Audio Editing Software Free for Any OS

1. Audacity

Alright, folks, Audacity is the granddaddy of free audio editing software, and it packs a punch. You can do some multi-tracking wizardry (think full band recordings) and drop in effects and plugins like a boss. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty darn easy to use. You can do some slick volume automation with the envelope feature and cut or mute sections of audio with no sweat. Recording? That’s a breeze too. Just a tip: if you’re into that gain staging/track balancing jazz, reset those gain sliders. And hey, don’t miss our post on how to EQ vocals – it’s gold.

Now, it ain’t all sunshine and rainbows with Audacity. The user interface might not win any beauty contests, and there are some features on the toolbar that’ll make you go, “Why are you even here?” But, hey, it may look like it’s from another era, but it gets the job done. Audacity is a rad starting point for anyone wanting a free editor.

2. Ocenaudio

Meet the new kid in town – ocenaudio. This fresh audio editor comes with a slick and colorful interface, making it easy on the eyes. It’s fast and doesn’t weigh you down like Audacity.

But here’s the kicker: it’s loaded with effects like compression, EQ, and reverb, and you can tweak them in real-time. That’s a game-changer because most free editors make you go through the ‘preview’ song and dance. Not ocenaudio. It’s got your back. Plus, it supports VST plugins, and you can record audio straight in. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are some nifty tools for pros, like a spectogram.

Now, here’s the scoop – it only supports single stereo/mono files. So, you won’t be creating multi-track masterpieces in your home studio. But for editing stereo music files or mono audio (like voice recordings), it’s a total win. If you want simplicity without all the bells and whistles of Audacity, ocenaudio is your jam.

3. Hya-Wave

Hya-Wave is part of the new wave of online audio editors that hang out in your browser. And it’s my fave from that crew.

This one’s been around since January 2015, but I only stumbled upon it recently. The interface is clean and user-friendly, and the learning curve? Practically non-existent. Three cheers for simplicity!

You won’t get multi-tracking, but you can copy, paste, cut, clear, and crop your audio like a champ. You can also save and load in the cloud, slap on some live effects, and share your creations on social media or via URL. If you’re a quick-on-the-draw editor and hate the idea of installing a bulky program on your laptop, Hya-Wave is your go-to pal.

4. WavePad

WavePad may look a tad old-school, but don’t let that fool you. It’s got the goods. Setting up and using it is a cakewalk, and it comes with a boatload of effects – noise removal, compression, reverb, you name it. There are also some slick analysis tools for those who know their stuff. And for the cool kids who love reverse reverb, it’s got your back.

You can do pitch and speed changes, and there’s even audio scrubbing. But, and here’s the kicker, it’s not into multi-tracking. So, if you’re looking to work on multi-instrument recordings in your home studio, this one’s not your ride.

But here’s what makes it dope – batch processing. You can apply compression, reverb, EQ, or any effect to a bunch of audio files at once. That’s a real time-saver when you’re in a jam.

5. TwistedWave

TwistedWave is another cool online app for tweaking your audio. It can’t do the multi-track dance, but it’s got the mojo when it comes to usability and features. Normalizing your audio is a breeze, and applying effects is child’s play.

Here’s a hot tip: When you’re deleting a section of audio, TwistedWave won’t leave you with awkward gaps. To remove noise without messing with the rest of the audio, just ‘mute’ or ‘silence’ the noisy part. Easy as hitting ‘s’ on your keyboard.

6. Wavosaur

Wavosaur may look like it’s been chilling since the age of the dinosaurs, but it’s no fossil. This baby is basic but it gets the job done. You won’t need a beastly internet connection to download this one – it’s just 1.3MB. Yep, you read that right.

It supports VSTs, although you’ll need to bring your own. It doesn’t come with any. But it’s got loads of rad analysis tools and volume automation is a piece of cake. It’s not the prettiest fish in the sea, but if you want to get stuff done without wrestling with a hefty application, Wavosaur is your dude.

Conclusion

Get ready to rock the audio scene with these free sound-editing tools. Whether you groove with the classic Audacity, vibe with the slick ocenaudio, or ride the online wave with Hya-Wave, these gnarly options will have you editing like a pro. So, grab your headphones, start mixin’, and let your audio creativity run wild. Your sound journey starts now!