Logic Remote makes it a breeze, adding a layer of convenience and mobility to your music production process. With a massive collection of plug-ins and sounds, Logic Pro fuels your creativity and allows you to bring nuanced and lifelike performances to your tracks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Integrated Dolby Atmos Tools: Perfect for mixing and exporting songs as Spatial Audio, ensuring your tracks are Apple Music-ready.
• Vast Library of Virtual Instruments and Effects: Offers a wealth of creative options to enhance your music production capabilities.
• Intuitive User Interface: Even though it’s packed with advanced features, the interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.

Cons:

• Complex File Management: Some users find the file management for underlying resources to be a bit of a maze, which can be challenging to navigate.
• Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility: Exclusively available for Mac, which can be a drawback if you work across different operating systems.
• Overwhelming UI and Navigation: The extensive features can sometimes be daunting, especially for new users who might find the multiple windows and interfaces overwhelming.

Who Should Use It?

Apple Logic Pro is not just for the pros. Whether you’re a music teacher developing arrangements for students, a church volunteer mixing tracks for worship, or a corporate audio engineer handling in-house productions, Logic Pro X caters to a broad spectrum of users. Its versatility makes it a preferred choice in educational settings, religious institutions, and even among YouTubers who need quality background tracks for their videos. Suppose you’re involved in any form of audio production and are ingrained in the Apple ecosystem. In that case, Logic Pro offers the tools and quality you need to produce top-notch audio content.

Remember, while Logic Pro might initially seem like a complex beast, once you tame it, it becomes an indispensable ally in your music production adventures, making it much less scary than trying to teach your grandma to text without using emojis!

Best DAW: Ableton Live

Features

Ableton Live is celebrated for its innovative approach to music production, especially with its non-linear, non-destructive editing capabilities. It allows you to manipulate audio without permanently altering the original files, which is like having a magic undo button at your disposal. The software supports a variety of audio editing procedures, from basic trimming to complex effect applications, and even integrates with external editors for more in-depth modifications. Its unique Session View provides a dynamic platform for improvisation and performance, setting it apart from traditional linear DAWs by enabling artists to mix and match musical ideas without the constraints of a timeline.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Intuitive Workflow: Users find Ableton Live’s interface user-friendly, especially praising its Session View for fostering creativity and quick music manipulation.
• High Flexibility: It supports a vast range of music production features, from MIDI sequencing to advanced audio warping, making it suitable for various audio tasks.
• Strong Community and Support: With a large user base, finding tutorials, tips, and tricks is easier, enhancing the learning curve.

Cons:

• Complex Plugin Management: Some users report difficulties in managing VST plugins, which can be cumbersome when dealing with a large collection.
• Latency Issues: There are occasional complaints about latency, particularly when syncing with other hardware or software.
• Limited Audio Editing: While powerful, some users feel that its built-in audio editing tools are not as deep as those found in other DAWs like Cubase or Logic.

Who Should Use It?

Ableton Live is ideal for musicians and producers who thrive in a dynamic and improvisational environment. It is particularly well-suited for live performances thanks to its stability and flexible workflow. Educators and students will also find its intuitive design conducive to learning and experimentation in music technology. Its broad feature set caters to both beginners and professionals, making it a versatile choice for anyone interested in exploring electronic and loop-based music production. Whether you’re a DJ, a producer, or a live performer, Ableton Live offers a robust platform to unleash your musical creativity.

Remember, diving into Ableton Live might feel like venturing into a labyrinth at first. Still, once you get the hang of it, it’s like having a musical Swiss Army knife in your toolkit—equipped for any audio adventure you can imagine!

