GNU / Linux operating systems have various uses, thanks to the enormous amount of programs that they have available. It is thanks to this that many users focus on their own personal projects within this open ecosystem.
One of the most popular projects involves the creation and editing of audios by means of dedicated programs. These include Audacity, the most widely used audio editing software on Linux distributions.
If you are interested in the world of audio production, Audacity is one of the best options you have in Linux, and in the next few paragraphs we will teach you everything you need to know about this powerful audio editor.
What is Audacity and what is the use of this program for computers with Linux Operating System?
Audacity is an audio recording and editing program designed under the concept of free software and open source. It is a multiplatform program and is available in various operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS and Linux, among others. It has a wide variety of functions and features that make it one of the most comprehensive audio editors available.s, it can also be downloaded completely free of charge at Sourceforge.
What are the main features and functions that make Audacity a top-notch audio editor for Linux?
As a multitrack audio editor and recorder, Audacity has a wide variety of functions, among which we can highlight:
- Make recordings from different audio sources.
- Allow file editing in various types (OGG, MP3, WAV, AIFF, AU, LOF and WMP).
- Record multiple channels of audio simultaneously through specialized software.
- Import and export files in MP3, MIDI and RAW formats.
- Edit and mix multiple tracks.
- Add effects and processes in the different audio segments.
Also, being a multi-track editor, Audacity is usable as an audio editing program in low-budget recording studios. Although it does not have tools like most commercial software, it is a very complete tool for beginners in multi-track recording.
Audacity vs Adobe Audition Which is better for editing audio and producing professional-level podcasts?
Adobe Audition is Adobe’s audio editing tool since it was bought from Syntrillium Software, under the name of Cool Edit Pro. It fulfills the function of a multitrack audio editing station, just like Audacity.
Performing a point-by-point comparison, we will see which software is most suitable for professional-level audio production and editing:
- Interface: Audacity has a much simpler interface, with a minimal and straight-to-the-point design.
- Edition: Although Audition’s editing tools are quite comprehensive, Audacity surpasses them with more intuitive and straightforward tools for audio editing.
- Mixing and Effects: Audition’s visualization tools give it an advantage over Audacity, which has a slightly more rudimentary interface.
- Work flow: No matter what project is running, Audacity’s workflow lets you get things done in a shorter time than can be done in Audition.
- Audio quality: No matter which tool you decide on, the end result will be very similar: professional-quality audio products created with relative ease.
- Easy to use: Audacity provides the user with easy navigation through the editing tools, so the user requires very little prior instruction before starting.
- Price: While the price of Adobe Audition is not excessive, it is still a disadvantage. Being a free software tool, Audacity is completely free, becoming the default option for novice producers on a tight budget.
- Medium: Audition is fully supported by Adobe, which strives to keep its software updated and in optimal condition; while Audacity is backed by free software developers.
Each of these tools has its own useful area. Audition, with its higher quality tools, allows the user to create and edit professional standard audio tracks. Audacity, however, It is more suitable for those who require a medium-high quality audio retouch for the publication of podcasts or similar productions.
Learn step by step how to take your first steps in Audacity and learn how to use it like an expert
There are Certain Basic Actions Every New Audacity User Should Learn to get started in the world of audio production.
We will now explain to you, step by step, how to make your first audio edits using the Audacity software:
Remove noise
When you make an audio recording, it is highly likely that annoying background noise will be heard that disturbs the quality of your audio track.
The steps to eliminate this noise are as follows:
- Open the file you want to remove the noise from.
- Select an audio fragment containing only the noise you want to remove.
- Go to the section “Effects”, at the option “Noise reduction”.
- In the box “Step 1” select the option “Get audio profile”. This action instructs Audacity to save the audio frequency pattern that you want to remove.
- Select all the audio you want to filter, go back to “Effects” already “Noise reduction”
- In the box “Step 2” select the percentage of noise you want to filter and select “to accept”
Raise and lower the volume of a track
The ability to alter the volume of tracks is vital in any aspect of audio editing.
Audacity has, of course, a volume modulation tool, to use it you just have to follow these steps.
- click in “File”, in the upper left to select the audio file you want to edit.
- On the toolbar, at the top, you will see the option “Selection tool”. With this, you can select the segment of the track you want to edit or, in that case, the entire track.
- Choose the hint by clicking the option “To select”, and then tap “Everything” to select the entire audio.
- I went into “Envelope tool”. There you will have access to all the audio peaks, which you can go up and down according to your needs.
Apply sound effect
The editing an audio track involves a lot of sound effects, depending on the project to be carried out.
To include these effects in your audio track, the procedure is as follows:
- Choose “File” in the upper left corner to load the audio track to edit.
- Use the option “Selection tool”, located in the upper bar, to select all or part of the track.
- Head to the route “Menu> effects” to select one of the internal sound effects.
- In the drop-down menu that will be presented, edit settings the effect you want to apply.
- Once adjusted, click on the option “Preview” to verify that the result is as expected. If not, you have the option to go back to change details.
- If the result is what you were looking for, click “Accept”
- Wait for what the changes to the audio are saved. The saving time varies depending on the size of the file and the number of effects applied.
- Once the edited track is saved, play it to check the result.
These are the best alternatives to Audacity to edit audio like a pro on Linux
Audacity is the best audio editing tool available for GNU / Linux. Their numbers prove it, and their results are more than satisfactory. However, what characterizes Linux is the wide variety of software options you have for different applications, so we present a list of the best alternatives to Audacity that you can find for Linux.
Let’s see next:
JokoSher.org
It is a powerful multi-track sound editing studio, designed to highlight its simplicity, providing the user with an application for recording, mixing, importing, exporting and editing audio tracks. It is a very viable option for Audacity, especially if you are new to audio editing.
Hydrogen-Music.org
It is a program of advanced drum machine for Linux, which is also available in other operating systems. It has a simple and intuitive interface, and was designed to work based on strokes per pattern.. It also has multilayer support for up to 16 instruments on a single audio track.
MusE
It works like a multitrack sequencer, with functions for recording and audio editing. It is free software and is not available for other platforms; is only supported by Linux technology, such as Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA).
LMMS
LMMS is a free software multiplatform digital audio workstation with a variety of tools for creating and editing audio tracks, all contained in a simple single window interface. It is an ideal software to include in the repertoire of audio designers.
Ardor.org
Its core user group is made up of musicians, and sound engineers. It is available on various operating systems. Supports recording on 12, 24 and 32 Bit, makes it easy to edit non-linearly and install additional plug-ins for better sound effects.