Audacity is a free recording software program designed for audio production. It’s available for download for Mac, Windows, and Linux users. Numerous advanced features and a loyal following make Audacity one of the most widely used open source recording software packages available. Like other suites it has tools for tracking, mixing, and editing. In addition there are tons of free vst plugins available which are compatible with Audacity. The most recent stable release is 1.2.6, however a newer “Beta” version 1.3.7 is available as well. Audacity is a great program for beginning audio engineers, and is more user friendly than many other audio programs and studio software. Advanced users may find it lacking some useful features needed for professional audio production, but it’s definitely one of the best free audio editors around.
Audacity Features:
- Recording and playing back sounds
- Cut, Copy, Paste (with unlimited Undo)
- Importing and exporting WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files
- Multi-track mixing
- Ability to convert cassette tapes and records into digital tracks automatically
- Built-in plugins as well as integration with free VST plug-ins
- Noise filtering and removal
- Unlimited Undo with cut, copy, and paste
- Sampling rates of 96 kHz with 24 bits per sample
- Pitch adjustment with no change of speed