If you have recently started recording podcasts, music, voice-overs, or simply want to experiment with different audio interfaces, then you are probably stuck on what to use.
Today, we are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). Whilst many come with a fee to be used, some are completely free (also see, ‘Best DAW For Podcasting‘).
And, just because they are free doesn’t mean they are any worse than paid-for software.
Anyone who has spent just a little time around recording software will have undoubtedly come across WavePad and Audacity.
These allow you to edit and work on your recordings with relative ease. But, which is better? Stick around to find out!
ALSO SEE: Best Podcast Editing Software
WavePad is a very powerful instrument and audio editing tool that can be used on both Windows and Mac.
The audio editor allows users to record and edit audio, whether voice, instruments, or music production. WavePad also comes with a built-in audio sample library.
Here, you can preview any of the sounds before you plug in your instrument and start recording.
Audacity is another powerful audio editing and recording software. Best of all, Audacity price is free, open-sourced, and compatible with Windows and Mac.
Perfect for beginners, Audacity’s user interface is relatively clear and simple to use, with very little customization required.
You can even use a preview window to see your file when it is finished. Then, you can convert it to the format that you desire.
Today, we are going to take a closer look at WavePad and Audacity and discuss their pros and cons.
This will help you decide which is the best option for you and your needs.
WavePad Overview
As the name suggests, WavePad works with the waves created in all types of music and sounds.
Although there is a wide range of wave formats, the most common are MP3 and WAV (also see, ‘What Is Best For Podcasting: WAV or MP3‘).
For those who use WavePad, the most common features are the standard effects, such as panning up and down.
You can also use effects on tracks to change the temp of a track.
Also included is an audio sample library where you can listen to previews of sounds before deciding which one is best for your instrument.
As well as these features, WavePad allows users to add additional features. Examples include arbitrary and phase work.
Nevertheless, the majority of WavePad users will not need these specific audio editing features because the audio files they will be working on tend to do most of the mixing and editing themselves.
WavePad has an impressive list of features, with another being an integrated virtual rack. This allows you to see the results of what you are creating on WavePad.
Examples of audio effects include panning, filtering, squeezing, compression, envelope drawing, and much more.
Moreover, you can also take advantage of other audio editing special effects that you can apply to your waveform data. These include vibrato, compression, and frequency shaping.
Audacity Overview
Rather than being an outright Digital Audio Workstation, Audacity’s developers describe it as a Digital Audio Editor.
This audio editing software boasts a wide range of features, allowing users to record from various sources, such as instruments and microphones, using Audacity’s many input devices.
You can also edit and adjust multiple types of media, such as WMA, AIFF, MP3, WAV, and more.
This audio editing software has a wide variety of very useful features when recording podcasts and music. Together, these features result in an easy-to-use program. (Also see, What To Do With Audacity For Podcasting?)
Examples of such features include:
- the ability to preview your recorded tracks
- recording via USB or FireWire
- ability to edit and mix your audio in real-time
- ability to use external devices, such as CD and tape players
- ability to undo and restore recorded material from an earlier time
- a large display to easily keep track of your recorded material.
Audacity is an exceptional piece of free audio editing software. It allows you to import audio files from different locations, such as digital audio cameras, websites, tablets, phones, and more.
As well as being relatively easy to use, Audacity boasts many features that allow you to easily mix your recorded audio to get it to sound clean and professional.
Audacity is compatible with all major operating systems so you can be sure it will work with your devices.
It offers top-quality sound recording, editing services, and playback to help you achieve great recording results.
Audacity vs WavePad Audio Editing Software Breakdown
Let’s break down the main features of both of these audio editing software.
Wavepad
- Extensive media library
- Very easy to use
- Supports over 200 audio formats
- Includes over 100 effects
- Offers high-quality and helpful technical support at all times
- Compatible with Windows and Mac (not with Linux, iOS, or Android)
- Offers live chat support
Audacity
- Completely free to download and use
- Open source (the original source code of this software is freely available to users, so they can modify and redistribute it when and if required)
- Offers over 100 MIDI tools
- Provides sound optimization
- A wide variety of editing options to streamline your recordings
- Compatible with Windows and Mac (not with Linux, iOS, or Android)
WavePad Vs Audacity: Which Is Better?
Both are free audio recording software that provide an excellent range of features and tools.
If you’re looking for a program that is more powerful, WavePad is the best option. It supports more input and output formats and has a more extensive library of sounds.
It also comes with more tutorials and online help if you get stuck.
Audacity is also a fantastic piece of audio recording software and is ideal for those starting their journey with DAW editors.
It can allow users to learn more about using VST plugins, but does not offer as many features or a sound library, anything like WavePad.
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In Summary
When choosing between WavePad and Audacity, it all depends on what you are looking to do with your recordings.
WavePad offers more features, but Audacity is perfect for simple recording and editing. Trial both and see which you prefer.
