Audio Editing Software 2024 Buyers Guide | G2

Audio editing software empowers users to craft and refine audio files. They can delete, replace, cut, copy, and paste audio clips like text editing. This versatile tool can rearrange audio sections and generate new audio components.

What are common features of audio editing software?

Audio editing software has a wide range of features that vary by tool and use case. Some core components of audio editing software include:

• Sound filters apply advanced effects like amplification, normalization, and reverb. It enhances audio editing by removing background noise, limiting, compressing, and expanding.
• Volume control is essential for the precise control that makes fine adjustments for audio and video tracks possible. It prevents automatic volume reductions during narration or dialogue for seamless playback.
• Leveling automates volume alignment across a project’s diverse sound files. It simplifies the workflow for producers, swiftly balancing disparate audio file levels.
• Clipping tools enable editing start/stop times and duration to facilitate flawless transitions. 
• Exporting files is a feature that helps import and export audio files in various formats for easy editing and sharing. Audio editing solutions can convert files to different audio formats for enhanced accessibility and versatility. This ensures smooth collaboration and compatibility with other systems and platforms.
• Noise reduction eliminates or diminishes unwanted background noise from audio recordings. These features provide a cleaner and more polished final audio product.
• Multichannel recording allows users to experience the versatility of multichannel recording to capture audio from multiple sources concurrently. This feature provides flexibility for complex recording setups and helps maintain a cohesive and synchronized production.
• The import/export format ensures compatibility with multiple file formats. Enjoy the freedom to work with preferred audio sources and easily share creations across platforms.

What types of audio editing software exist?

Various options exist within audio editing software, each presenting distinct advantages and disadvantages. Exploring the different kinds provides choices based on specific preferences and requirements.

• Basic audio editors are designed for simple audio editing tasks such as cutting, copying, and pasting segments. They are user-friendly and suitable for beginners or those with straightforward audio editing needs.
• Professional digital audio workstations (DAWs) are comprehensive software solutions for recording, editing, and mixing audio. They often include advanced features like multitrack editing, virtual instruments, MIDI capabilities, and various effects. Professional DAWs are commonly found in music production, film scoring, and audio post-production.
• Audio restoration software is specialized to repair and restore audio recordings. They offer features such as noise reduction – removing clicks, pops, and hums – making them essential for cleaning up and improving the quality of audio files.
• Free and open-source software provides accessible options for users with budget constraints. They often offer basic to intermediate audio editing capabilities, making them suitable for users who don't require advanced features.
• Specialized audio editing tools are designed with specific tasks in mind, like mastering or technical editing functions. They may offer advanced features tailored to the needs of professionals in fields like music production, sound design, or broadcasting.

What are the benefits of audio editing software?

The benefits of using a text editor include:

• Precise control. Audio editing software lets mixers cut, copy, paste, and manipulate audio accurately. This precision is essential for trimming, arranging, and enhancing audio elements.
• Enhanced quality: Producers can apply various tools and effects that improve the overall quality of audio recordings. This includes removing background noise, reducing clicks and pops, and enhancing clarity.
• Multitrack editing: Many audio editing software applications support multitrack editing, enabling users to work simultaneously with multiple audio sources. This is crucial for tasks like mixing and arranging complex audio compositions. 
• Compatibility and file management: Most audio editing software supports various file formats, making importing and exporting audio files easy. This compatibility enhances collaboration and lets users integrate their work into different platforms and projects.
• Real-time monitoring: Editors can use these capabilities to hear the effects of their edits instantly, facilitating quick adjustments and achieving the desired outcome without time-consuming trial and error.
• Time-saving: Using audio editing software can significantly reduce the time a user takes to edit audio. Audio engineers can focus on the actual project instead of menial tasks by automating time-consuming tasks such as leveling, applying sound filters, or clipping audio files.
• Version control: Audio editing software can always undo or adjust edits made to projects without damaging the original audio files. Besides edits, editors can adjust the effects added to the original audio files to enhance the sound during playback.
• Ease of use: Most audio editing software platforms have an easy-to-use interface with some simple, standard features. Making it so simple allows anyone to become an audio engineer whether or not they strive to do it professionally.

Who uses audio editing software?

The following professionals most often use audio editor software.

• Musicians use audio editing software for recording, editing, and mixing music tracks. Producers rely on these tools for creating and arranging compositions, applying effects, and ensuring the overall quality of the final audio output.
• Sound engineers record, manipulate, mix, and reproduce sound bites to make music, podcasts, or videos.
• Video editors incorporate audio editing software to enrich audio tracks in video projects. This involves synchronizing audio with video, adjusting volume levels, and adding sound effects.
• Film and television teams use audio editing software for dialogue editing, sound design, and adding and mixing background music and sound effects.
• Podcasters are sometimes music producers in disguise. They use audio editing software to refine the audio files for their podcast projects. 
• Content creators on platforms like YouTube edit and enhance the audio in their videos with these kinds of tools. They can remove background noise, adjust volume levels, and add music or sound effects.
• Voiceover artists use audio editing software to record, edit, and polish their voice recordings for various applications, including commercials, audiobooks, and animations.

Audio editing software pricing

The cost of audio editing software depends on the following factors

• Free and open-source software: Some audio editing software is free. Open-source audio editing solutions offer features for fundamental editing needs without any cost.
• Freemium versions: Some audio editing tools offer a free version with limited features. Users can opt for premium or pro versions by paying for additional features or advanced capabilities.
• Subscription-based professional software: Many professional-grade digital audio workstations and advanced audio editing tools follow a subscription-based pricing model. Here, typically there’s a monthly or annual fee to access the software.
• One-time purchase software: Certain audio editing software is available for a one-time fee. Users often have the option to purchase updates or upgrades separately.
• Bundle pricing: Larger bundles or software suites may include various tools for music production, mixing, and mastering. Users can purchase the entire bundle at a discounted price compared to individual software components.