Best for Versatility: Cyberlink AudioDirector

Features

Cyberlink AudioDirector is a powerhouse that combines advanced audio editing capabilities with user-friendly features, making it a top choice for both beginners and experts. It offers a variety of tools like Vocal Remover, Audio Trimmer, and Voice Changer, which are accessible through its online version, AudioDirector Online, right from your browser. The software also includes innovative tools such as the EQ Match, which allows you to standardize audio levels across different clips, and the Spectral Recovery feature, enhancing the quality of altered or older recordings. For those who dread the pops and plosives in recordings, Cyberlink AudioDirector provides an easy solution to remove these disturbances, ensuring cleaner and more professional audio output.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cyberlink AudioDirector stands out with its integration of powerful AI tools that simplify complex audio editing tasks, making it accessible even to novices.
• The software offers a comprehensive set of features for recording, mixing, editing, and cleaning up sound files, catering to a wide range of audio editing needs.
• Users benefit from seamless app integration, enhancing workflow efficiency. For instance, adjustments made in AudioDirector can be effortlessly synced with PowerDirector, a video editing tool, without altering the original files.

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with the software’s compatibility with certain audio formats, which can hinder the functionality of features like the play button and other controls.
• The learning curve can be steep for those new to audio editing despite the intuitive design.

Who Should Use It?

Cyberlink AudioDirector is ideal for a diverse group of users. Whether you’re a content creator looking to produce high-quality videos with crystal clear audio or a musician aiming to perfect your tracks, this software provides the tools necessary for high-level audio manipulation. It’s also well-suited for educators and students who can take advantage of its educational features to enhance learning and creative projects. With its robust support for various audio formats and powerful editing tools, Cyberlink AudioDirector serves as a versatile solution for anyone involved in audio production.

Remember, while Cyberlink AudioDirector may initially seem like a complex toolkit, once you get the hang of it, it’s like having a high-tech audio lab at your fingertips—minus the white coat and safety goggles!

Best Industry-Standard: Avid Pro Tools

Features

Avid Pro Tools is not just any audio software; it’s a complete ecosystem for music creation. Imagine having a massive collection of plugins, instruments, and sounds to play with, all designed to make your music creation process as fluid as a river. Whether you’re starting with simple sketches or diving into detailed arrangements, Pro Tools supports you at every stage. Plus, with new features and sounds added every quarter, it’s like having a birthday party for your creativity four times a year!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Pro Tools is the go-to choice for almost every top music release and is equally revered in film and TV production. Its universal session format means you can take your project anywhere in the world and feel right at home in any studio.
• The software’s editing capabilities are legendary, with features like sample-accurate editing and single-key press shortcuts that let you work at the speed of thought.
• It’s not just about the tools; it’s about the community. The top professionals in the industry have influenced its development, making it a product that’s finely tuned to the needs of its users.

Cons:

• Newcomers might find the MIDI setup a bit cumbersome, and the virtual instrument interfaces could use some sprucing up.
• While it’s a powerhouse for traditional audio production, those looking to produce loop-based music might find it lacking specific features.

Who Should Use It?

Pro Tools isn’t just for the audio elite. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or part of a big studio, this software scales to fit your needs. It’s particularly suited for professionals in larger studios who require a robust support network and advanced features like Dolby Atmos mixing and extensive track handling.

Educators and students will appreciate the customizable nature of the software, allowing them to tailor it to their learning and teaching styles. And let’s not forget the independent artists and internet radio producers who rely on Pro Tools for its high-quality output and versatile functionality.

So, if you’re looking to step up your audio game and want a tool that grows with you, Pro Tools might be your new best friend in the studio. Remember, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of audio software—packed with all the tools you could need, even if it takes a bit of practice to unfold them all!

Did you know that Avid Pro Tools has been used not only in music and film production but also in unexpected ways, such as in the creation of soundscapes for theme park attractions and interactive museum exhibits? Its flexibility and industry-standard status have made it a go-to choice for audio professionals across a wide range of creative fields, including interactive media, virtual reality experiences, and live performance art. The software's robust feature set and extensive community support have contributed to its widespread adoption, making it an indispensable tool for audio creativity beyond traditional studio settings.

