You can spend a fortune on software to edit audio, but you really don’t need to, especially if you’re just getting started on your podcast journey.
There are several free software options available for editing audio for podcasts. Some popular choices include:
- Audacity: a free, open-source digital audio editing software that supports a wide range of file formats. It offers a variety of tools for editing and enhancing audio, such as a noise reduction feature, and it can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- GarageBand: a free digital audio workstation (DAW) software that comes pre-installed on all Mac computers. It offers a range of tools for editing and recording audio, including a built-in noise gate, equalization and compression.
- Ocenaudio: a cross-platform, easy-to-use, fast and functional audio editor, it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Adobe Audition: Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software, it offers a free trial version.
- WavePad: a free audio editor that allows you to edit, record, and add effects to audio files. It supports a wide range of file formats, and offers features such as noise reduction and echo. It can be run on Windows and Mac.
- Tracks Live: a free, real-time multitrack audio recorder and editor. It can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and supports a wide range of file formats.
- LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio): a free, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) that can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows you to create, edit, and mix music using a wide range of virtual instruments and effects.
- Ardour: a free, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) that can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a range of tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio, and supports a wide range of file formats.
- Wavosaur: a free, lightweight audio editor that offers basic editing and processing features, such as cut, copy, paste, and undo/redo. It can be run on Windows and supports a wide range of file formats.
- Lightworks: a professional-grade video editing software, also supports audio editing. it’s free but with some limitations, offers a wide range of advanced features such as multitrack audio editing, effects, and mixing.
- Traverso: a free, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) that can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a range of tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio, such as a built-in audio editor, and support for VST plugins.
- n-Track Studio: a free, cross-platform digital audio workstation (DAW) that can be run on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. It offers a range of tools for recording, editing, and mixing audio, and support for VST and AU plugins.
Please note that these are just examples and there are other software that might fit your needs. It’s always good to explore different options and find the one that works best for you. This list is likely to grow as time passes.