For a person who has even the slightest knowledge in the field of working with sound, the phrase “audio editor” will have a rather predictable association. Fl Studio, Cubase, Logic - everyone knows the names of these brands, behind which are powerful audio stations (DAW) that allow you to create incredible things with a sound wave. But not every person will want to download 1.5 GB, which will later take up 7 GB of “live space” on the hard drive, just to cut a favorite moment from a song. And it’s not a fact that a person who first saw, for example, the inscription Ableton on the screen of his monitor, will be able to find the Export button in a fancy application interface.
It is for those who need a lightweight (both in volume and in mastering) editor with an intuitive button layout, there is a program called Audacity
Audacity
Audacity is a simple yet powerful audio editor that allows you to both edit existing recordings and create new ones using a stock microphone. In addition to external receivers, the program allows you to record the sounds of the system itself.
In terms of editing projects, Audacity offers a wide range of options, allowing you to classify this application as a serious audio software. In addition to simple operations - cutting an audio track, changing the volume level (attenuation, etc.), the program allows you to add a huge number of effects, such as:
- reverberation (the effect of sound propagation in a large room)
- sound compression (increasing / compressing the volume of the quietest and loudest parts of the sound). For compression, I recommend using the Dyson Compressor plugin.
- echo (the effect of sound propagation with a delay in space)
- various FX signal delays (flanger, chorus, phaser, also the famous "wah-wah", used mainly in jazz, country music)
- change in pitch (allows you to make a roar of a dork from a recording of a teenager's voice)
- reverse (playing a track, or already a section of a track, vice versa)
- equalizer (there are built-in presets)
It's also nice that the degree, volume and other parameters of the effects can be automated, as in "large" programs.
Other "pros" of Audacity:
- Omnivorous. The editor "eats" a huge number of audio formats, among which there are the most common ones, such as MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA
- Huge number of built-in effects
- Ease of learning
- Free. "Edit and don't pay"
- Ability to work with "noise", "peaks" and other types of distortion
- Fast work with large files
- Ability to work with file discretization and its qualitative change
OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux
Whether you want to make music, record a podcast, or just knock together a ringtone, you'll need a good quality Mac audio editor. There are some amazing audio editors for Mac available that won't break the bank. In fact, many won't cost you anything at all.
So, from quick and simple apps to professional level tools, here’s our pick of the best affordable and free audio editing software for Mac.
1Audacity
Audacity is the first audio editor that most people will stumble upon through a Google search. It's an easy recommendation. It’s free and open source, has a fairly straightforward interface, and supports a massive number of file types, including MP3 and WAV.
You can record straight into the app (though not using instruments), or edit existing files. There’s an enormous number of effects you can use, a spectrogram for analyzing frequencies, and it supports high quality 32-bit audio as well.
Audacity is a fantastic starting point for anyone who needs a simple editor, but has enough power to grow as you become more experienced. The only downside is that it doesn't support full non-destructive editing, so make sure you've got a backup of your original audio before you begin.
2.Wavepad
WavePad is another highly competent Mac audio editor that's free so long as you're only using it non-commercially.
It supports a large number of file types. It allows you to work on multiple files at the same time, and you can even batch process thousands of files at once. WavePad supports audio bookmarking, the usual range of effects and some text-to-speech and vocal manipulation tools to boot.
The multi-window interface takes a little getting used to, but as a free WAV or MP3 editor for Mac it's well worth a look.
4. PreSonus Studio One Prime
For the best free audio software mixing look no further than Studio One Prime. It's a free version of a professional suite that would normally set you back $399.
You can create or mix music with the built-in effects, instruments, and loops. And it's just as good for recording and editing podcasts and voiceovers. It takes some time to find your way around the interface—let alone master. But if you're willing to invest the time Studio One Prime has got everything you'll need in a free package.
5. Avid Pro Tools First
Pro Tools is the industry standard for audio production. Pro Tools First is a free, stripped down taster for new users.
It's feature rich but a daunting proposition, with a complex interface and steep learning curve. It also needs a more powerful computer than the other apps we've listed here. There's a big limitation on free users—you can only save your files to the Avid cloud servers, and you can only have three projects on the go at once.
Pro Tools First is overkill if you're only looking to edit your podcast. But if you want to try your hand at recording and mixing music you won't find better free sound editing software.
6. Garage Band
Finally, as far as free audio editors for Mac are concerned, don’t overlook the app you’ve already got installed on your machine… GarageBand.
Although it's designed primarily as a tool for making music, the app works as basic audio editing software. You can record directly into the app, or import and edit existing recordings. It’s a decent option for podcasters, too, with voice-optimized features built in.
7. Reaper
On to the paid options, and at $60 Reaper is at the upper end of what we'd class as a cheap audio editor. But it comes with a very generous 60-day free trial, so you'll know whether or not it's for you long before you have to stump up any cash.
And the signs look good. Reaper is loved by its userbase. It's a small download, and much lighter than the likes of Pro Tools First. It supports all common file formats at whatever quality you need, and you can use Virtual Studio Technology makes music production easier than ever, and these free VST plugins are the best of the best., making thousands of instruments and effects available.
What it lacks compared to similar commercial products is a sound library. But the internet is packed with thousands of freely downloadable samples you can use to build your own.
8.Adobe Audition
I know what you're thinking—no Adobe products are cheap! It's true that using Audition long term will set you back hundreds of dollars. But if you're just working on a specific project and you want the best, you can pick it up for a month for a little over $30.
Adobe Audition is a choice for all types of audio editing and popular mixing. It’s great for music and podcasts, and even integrates with Adobe Premiere Pro so you can create soundtracks for your videos. There's very little it can't do and very few file types it doesn't support.
More Mac Software for Creative Types
It's surprising just how good the free or cheap audio editors for Mac are. There are apps in this list that are suitable for anything, from quick 5-minute jobs to launching your recording empire. However, if you're planning to use one of these apps to start a podcast, make sure you invest in first.
Apple's macOS has always been the platform of choice for creative types. If video is more your thing, check out Need to edit video on a budget? These free Mac video editors let you perform essential video editing tasks at no cost. to get started.
