Editing Audio – Part 2

Choosing editing software for your audio project is a lot like choosing a flavor of ice cream . . . it depends on what you like.

I’ll start off with one disclaimer and one sweeping statement.

Disclaimer: I learned how to edit with a razor blade. Literally. That and multiple machines and a smooth hand for cross-fades. In other words, I learned how to edit sound before computers became integral to the sound production system. The advantage this gives me when we’re talking about software is that I am not drawn by the bells and whistles that some software has created. Sure they may be interesting and fun toys, but toys are not what you want or need when you’re trying to get a project done.

My bias is toward simple, “anybody can learn this,” sorts of software. You need software that you control; not software that controls you and your production flow.

Sweeping Statement: If you read this blog or if you were to hire me to help you with your audio production issues, you do not now, nor will you ever, need ProTools. The one exception to this is that if you’re still in middle school and you’re just getting your hands into this world, you might choose it for a career. For the rest of you  . . . save your hard-earned money.

Don’t misunderstand me, ProTools is an amazing hardware/software package for editing. But unless you’re making a feature film, mixing a Grammy-level album, or creating broadcast television shows, you just don’t need it. And, I am inclined to argue that even then there are alternatives to consider.  But then this is a Sweeping Statement, so take it with as much salt as you like.

Where to Start

Many people start with Audacity. If you want to dip your finger into this world without spending money, Audacity is a perfectly reasonable place to start.

Benefits: It’s free, it’s Mac and Windows compatible, it’s Open Source (which is good to support), it’s reasonably easy to use, and it has some decent tutorials you can access online.

Challenges: The interface is a tad clumsy (non-intuitive), it is subject to the down side of Open Source (infrequent, sometimes odd updates), when you discover a serious bug (which I have) your entire project can go completely off the rails with little recourse than to find another software to fill the gap.

To Sum Up: Audacity is a great place to get your feet wet. You can learn the basics of cutting and joining and all of the core things you need to create your podcast or audio product. As you grow in your skills and your needs, however, you will likely begin to wonder things like “but how do I do X?” And that’s okay.

You have to start somewhere. So if your projects are simple and you need a place to start, download Audacity and get moving. Because if you don’t start, we know for sure that your project will never be completed.

Tried Audacity and Want Something More?

There are literally dozens of software packages out there for editing audio. I don’t know all of them. Not by a long shot. Some are Windows-only; others are Mac-only. In trying to figure out how to organize this series so as to not overwhelm myself in writing it, or you in reading it, I’m keeping the individual parts short.

Therefore, next up will be three Windows software packages. The one after that will hit three for the Mac. I’m not going to cover everything, so if there’s something specific you want me to cover, please ask. I have no idea how many parts this series will end up being, so speak up and I’ll do my level best to include it.