Audacity vs. Wavepad

Best for what? both are single track (audacity my be two track) editors. So they are what I would use to slice up sounds to put them in the library or do other single file process. But 99% of post work is going to be done in a multi track DAW like Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reaper, STP.

Truthfully even though I own one (Quatro DSP) I do most of what I could do in it in Pro Tools just because it's easier to stay in one app. I use DSP when I have a sound I want to chop up and I don't have PT open and for various tweeks or preping sounds for the sampler.

Between the two Audacity is free so if it works for you that's the winner.
 
Audacity is pretty cool for free. The interface is a little clunky, and its a CPU hog. It supposedly has unlimited tracks. It can supposedly use VST plugs, but I've heard there are problems.
 
Audacity is cool for a free program, but nothing compared to something like Nuendo and Pro Tools, but again, it's free, so I can't complain. I haven't tried Wavepad, so I can't comment on that. Audacity can do multiple tracks. I've never done more than a few since I was just messing with it at the time (I work in Pro Tools), so I would imagine that track count limit and amount of plug-ins you can use is dependent on your computer.

All that said, I wouldn't rely on it as my main DAW, as it just can't some things properly, especially when it comes to dialogue editorial.
 
Ideally, you need a four point cutting system. If you can't afford one, get Reaper--it is a very good program.
 
DrDave said:
Ideally, you need a four point cutting system. If you can't afford one, get Reaper--it is a very good program.
Click to expand...

?Four point? I've heard of three point but that's a picture editing concept not a sound one. What you actually need is a program that can cut to video and import OMF's, so that would not be Reaper. Their plans are promising and for just audio it's an intriguing program but even they admit it's not yet designed to cut sound for picture.

For sound snapping to a sync point is important but 90% of the time your dragging, sliding and nudging.
 
muroshi said:
I see. Got it over a freeware site and it's working, but maybe will stop working after 30 days or so. So Audacity it is.
Click to expand...

"freeware" may not be "legal ware". Or it might be the trial. But as I mentioned these are not all that useful for post sound work.
 
JordanBlock said:
Reaper is really solid, but it's not an editor.
Click to expand...

I guess it kind of depends on definitions. If you edit sound for picture your using a DAW (or a razor blade), and Reaper is a DAW. So I would call Reaper an editor but I can see the argument that only destructive single track editors are actually "editing" the sound file as opposed to editing sounds.

Personally I prefer multi track editor VS single track editor.
 
muroshi said:
There is also Soundtrack Pro, which comes with FCP.
Click to expand...

There is and despite it's limitations it's OK once you get used to how it works. It also has the advantage of being tightly integrated with FCP so if that is your NLE and your a one box shop it's not a bad choice.
 
Noiz2 said:
I guess it kind of depends on definitions. If you edit sound for picture your using a DAW (or a razor blade), and Reaper is a DAW. So I would call Reaper an editor but I can see the argument that only destructive single track editors are actually "editing" the sound file as opposed to editing sounds.

Personally I prefer multi track editor VS single track editor.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's not a single track destructive wav editor. As a DAW, it's very solid and really affordable. I generally prefer working multi-track too, but sometimes you just need to make a quick edit, for that I mostly use an old copy of Audition 1.5.
 
JordanBlock said:
Yeah it's not a single track destructive wav editor. As a DAW, it's very solid and really affordable. I generally prefer working multi-track too, but sometimes you just need to make a quick edit, for that I mostly use an old copy of Audition 1.5.
Click to expand...

I realize I was a bit unclear. I meant I prefer the terms "multi track editor" and "single track editor".

Sort of a Freudian slip, since I also generally prefer working with a DAW most of the time.
 
muroshi said:
Is Soundtrack Pro also a Multi tTack Editor?
Click to expand...

Yes it's a weird beast that is both a multi track and a single track editor. I should be clear that it's not my first choice for either, but if you have FCP it's worth considering because it is decent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top