Audio Editing

Basic Audio Editing

  • Cut, copy, paste: Fundamental tools in audio editing, allowing you to remove, duplicate or move parts of your audio files within the project.
  • Fade In/Out: Gradually increases or decreases volume at the start or end of an audio file or clip to provide a smooth entry or exit.
  • Crossfade: Blends the ends of two audio files or clips together to ensure a seamless transition.
  • Silencing and normalising: Useful for removing unwanted sounds or adjusting the loudness of a track to a desired level.

Advanced Audio Editing

  • Time stretching: Changes the duration of an audio signal without affecting its pitch.
  • Pitch shifting: Alters the pitch of an audio signal without changing its duration.
  • Equalisation (EQ): Adjusts the balance between different frequency components.
  • Dynamics processing: Manipulates the dynamic range of an audio signal, which might include the use of compressors, limiters and expanders.
  • Noise reduction: Helps to eliminate unwanted background noise or hiss.

Audio Editing for Corrective Purposes

  • Looping: Facilitates the repetition of a section of sound in a seamless manner.
  • Punch in/out: Allows for corrections to be made in the middle of a recording without having to start over.
  • Compiling: The process of taking the best elements from multiple takes and assembling them into one flawless performance.
  • Restoration: Involves the use of specialised tools and techniques to remove or reduce noise, clicks, pops, and other types of unwanted audio artefacts.

Audio Editing for Creative Purposes

  • Reversing: Flips an audio signal back-to-front, so that the end plays first and the beginning last.
  • Pitch correction: Can be subtly used for tuning vocals, or heavily applied for creative effects (for example, the famous ‘Auto-Tune’ sound).
  • Time-based effects: Include delay, reverb, flanging, phasing and more to create a sense of space or modulating effects.
  • Sampling and resampling: The use of small pieces of audio, often manipulated or processed for use in new contexts.
  • Automation: Allows for real-time changes to track parameters, such as volume, pan, or send level. This can create dynamic changes in the mix over time.

Remember, audio editing tools are just that: tools. They’re there to help bring your musical ideas to life, whether that’s fixing issues in a recording or experimenting to create something entirely new.