Best Audio Recording Software

With high quality audio recording/editing software you will be able to record podcasts, record music in digital format, create videos with great sound and much more. Since there are many options available, it may take some time to decide which is the best solution for your needs. Some applications offer basic functionality, while others are powerful audio production programs that support advanced features. Once you know what you are looking for, you can check the options available to select the one that better suits your purpose. In this article, you will find lightweight applications that cover core features, as well as advanced solutions with sophisticated technology. Here are the best audio recording programs available.

MixCraft

MixCraft is a comprehensive option that comes with every feature needed to enjoy professional audio recording and production capabilities. In addition, MixCraft stands out for its MIDI sequencer, remarkable digital audio workstation and other functions that will enhance your experience with the tool. It is designed to record from a wide selection of sources including external devices and built-in microphones. MixCraft offers digital versions of several musical instruments such as electric guitars and synthesizers. There are also many sound effects and loops available that will give you more options when creating your own music. If you are into sound engineering and productions, this feature-rich Windows software could be the best option for you.

Audacity

Audacity is a leading solution when it comes to audio editing thanks to its impressive performance and wide range of features. It works on multiple platforms and supports audio recording from a variety of sources including external microphones, built-in microphones and you can even stream audio. Audacity also allows you to digitize audio from tapes and records and you can convert them to a variety of formats. There are many filters and post processing affects available, including noise reduction, silence removal and amplification. It is possible to mix multiple tracks and with the advanced editing functionality, you can get professional results. You can use many VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plug-ins and widely used formats like MP3, OGG and WAV are supported. Audacity is free, open source and it is a top choice for audio editing and recording.

Sonar

Sonar is the result of years of in music production and the software is constantly innovating. Considered as one of the most advanced solutions available, Sonar comes packed with amazing features. It is one of the best Digital Audio Workstation applications that you can get. With Sonar, you can record audio from a variety of sources and it works with a variety of external devices including MIDI keyboards and mixers. Sonar also brings a massive selection of special effects such as delay and reverb, just to name a few. It also supports virtual instruments including drum machines, synthesizers and samplers. The drag-and-drop functionality makes things very simple when it comes to editing effects and Sonar supports pretty much all audio formats. Although the installation process can be a bit complicated, Sonar is a powerful solution that deserves to be considered.

Reaper

If you prefer an application that is lightweight and easier to use, then Reaper could be the answer. It allows you to record audio from internal or connected external devices such as MIDI keyboards, without major hassle. With Reaper, it is possible to record audio from a multiple devices at the same time, as long as the hardware supports this option. You can set up the audio recording settings prior to the processing or afterwards. The editing functionality can be mainly managed using a drag and drop motion and there is an array of special effects (including cross-fade and pitch shift) available. You can set up the recording and editing to be performed automatically and the application supports practically all VST plug-ins. Reaper is fast, incredibly easy to use and it offers advanced features for a convenient price. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Oceanaudio

Oceanaudio is a free application that comes with advanced features and it is also very easy to use. Speed is one of the advantages of Oceanaudio and the performance of the tool is remarkable. Its user-friendly interface will allow you to edit and record audio without issues and it supports both basic and advanced audio analysis. There is a vast selection of effects available including chorus, flanger and noise gate. You can apply and get a preview of the effects in real-time. Detailed audio spectrum analysis is supported, as well as VST based plug-ins. It is compatible with widely used audio formats like WAV, MP3 and AIFF. Oceanaudio works on Windows, Mac and Linux and it is a good solution for both basic and advanced requirements.

MusE

MusE is an open source sequencer with powerful recording and editing functionality. It is specifically aimed at Linux and it allows you to record and play content from several internal and external audio sources and it also supports real-time recording. It is also possible to import/export MIDI files for quick editing with multiple tools including piano roll, score editor and drum editor. You can drag and drop audio tracks and plug-ins while working on a project. MusE supports popular formats like WMA, MP3, WAV and OGG. MusE is available for free and it is a good option for Linux users who want editing and sequencing features and reliable performance.