Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Audio Editing Software.

Ratings

Audio Editing

All programs should include play, record, cut, copy, paste and so on; this rating goes beyond the basic editing tools to include tools such as equalizers, processors, mixers, preset effects, filters as well as analyzing tools like the waveform or spectrogram.

Recording/Burning

The best products have the ability to "record" sounds saved on the computer from a file, the sound card or from downloaded CDs as well as from outside sources such as a line-in from a stereo or a microphone.

It is also nice if the product includes burning software so that users can use their CD or DVD burner to save their edited audio files.

To be the most compatible, the product must be able to work with and convert many file formats, like the various WAV file types, OGG Vorbis or MPEG as well as Windows Media Audio (WMA).

Ease of Use

All major features of the product should be easy to find and use. It is helpful if the product contains preset effects and filters placed in the drop down menus, mouse zooms, right click edits and unlimited undos. Quick recorders that look for sound cards or streaming audio, without manually having to set the source is also a nice feature.

Help/Support

Audio editing software can be hard for inexperienced audio editors and non-professional mixers to master. Comprehensive help and support offered through FAQs, direct contact to technical support, user forums, help pages or other documentation makes learning to use editing software a snap.

Editing Tools

Batch Processing/ Conversions

This command or tool is used to convert a set of files from one format to another and/or to apply effects to a set of files.

Channel Mixer

Used to swap, mix, invert, or combine left and right channels.

Cue Points

Used to mark and describe or hold information pertaining to a specific position of an audio track. For example, a cue point can hold information about a singer or artist or can mark and hold looping points

Effect Chain Editor

This tool enables the editor to chain a number of effects together to process at one time.

Effect Preview

Before saving a new edit, this preview will play and display the changes before implementation.

Equalizer

A device or computer algorithm that increases/decreases the volume of specific bands of frequencies in an audio signal.

Format Converter

Many programs have the ability to convert file formats, for example from a WAV PCM signed 16 bit stereo file to a MPEG Audio (mp3) Layer-3 ACM 44100Hz 128 kbps joint stereo file.

Frequency Tuner

Similar to an equalizer or a parametric equalizer, it is used to adjust frequencies.

Labels and Regional Markers

May also be referred to as a bookmark, it can mark or label a specific time location in an editor window.

Meta Information Editor

Enables editors to enter or edit artist, title, album, year, genre or other information of the selected file.

Mixer

A device or algorithm, which enhances or directs audio signals to other destinations, singly or together. May also be used to combine selections, for example a techno music file with an audio voice file to create a new techno mix.

Mouse Scroll Zoom

A handy feature that allows users to select a section of the waveform and use the mouse scroll to zoom in and out.

Processor

A handy feature that allows users to select a section of the waveform and use the mouse scroll to zoom in and out.

Punch In/Out

The process of re-recording sections of a previously recorded track, starting a punch may be called "punching in" and ending a punch "punching out."

Right Click Edits

Features accessible through the right click button of a mouse, that may include such functions as play, copy, paste or zoom.

Signal Analysis Tools

Tools used to analyze audio signals as they travel through audio cables, equipment or other system.

Track Splitter

Many programs have the ability to separate the tracks into left and right channels, whereas others, depending on the file type, have the ability to break apart multi tracks.

Variable Speeds

Increases or decreases the playback speed.

Effects

Amplify

Changes volume or loudness.

Chorus

An effect in which multiple copies of a signal are played together slightly off time from each other.

Compressor

Reduces the dynamic range of a signal, making loud sounds quieter and the quiet sounds louder.

Cross Fading

Fades out one sound while fading in another.

Delay

An effect in which a copy of a signal is played back later than the original.

Doppler

Dynamically changes a pitch.

Dynamics

Volume changes in audio.

Echo

A delay-based effect where copies of a signal are introduced then trail off to silence.

Expander

Reduces the level of a signal when it falls below a set threshold in order to overemphasize its dynamic range.

Fade In/Out

Changes level over time increasing/decreasing in amplitude from/to silence.

Feedback

Delayed repeated signal that produces multiples of the original signal. Or, a loud squeal created when a channel is receiving its own output.

Flange

Generates a swirling sound by adding a slightly delayed copy of a signal in which the delay time fluctuates.

Harmonizer

Can add odd and even multiples of a fundamental frequency to provide a characteristic (or timbre) to give each instrument or voice a unique sound.