Best for iOS: Apple GarageBand

Features

Apple GarageBand transforms your iOS device into a full-featured recording studio, letting you play, record, and share your music no matter where you are. With a variety of Touch Instruments, you can feel like a virtuoso playing keyboards, guitars, and creating beats. The app includes a vast Sound Library where you can explore and download a plethora of free sounds, loops, and samples designed by top producers. GarageBand also offers Smart Instruments that make you sound like a pro, even if you’re starting.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accessibility: GarageBand is free and comes pre-installed on all Macs and iOS devices, making it highly accessible for beginners and professionals alike.
• Versatility: Whether you’re recording a simple vocal track or an entire band, GarageBand handles it with up to 32 tracks. The app supports a wide range of audio formats and integrates seamlessly with professional apps like Logic Pro for advanced production.
• Intuitive Interface: Designed with ease of use in mind, GarageBand’s interface allows even the most novice users to navigate its features effortlessly.

Cons:

• Simplicity as a Limitation: While its simplicity is appealing to beginners, more experienced users may find Garageband’s features somewhat limited. As users’ skills advance, they might feel constrained by the lack of more sophisticated editing tools.

Who Should Use It?

GarageBand is the go-to choice for iOS users looking to dive into music production without the steep learning curve associated with more complex software. It’s ideal for educators, students, podcast creators, and anyone interested in exploring music creation. The intuitive design and comprehensive features also make it suitable for professional musicians who need a portable solution to sketch out ideas on the go. If you’re starting out or if you’re a seasoned pro needing a quick and efficient tool for musical sketches, GarageBand offers the perfect blend of simplicity and power to bring your ideas to life.

Remember, diving into GarageBand is like unwrapping a new toy—it’s fun, easy, and you never know what musical journey it will take you on!

Conclusion

Navigating the vast ocean of audio editing software might feel like being a pirate without a map, but hopefully, this guide has served as an X marks the spot, leading you to treasure. From the needs of podcasters and professional musicians to those just dabbling in audio editing for fun, we’ve explored a variety of software that fit every budget and skill level. The diversity of options ensures that whether you’re mixing tracks for the next viral video or polishing your podcast, there is a tool out there that meets your needs, making your audio editing adventure less of a daunting quest and more of an exciting journey.

Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that the perfect audio editing software is not a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s more about finding the software that feels like your favourite comfy shoes; it just fits right. Whether you’re drawn to the free spirit of Audacity, the professional polish of Adobe Audition, or the innovative playground of Ableton Live, there’s something out there that echoes your creative voice. So take these insights, mix them with your flair, and embark on creating audio masterpieces. Remember, in the symphony of audio editing software, your creativity is the maestro, conducting the melody of your unique sonic signature.

