Audacity Alternative Free

Audacity Alternatives Audacity is a free and open source audio track editor available for every major desktop operating system. In a nutshell, Audacity is by far the best free alternative to FL Studio. Pros: Pretty easy to use; Supports 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit; Works with LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST, and Audio Unit effect plug-ins; Cons: Less impressive user-interface Lacks advanced music editing tools Pricing: Free. Platform Availability: macOS, Windows, and Linux.

1. Best Audacity Alternative
2. Apps Like Audacity For Windows

1. Audacity is a free and open-source audio production software suite that includes a surprising array of editing tools and recording systems. You can easily record any sound playing through your comput.
2. What makes it a better alternative to Audacity is a wide range of pro tools that let you edit audio with precision. The audio editor allows you to organize tracks into collapsible folders so that you can take control of large sessions. With the help of drag-and-drop gestures, you can arrange, consolidate, and route tracks.

• Show Audacity a 'noise profile' - a short section of audio containing only the noise to be reduced
• Return to the effect to apply the noise profile to all the audio.

• 3Noise Gate

Notch Filter

Suppose you've loaded your audio into Audacity and listened to it, only to be disappointed to find it's contaminated with a continuous, fairly pure tone of some kind. This is a case where you can get good results using the Notch Filter effect which you will find underneath the divider in the Effect menu.

Spectral Editing

Use the Spectral Editing tools to identify and eliminate continuous tones or transient noises.

Noise Gate

A Noise Gate is a type of 'audio gate' that is 'open' and allows sounds to pass unaltered when the level is above a 'threshold' level. When the audio signal is below the threshold level, the gate 'closes' and stops, or reduces the signal making it substantially quieter. A Noise Gate does not eliminate noise from a signal but reduces the noise level during the quiet periods between sounds. There are many situations where this can be useful.

• When there is very low level noise that is effectively masked by the recorded material, a Noise Gate can lower the noise level during silent parts of the recording where the low level noise would otherwise be apparent.
  Example: Noise Gate can eliminate dither noise that may be evident in silent passages in 16-bit audio files. Be sure in Quality Preferences to enable 32-bit Default Sample Format and to disable 'High-quality' dither - more explanation here.
• When noise reduction by other methods causes unacceptable degradation of the sound quality, a Noise Gate can reduce the noise level to some extent between sounds without affecting the actual recorded sounds.
• Where there is low level intermittent noise of a similar type to the actual recorded sound (for example, if sound from a distant television or radio is audible during pauses in a speech recording) a Noise Gate can make the pauses more silent.
• A Noise Gate may be used after the Audacity Noise Reduction effect to further reduce the noise level during periods that should be silent.

Nyquist Noise Gate Plug-in

The Nyquist Noise Gate plug-in has a number of features and settings that allow it to be both effective and unobtrusive. One of the most critical settings when using a Noise Gate is to set the Threshold carefully. This plug-in provides an analysis tool to assist with setting the threshold level correctly:

1. Make a selection that is 'noise only' and open the Noise Gate effect.
2. Select Function > Analyse Noise Level and make a note of the suggested threshold level.
3. Select a section of the audio track that includes both sound and silence.
4. Apply the Noise Gate with the following settings: Select Function > GateLevel reduction > -100. Listen carefully to the result to check that the noise is being cut and the audio is still present. This effect will probably sound unnatural as the gate is fully closing and producing absolute silence when closed, but it will allow you to easily hear if the threshold level is set correctly. Click CTRL + Z to undo and if necessary adjust the threshold level and retest.
5. When you are happy that the threshold level is correct, raise the 'Level reduction' setting to the highest setting that produces an acceptable amount of gating (the default level of -12 dB usually works well).
6. When you are happy with the settings, apply to the entire song.

If you don't want to waste $21 on a monthly Creative Cloud membership, look though these cheap and even free Adobe Audition alternatives. For you not to waste time testing all similar programs, I’ve prepared my top 10 programs like Adobe Audition.

10 Adobe Audition Alternatives

These softwares are easy to use and have many professional music editing tools. All programs are absolutely free or cheaper than Adobe Audition.

1. Audacity

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: FREE

• Perfect for dialog, sound effects, and cropping music tracks
• Supports multi-track audio
• Batch processing
• Supports plug-ins and custom fades
• Open source

• Not suitable to replace a sound workstation
• Destructive editing only

Whether you want to start a new podcast or crop 100 sound effects for an indie game, a simple open source editor called Audacity should be your first try. This Adobe Audition alternative is cross-platform and is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. The system requirements are minimal.

Audacity allows you to record 16-bit or 24-bit audio. One of the best features is that it can smoothly convert and combine any sounds you drag and drop, regardless of the discretization rate and formats.