Invert

Changes positive offset to negative and vice versa.

Interpolate

Smoothes out the waveform between start and finish markers, often used to remove a pop or click.

Mechanize

Adds a robotic or mechanical characteristic.

Noise

Adds a noise to a selected location, often a Gaussian or White noise.

Normalize

Process by which the gain of digital audio is increased to its maximum volume.

Off Set

Adjusts or removes a dc offset in a selection by shifting the waveform up or down.

Pan

Adjusts the left/right positioning of a signal within a stereo mix.

Phaser

An effect, which is a modified flange that adds a swirling sound to a signal.

Pitch

Changes the frequency of the selected part of an audio file, increases or decreases timbre.

Reduce Vocals

May reduce vocals from certain stereo recording by subtracting the left and right channels or by using a bandstop filter.

Resample

Takes a single parameter "sample rate" and recalculates existing audio data using the new sample rate.

Reverb

An effect in which the ambience of a physical space is simulated, this is achieved by copying a signal many times and repeating it at decreasing levels at intervals so close together that they are heard like one sound.

Reverse

Plays the audio backwards.

Silence

Can insert silence at a selected portion of the audio.

Stretch

Changes the frequency, duration and pitch of a selected part of the audio

Time Warp (stretch)

Changes the playback speed or stretches/compresses the length of the selection

Trim

Removes sounds outside of the selected part of audio.

Vibrato

A rhythmic fluctuation in pitch.

Filters

Band Pass

Allows only the band of frequencies surrounding the cutoff frequency to pass through.

Band Stop

Does the opposite of Band Pass filters, blocks all frequencies within a specified range.

High Pass

Only allows the frequencies higher than the cutoff frequency.

High Shelf Pass

Filters frequencies above a selected frequency.

Low Pass

Permits all frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency through.

Low Shelf Pass

A type of filter in which all frequencies below a selected frequency are affected.

Noise Reduction

Reduces unwanted noises within a sound, such as a background hisses, hums or interference, cannot however be used to separate or remove vocals or voices.

Notch

Often referred to as a "band reject filter", attenuates frequencies closest to the center frequency of a filter setting, used to minimize hum or acoustic feedback.

Pop/Plick

Eliminates abrupt changes in a sound, often used in restoration.

Silence Reduction

Deletes silence from a selected part of an audio file.

Smoother

Reduces hiss and crackle, often used when restoring old recordings or LPs.

FFT

Applies Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter to a selected part of an audio file, smoothes amplitude transitions at various frequencies, points above zero amplify and filter, points below zero attenuate and filter.

Display

Waveform

A graphical representation of an audio file that is a mathematical representation of a wave, obtained by plotting a characteristic of the wave against time.

Spectral

Visual display of a frequency graph, the horizontal axis is frequency in Hertz (Hz) and the vertical axis is magnitude in decibels (dB).

VU Meter

Displays the peak volume of the waveform.

Spectrogram

Displays frequency information over time, the horizontal axis is time in seconds (s), the vertical axis is frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the color represents the frequency's magnitude (dB). Often used to analyze amplitude versus frequency.

Recording Ability

Line-In

Has the ability to record from a line-in such as a microphone, stereo or other device.

Streaming Audio

Can record sound from the internet, such as an internet radio station or other streaming audio.

CDs

Has the ability to either record from a downloaded CD or can rip directly from a CD.

Video File

Can pull audio from a video file.

MIDI Files

Can record from Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) files, such as those created from a keyboard.

Sound Card

Has the ability to record what is playing on the sound card, which means that nearly anything can be recorded.

Burning Software

Audio

Has the software component needed to "burn" CDs.

Video

Includes the software module needed to "burn" DVDs.

Help and Support

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) answer questions commonly asked by users.

Free Updates

Allows free intermediate upgrades of purchased software.

Forum

An online discussion relating to audio editing topics and the software, often can help with common errors, troubleshooting or simply to learn new ways to use features.

Glossary

A helpful resource that defines terms used in the program that relate to audio editing.

Help Section

An inter-program feature that provides quick access to help.

Technical Support Contact

The manufacturer posts contact information, through either telephone or email, for technical support.

Product Manual

The product includes a comprehensive product manual either inter-program, online or through a download.

Tutorials

Step-by-step instructions on how to use a specific feature, offered either through the help section or online.

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