FAQs

References

Show links

[1] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2024-audio-editing-software-market-trends-research-8twee
[2] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/audio-video-editing-software-market-size-future-cjtif
[3] – https://www.usemogul.com/post/the-best-audio-editing-software-top-picks-for-2024
[4] – https://www.techradar.com/best/best-audio-editor
[5] – https://www.g2.com/categories/audio-editing
[6] – https://www.usemogul.com/post/the-best-audio-editing-software-top-picks-for-2024
[7] – https://helpx.adobe.com/audition/using/whats-new.html
[8] – https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html
[9] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elLSUHirsKM
[10] – https://www.softwareadvice.com/audio-editing/adobe-audition-profile/reviews/
[11] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/adobe-audition/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[12] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/adobe-audition
[13] – https://community.adobe.com/t5/audition-discussions/the-future-of-adobe-audition/td-p/14615724
[14] – https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html
[15] – https://www.reddit.com/r/AdobeAudition/comments/1059uxf/what_are_the_advantages_of_using_audition_over/
[16] – https://www.audacityteam.org/
[17] – https://www.audacityteam.org/FAQ/
[18] – https://www.audacityteam.org/download/
[19] – https://producer.musicradiocreative.com/audacity-pros-and-cons-producers-honest-take-on-audacity/
[20] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/audacity/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[21] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/audacity
[22] – https://www.audacityteam.org/FAQ/
[23] – https://www.reddit.com/r/audioengineering/comments/1b7i168/should_i_use_audacity/
[24] – https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/is-audacity-audio-editing-really-necessary-for-youtube-lets-plays-if-so-what-settings-should-i-use/61843
[25] – https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/music-studio
[26] – https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/music-studio-9
[27] – https://www.techradar.com/reviews/ashampoo-music-studio-9-review
[28] – https://www.techradar.com/reviews/ashampoo-music-studio-9-review
[29] – https://cloudcovermusic.com/blog/best-music-editing-software
[30] – https://www.yahoo.com/news/ashampoo-music-studio-review-005552515.html
[31] – https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/music-studio
[32] – https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/burning-studio-2024
[33] – https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/music-studio-10
[34] – https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/
[35] – https://support.apple.com/guide/logicpro/use-the-complete-set-of-logic-pro-features-lgcp5cbf192f/mac
[36] – https://support.apple.com/guide/logicpro/welcome/mac
[37] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/logic-pro-x/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[38] – https://www.reddit.com/r/LogicPro/comments/ki59hx/what_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_logic_pro_x/
[39] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-logic-pro
[40] – https://businessmodelanalyst.com/apple-marketing-strategy/
[41] – https://www.nbcnews.com/technolog/logic-pro-x-latest-apples-return-pro-audience-6c10653476
[42] – https://gearspace.com/board/new-product-alert/1428335-apple-announces-logic-pro-ipad-2-logic-pro-mac-11-a-3.html
[43] – https://www.ableton.com/en/live/compare-editions/
[44] – https://www.ableton.com/en/live/all-new-features/
[45] – https://www.ableton.com/en/live/
[46] – https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/16ljbv/proscons_of_ableton_live_vs_other_daws/
[47] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/ableton-live/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[48] – https://crossfadr.com/2011/07/01/pros-and-cons-of-using-ableton-live/
[49] – https://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?t=232129
[50] – https://enlyft.com/tech/products/ableton-live
[51] – https://www.reddit.com/r/ableton/comments/e2v636/ableton_live_has_to_be_the_most_unfriendly_audio/
[52] – https://www.cyberlink.com/products/audiodirector/features_en_US.html
[53] – https://cyberlink-audiodirector.en.softonic.com/
[54] – https://www.cyberlink.com/products/audiodirector/overview_en_US.html
[55] – https://www.techradar.com/reviews/cyberlink-audiodirector
[56] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cyberlink-powerdirector
[57] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/powerdirector/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[58] – https://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/119394.page
[59] – https://directorzone.cyberlink.com/forum/
[60] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cyberlink-audiodirector-ultra-v14137230-aditya-kumar-qmo2c
[61] – https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
[62] – https://www.avid.com/pro-tools/whats-included-studio
[63] – https://www.reddit.com/r/musicproduction/comments/sto265/why_is_protools_the_industry_standard_daw/
[64] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/avid-pro-tools/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[65] – https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-Pro-Tools-Is-it-worth-the-money-or-are-there-any-other-options-that-could-be-more-affordable-but-just-as-capable-of-producing-high-quality-recordings
[66] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/avid-pro-tools
[67] – https://www.avid.com/pro-tools
[68] – https://www.reddit.com/r/audioengineering/comments/pvu4ie/why_are_people_still_using_pro_tools/
[69] – https://gearspace.com/board/music-computers/1207337-why-pro-tools-better-editing-audio.html
[70] – https://www.apple.com/ios/garageband/
[71] – https://support.apple.com/guide/garageband-iphone/welcome/ios
[72] – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785
[73] – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-garageband-for-mac
[74] – https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using-GarageBand
[75] – https://www.trustradius.com/products/garageband/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
[76] – https://www.6sense.com/tech/audio-marketing/garageband-market-share
[77] – https://www.start.io/blog/apple-target-market-analysis-apple-demographics-marketing-strategy-competitors/
[78] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insights-music-making-software-market-share-competitive-landscape-lexre
[79] – https://www.techradar.com/best/best-audio-editor
[80] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-vHAhu-oTc
[81] – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-audio-editing-software-use-2024-sunny-yadav-g7wrf
[82] – https://www.techradar.com/best/best-audio-editor
[83] – https://www.quora.com/Which-is-the-best-software-for-audio-editing
[84] – https://www.reddit.com/r/VoiceActing/comments/17416tw/whats_your_preferred_audio_editing_software_and/