We’re getting quite technical in our ‘Build a virtual studio’ tutorial this issue (264, on sale 15th March), and this has laid the foundation for the basis of this web pack. To seek out the best free programs for audio editing and music composition.
Follow these links for our other ‘issue 264 web packs:
Become an indie gamer developer!
Rescue Windows from COMPLETE DISASTER!!!!
Music making and editing for free!
Issue 264 game demo roundup! (coming soon)
If you’re looking for a Windows equivalent to Garage Band, then look no further than Anvil Studio. For an installer less than 3 meg, the software hosts an impressive feature list starting with multi-track MIDI recording and note-by-note music composition. The free version is limited to 1 minute of audio track creation, but at only $19, it’s a bargain to remove this restriction. Other paid-for modules add news features catering for professionals and anybody serious about making their own music. (free)
Download from here
Aria Maestosa is a midi composition editor/tracker for musicians seeking to transfer their live skills to the computer screen in a more natural way. Custom editors for keyboard, drums, guitar, and traditional notion scores, are all visually represented to help make composing and edits more fluid. (free)
Download from here
In the land of free audio editors, Audacity comes top on most peoples lists! Its intuitive interface layout and robust tools and filter effects make it perfect for both simple editing and any complex multi-track recording and mixing tasks. Once you’ve installed the optional VST Enabler, you can expand its functionality with dozens of free and commercial plug-ins. (free)
Download from here
This utility makes short work of extracting and saving audio from videos. We experienced problems it recognising MOVs, but all other formats worked with no issues, including FLVs. The program supports batch processing, so queuing up multiple jobs is no problem for the software. Pinned to the bottom of the interface is a visual timeline for scanning and audio playback. Using markers, just the portion of audio you need saved out can be highlighted. (free)
Download from here
Jokosher aims give users an easy to use, yet feature rich multi-track studio. And I can’t argue with the results. Where most studio editing software suites can often be quite complex, Jokosher just focuses on the bare essentials presenting everything in a beginner friendly environment. The only problem I discovered was some occasional stability issues crashing the software from time to time in Windows 7. The software was last updated in 2010, so sadly appears that development on this project has been abandoned. (free)
Download from here
LMMS is a comprehensive digital audio workstation alternative to professional products such as FL Studio. In the realms of free software, you won’t find anything better for mixing sounds and synthesis, arranging samples, making beats and melodies. LMMS supports both MIDI device and VST plug-ins. (free)
Download from here
Becoming a Superstar DJ is so much easier these days with the onset of the digital age. The only thing holding most people back would be the prohibitive costs. Mixxx breaks down new boundaries by offering the same kind of DJing software as Native Instruments all for free. With Mixxx you can mix, scratch and sample all the songs in your library and broadcast them online. (free)
Download from here
mp3DirectCut gives you the virtual scissors to apply trimming, and copy and paste editing to MP3 audio files. It’s completely non-destructive, so saved edits retain the original quality. The software includes audio recording and a handful of useful filters to clean up audio. (free)
Download from here
The embedded meta data contained in audio files aids the crucial management of large collections. Jukebox software and portable players all rely on this information to group songs and relate them to artists and albums. Using Mp3Tag it’s made much easier to add and edit this meta data on multiple files at once. (free)
Download from here
Wavosaur is an impressively specced out free audio editor, sound recording studio and processing package. Wavosaur supports some useful advanced batch processing functions with filters, and is fully expandable through VST plugins. (free)
Download from here
Designed to help you mix and master better, Toscanlyser’s job is to compare – audibly and visually – your tracks to commercial recordings. There’s a range of analysis options on offer, and at the end of the process you’re given a detailed report that you can act on to resolve problems. (free)
Download from here
VirtualDJ is a popular MP3 mixing station often packaged with USB hardware mixing consoles. The free version here won’t work with any of these external peripherals unless you buy the pro version. Instead you’re given two virtual turntables to perform your scratching, mixes, pitch adjustments and more. (free)
Download from here
Posted on Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 1:32 pm under Web Packs. You can subscribe to comments. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.
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