Challenges with audio editing software

Some common challenges with audio editor software are discussed here.

• Steep learning curve: Some professional-grade audio editing software has a complex interface with numerous features, leading to a steep learning curve. Understanding the full capabilities of the software requires time and dedication.
• Resource requirements: High-quality audio editing and processing can demand significant CPU and memory usage. This might lead to performance issues, especially on computers with limited hardware capabilities.
• Compatibility issues: Audio editing software may encounter compatibility issues with specific file formats, audio interfaces, or plugins. This can result in challenges when importing or exporting audio files or integrating external hardware.
• File size limitations: Some software may have limits on the size of audio files it can handle or export. This can be a constraint when working with large or high-resolution audio files.
• Audio latency: Latency issues refer to the delays between making an edit and hearing the result. These are hard to deal with, especially during real-time monitoring or scenarios when precise timing is essential.
• Overwhelming features: Feature-rich software can overwhelm users with its many options, making it challenging to locate specific tools or understand how to use them effectively. This hinders efficiency, particularly for users with simple editing needs.

Which companies should buy audio editing software?

Below are some examples of companies that should consider buying text editor software.

• Music production studios: Companies involved in music production, including recording studios, music production houses, and independent music producers, can significantly benefit from advanced audio editing solutions integrated with music-making software.
• Film and video production companies: They often require audio editing software to enhance audio elements in movies, TV shows, commercials, and other video content.
• Podcast production companies: Companies that make podcasts turn to audio editing software to edit podcast episodes and ensure high-quality content for their audience.
• Radio stations: Producers rely on audio editing software to manage their broadcasts, create promotional materials, and improve the overall sound quality of their programs
• Game development studios: Game companies can use audio editing software integrated with game development platforms to create and edit sound effects, background music, and voiceovers for video games.
• Educational institutions: Schools with audio engineering or music production courses benefit from audio editing software for teaching and student projects.
• Video editing studios: Companies specializing in video editing often work on the audio components of their projects with audio editing tools for a synchronized and high-quality final product
• Content creation agencies: Agencies that produce content for various platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and other online channels, can use audio editing software to improve quality.
• Voiceover and dubbing studios: Audio editing software can enhance voiceover work, dubbing, and audio localization.
• Advertising agencies: Advertising agencies edit and use audio to create compelling and polished spots for radio advertisements, online campaigns, and multimedia presentations.
• Telecommunications and call centers: Companies in telecommunications and call centers may use audio editing software to manage and edit recorded customer service calls, voicemail greetings, and other audio communication.

How to choose audio editing software

Choosing an audio editing software depends on the needs, preferences, and work. The following sections walk through the step-by-step process of finding suitable audio editing software.

Identify business needs and priorities

Start by understanding the business needs before exploring audio editing software. Evaluate specific requirements like the nature of projects, preferred features, and customization. This lays the groundwork for a solution that aligns with organizational objectives.

Choose the necessary technology and features

When compiling the initial list of potential audio editing software, prioritize projects that align with the company's fundamental feature requirements. At this stage, the focus should be on identifying options that meet essential needs, such as basic sound filters, audio file clipping, and exporting or importing. 

Review vendor vision, roadmap, viability, and support

Consider the long-term viability of the potential audio editing software by examining the vendor's vision and roadmap. Keep the team’s skills and experience in mind while choosing the right support level. Involve key stakeholders, including IT and finance, to understand technical capabilities, integrations, and financial implications. 

Evaluate the deployment and purchasing model

Conduct product demos to fully understand the audio editing software’s functionalities and integration within existing frameworks. Pay attention to end users' feedback on workflow, usability, and departmental requirements. 

The audio or sound engineer and managing studio producer are excellent people to have on the selection team. Client managers or clients can also be a part of this decision to determine the most user-friendly platform capable of handling their projects for specific clients. 

Before finalizing deals, understand all costs to minimize the risk of unforeseen expenses. 

Put it all together

Research options based on the requirements and budget to select audio editing software. Evaluate features, pricing, functionality, and overall vision. Look for user reviews to gauge satisfaction. 

Consider compatibility with the existing operating system and specific hardware needs. After thoroughly assessing the options, decide on the software that fits the need.

Software related to audio editing platforms 

Related solutions and services that can be used with audio editing software include:

• Video editing software. Editors work with video editing software to create and edit video files digitally. Like audio editing software, video editing is more focused on editing video clips, but users can apply it to audio editing solutions for specific projects. 
• Podcast hosting platforms. Users turn to these solutions for file hosting, RSS feeds, and substantial server storage space for large audio files like podcasts. They can be combined with audio editing software to publish podcasts and store the sound files long-term after the editing. 
• Live stream software. It allows the presentation of a live feed over the internet on a designated platform specifically for brands and influencers looking to promote themselves to a live audience. Live stream software can be used with audio editing software to publish music, video, podcasts, etc.

Audio editing software trends

• Increased use of cloud editing software: A notable trend involves a growing preference for online cloud-based audio editing solutions. This shift highlights the industry's recognition of the advantages associated with cloud platforms, emphasizing collaborative and accessible editing needs.
• Non-professional use: Vendors have enhanced user-friendliness by reducing prices and offering trial versions with full application features. This trend is expected to persist, accelerating amateur use of editing software.
• Editing software for mobile devices: Vendors now provide audio editing software tailored for mobile. This shift is driven by the increased processing power of mobile devices, making them capable platforms for complex editing software.