Audio Software and Tutorials

Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/)

A free, open-source, cross-platform audio recording/editing program, Audacity remains one of the most popular open source editors due to its flexibility, intuitive interface, and it active user community. The Audacity website includes support through both manuals and an extensive wiki.

Recommended system requirements:

Windows version Recommended RAM/processor speed Minimum RAM/processor speed
Windows 7 (64-bit) 4 GB / 2 Ghz 2 GB / 1 Ghz
Windows Vista Home Premium/Business/Ultimate/7 (32-bit) 4 GB / 2 Ghz 1 GB / 1 Ghz
Windows Vista Home Basic 2 GB / 1 Ghz 512 MB / 1 Ghz
Windows 2000, XP 512 MB / 1 Ghz 128 MB / 300 Mhz

Macs: Audacity runs best with at least 1 GB RAM and a 1 GHz processor (2 GB RAM/2 GHz on OS X 10.7 or later). Where Audacity is to be used for lengthy multi-track projects, we recommend a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 2 GHz processor (4 GB RAM on OS X 10.7 or later).

For GNU/Linux: We recommend using the latest version of GNU/Linux from your distribution that is compatible with your hardware specifications. Audacity will run best with at least 64 MB RAM and a 300 MHz processor.

Tutorials:

Below are some tutorials specific to the common needs of digitizing audio (additional tutorials are available here).

 

Music Editor Free 2012 (http://www.music-editor.net)

MEF is a windows-based intuitive audio recorder and editor. It includes several built-in effects and filters, such as delay, reverb, etc., and can work with either wav or mp3 files.

Recommended system requirements:

  • Intel Pentium 4 1GHz or Equivalent
  • 512MB RAM
  • 100MB free hard disk space
  • Windows XP / Vista / 7
  • Sound card
  • Graphics mode 1024×768 true color (highest 32-bit)
  • Administrative permissions for program installation
  • Activation Internet connection to activate

Tutorials:

 

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