In terms of editing, users can cut and paste, duplicate or delete audio, place multiple clips on the same track, and make changes up to the sample level. The Convert Tool also allows you to add custom fades.

A simple built-in mixer allows you to get the right relative levels and stereo position. You can also disable solo of some tracks (all these settings are not destructive).

Audacity imports and exports WAV, AIFF, AU, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis formats.

• View more about how to download Adobe Audition free.

2. Logic Pro X

Platforms: Mac OS
Price: $199

• One-time payment
• Best virtual tools library
• Touch panel Support
• Easy learning curve

• Several plug-ins need updating
• Expensive license
• Available for Mac only

Logic is a simple and multi-functional Adobe Audition alternative. To start using Logic Pro X, you need the latest Mac with OS X v10.12 (Sierra).

The main screen is customizable and can include everything you need - depending on how you fill it, of course. The main tracks are available in several forms: audio, for recording live tools, MIDI, for recording MIDI data from a keyboard, electronic drum kit or another input device, and a tool that combines them to use with virtual connectable instruments. Mind that Logic Pro 10.4 supports touch panel.

Logic Pro 10.4 can display timeline with the appropriate colors of the region, elements of tracks control or tracks Smart Controls for each track even in the form of plug-ins. You can record audio at up to 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution. The main news in 10.4 is the Smart Tempo, which automatically detects tempo information of any material. However, it's a bit complicated to make it work. You need to configure the project for keeping or adapting the rate, and then also regulate the tracks and imports.

3. Avid Pro Tools

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
Price: FREE Trial or $29.99

• Fast 64-bit recording and mixing engine
• The clearest audio editing process
• Cloud-based tools for group work

• Lacks built-in pitch correction
• Doesn’t support VST and AU plug-ins

Among all programs like Adobe Audition, Avid deserves special attention. It is a cross-platform app for professional audio editing for music, movies, games, and broadcasting. Despite its price, you can use the free version of the product, which is now called First.

The main interface has two windows: Edit and Mix. The Edit window handles all recordings, arrangements, detailed audio and MIDI editing. With the built-in Pro Tools, you can play up to 128 stereo tracks at 48 kHz, 64 tracks at 96 kHz, or 32 tracks at 192 kHz with the ability to record up to 32 tracks simultaneously.

Avid has a wide range of virtual tools. You get a Boom, sequencing drum machine, Mini Grand, a simulated Grand piano with multiple sounds and reverbs, plus variable dynamics with a single knob, a DB-33 organ with wheels with a rotating speaker, Structure Free that plays instruments based on samples, and more.

As part of the basic setup, you get a variety of AIR effects that cover all the major bases when mixing. One of my favorite apps is Avid Channel Strip AAX plug-in that emulates the equalizer and dynamics.

4. Ocenaudio

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: FREE

• User-friendly interface
• Wide range of filters
• Useful spectrogram and file analysis
• Absolutely free

• Some tools should be improved
• No support for several effects

Ocenaudio is easy to use, fast and functional cross-platform audio editor. It is an ideal Adobe Audition alternative for people who need to edit and analyze audio files without wasting time of tutorials.

Ocenaudio has a less confusing interface than Audacity but is still a powerful audio editor. Your open files are displayed in the list on the left, and the selected file will be displayed as a signal on the left. It is worth noting that, unlike many free audio editors, Ocenaudio has correctly marked axis, not an arbitrary volume rate.

This software is based on the Ocen Framework, a powerful library designed to simplify and standardize the process of creating audio editing and analysis applications across platforms. However, I don't quite like that it's not open source, so unlike Audacity, there's no way to adjust its code if it doesn't meet your exact requirements.

You can apply different filters and effects with a real-time preview of results, edit multiple options at once and perform many standard sound editing tasks such as copy, paste, and others.

Other features include support of VST plug-ins, addition of digital noises, tones and DTMF sequences, waveform/spectrum and spectrogram representation, sound statistics, iPhone ringtone support, and more.

5. Reaper

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: FREE

• Multi-channel audio recording
• Mixing is possible
• Adjustable interface

• Long training period

Reaper is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and serious Adobe Audition alternative. Unlike many other programs of this type, you can use this one to create your own menus, toolbars, and macros, as well as to change the look and color scheme of the interface.

Either it is an audio or a virtual instrument, you create a track, press the left red button to record and then press the main recording button to start. You can adjust the monitoring effects, for example, whether you want to hear the reverb in your headphones while recording vocals.

Unlike FL Studio, Reaper is suitable for simultaneous recording of several audio channels of live instruments from a few interface inputs. Reaper doesn`t come with any useful virtual tools or loops, which makes a task harder for beginners.

It is assumed that you will exit and add your own third-party plug-ins. Reaper supports VST, VST3, AU, DirectX or JS.

Mixer`s interface seems inflexible at first, but like everything else in Reaper, it can be adjusted. Reaper provides the possibilities to automate tracks, set of instruments and effects. While running, you can stop or reset tracks to free up memory and CPU cycles.

6. Ableton Live

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
Price: FREE trial or $99

• Fast navigation
• Powerful automation
• Easy learning curve

• No tracking
• No tone height correction tool

Considering another alternative to Adobe Audition it should be said that Live’s interface is two separate working fields: session and arrangement. You can easily switch between them using the Tab button or two round icons in the top right corner of the screen.

Although Ableton Live is no longer unique among DAW's, a distinctive feature of this program is the distortion of sound, i.e. the control of rhythm, tempo, and pitch (or MIDI). This can be used when matching the rhythm of dance songs while DJing in a nightclub or for eliminating synchronization problems in a recorded file to bring some life to robotic computer music with human help.

Ableton Live supports VST tools and plug-ins. MIDI editing is perfect, and the built-in instruments, sounds, and effects are excellent.

One of the areas where Ableton still needs to be improved is the usual destructive audio editing. You can edit the parts of the audio file fluently, but if you need to remove the silence or parts of the source file, you have to do it in an external editor.

7. AVS Audio Editor

Platforms: Windows
Price: FREE

• Free download without restrictions and watermarks
• Powerful composer

• Some tools need to be improved
• Doesn’t suit professional tasks
• There is no simulation of studio instruments

Best Audacity Alternative

AVS Audio Editor is an Adobe Audition alternative with many useful functions. It has an easy interface with a toolset at the top of the window. The simplicity of the interface allows even beginner to easily handle the audio editing process.

Among all the other basic tools – the 'Mix' tab deserves special attention. This tool opens the arrangement window that provides options for editing and arranging multiple audio tracks simultaneously. This is convenient for editing a podcast with two or more separate audio sources. Here you can split the sound into separate tracks, adjust the volume and regulate the sound.

There are about 20 built-in effects and filters such as delay, flanger, chorus, reverb, and others. Also, you can mix multiple audio tracks.

8. GarageBand

Platforms: IOS
Price: FREE

• Advanced VST
• An extensive list of plug-ins
• Optimized, professional interface
• Vast built-in Apple library of sounds and loops

• Only for IOS
• No mixing console

GarageBand as Adobe Audition alternative offers easy-to-use music recording features both for beginners and professionals and comes free with every Mac. The application still can boast of almost the best virtual tools for learning. The basic scheme of GarageBand interface simulates the structure of Logic Pro X.

The main feature of GarageBand is its VST and VSTi elements, which allow you to compose music inside a DAW and record all songs on real instruments. The list of plug-ins is long and includes the most necessary ones.

Basic audio editing is very simple, but if you want to study GarageBand in detail, you’ll find advanced features as well. Flex Time allows you to slur the groove of a certain audio track, while Groove Matching is perfect for syncing, tempo, and feeling other tracks in relation to the one you've set up.

Also, the app has intelligent controls that highlight the most effective options for adjusting a specific sound, as well as provides regulators, buttons, and sliders that can be adjusted depending on the instrument.

9. Ardour

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
Price: FREE

• Supports a lot of plug-ins
• Open source
• Ability to create and play virtual midi instruments

• No MIDI virtual keyboard
• Installation is going without demo tracks

If you prefer using a program with open source code but want to go deep and study the program for hours, then I highly recommend trying such Adobe Audition alternative as Ardor. This full-featured sound workstation is full of useful functions to create and edit music and works on the open source basis.

The application can process a big range of commercially available VST, Ladspa, and LV2 plug-ins. In addition, you can view and edit plug-ins directly from the console's mixing channels. It's worth mentioning that in the Linux version you can use JACK for free audio tracking and MIDI in and out of other software.

Unlike some other DAWs that place limitations on saving, exporting or advanced features, Ardor allows you to try out all the features for free. The only drawback is the maximum project duration - it can be only ten minutes.

10. Sound Forge

Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
Price: FREE trial or $79.99

• Quick digitization of vinyl records
• Easy learning curve

• Only for Windows
• Not suitable for professional tasks
• No batch processing

Among programs like Adobe Audition, Sound Forge Studio is known as a great option for beginners. Unfortunately, it has none editing and recovery features that can be found in programs we've covered above.

However, the editor comes with 11 DirectX plug-in audio effects. These effects have 90 sound presets, which make it simple to find the sound you want. You can also preview the effects before applying them.

Sound Forge Audio Studio doesn't have the advanced audio recovery plug-ins that Pro Studio has, but its basic audio recovery tools do a great job of removing noise from bad audio recordings. Also, it is worth mentioning that there is no possibility of batch processing of several audio files and the ability to combine multiple effects of the plug-in together.

Ann Young

Apps Like Audacity For Windows

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more

Audacity Alternative Free