@shjohns: I'd like a clear differentiator too, I look at WavePad's features and don't see a lucid advantage.

For those of you interested in extensive sound manipulation, both of these apps can support VST plugins (in addition to DirectX ones), and Audacity's info is here: [audacityteam.org]

This opens up the door to all manner of exciting audio effects; there are many quality free VST FX, and I believe there are far more of these audio plugins than there are, say, Photoshop plugins. Check out [kvraudio.com] for a great database of your options.

Torley

Does anyone know if this is in any way superior to Audacity, at least for Windows boxes?

shjohns

I would definitely recommend this software!

I used it a few years ago when I was in a little garage band and needed to do some simple editing. It was great for cuts and dealing with volume levels. I also really like the simple and clean-cut interface.

Billxor

I've used WavePad for years, and have stuck with it ever since. Great software!

cedarpointfan

@Teknojunkie:
The basic version is completely free. I have had it installed for over a year on my computer.

sweatymongoose

@cedarpointfan: It's free lite-ware. See the faq: [www.nch.com.au]

@shjohns: The biggest differences I see in WqavePad are that:
1. it's not open source
2. it's not cross-platform
3. it's aggressive in trying to get you to download/purchase other software.
4. it's got a flashier interface that might be easier to use.
5. it's not portable. Audacity is natively portable - without the PortableApps version. Instructions are in the wiki: [audacityteam.org]

joelena

I definitely prefer Wavepad to Audacity. It may not have quite as many features as Audacity, but it has a much simpler interface, and completes all of my tasks. Audacity just seems to have too many features for my needs.

sweatymongoose

@Teknojunkie:
From looking at the product pages, the only difference I see between the basic(free) and the Masters(paid) version is the free version also has "Full featured Mp3 editing software."

Their FAQ says, "The free version of WavePad also has the additional features of WavePad Master's Edition enabled for a 14-day free trial after the software is first installed. If you choose not to purchase the WavePad Master's Edition license upgrade at the end of the free trial period, the advanced features will be disabled but the standard WavePad features will continue to work." It doesn't, however, say what those advanced features are.

HFC

Looks like it's not free. The links say it's a demo version. Anyone know what the difference is between the paid and demo versions?

Teknojunkie

Great software. The interface is amazingly simple and yet powerful. As far as I know, the free version does not support bookmarks, macros, and other small features.

For those interested in making their own ringtones, I created a How-To Make Your Own Ringtones a couple of years ago using WavePad.

dale3h

Having used both WavePad and Audacity, I can honestly say that while I like both a lot - but I think WavePad is a lot eaiser to use.

Audacity has a few more features than the free version of WavePad (and possibly more than the Master's Version as well), but it isn't nearly as simple to use.

All and all, though, it depends on what you're doing with it. WavePad is perfect for recording everyday music, podcasts, and the like. Audacity is better if you want to do some serious tweaking (for example, it's much easier to mix tracks left/right/stereo with Audacity). It's a matter of opinion.

That being said, I currently use Audacity.

HobBramble

I ran into this program when I was looking for a small and light audio editor for simple tasks. I've seen complaints on places like Download.com about it only being a time limited trial version, so I stayed away.

I was looking for something other than Audacity because that seems like major overkill for simple audio editing jobs. Maybe I'll just still with Cooledit 96.

johnsmith1234

This software is garbage compared to Audacity, don't bother with it.

otkrage

Cool timing! Working with some folks on audio editing and installed WavePad a few days ago. Yes, I've always used Audacity. Unfortunately, I found WavePad so incredibly simple or complex that I could't complete any projects. Dumb, dumber, and dumbest. Back to Audacity and finished with a minor clip in seconds. It must be user preference or learning curve or I simply don't know.

rainbowsky

I'm partial to Wavosaur ([www.wavosaur.com]) - another small freebie with lots of features, including VST plugin support.

taodude

I would not suggest using this program. I installed it about a year ago to do some audio conversion, and it installed 4 other programs at the same time without ever asking me. I have tried to remove the programs, however any time I hit the uninstall button it simply pops up a menu telling me I need to purchase a license to it. Once I tell it that I don't want a license it simply shuts itself down. Customer support has been useless, and has never bothered to answer my question. Luckily I am doing a fresh install of XP so it will be wiped clean off my drive, but the fact that I couldn't remove it normally is ridiculous.

Woden501

I love audacity, but I find the windows version not as good as the linux version, I think it stays a few revs behind? There were some missing features in the windows version that I can't remember now, I've been using Cubase LE for so long.

I might try wavepad next time I need a lightweight windows editor.

Navin R Johnson

Yet another demo with limited functionality costing money for the full (as described) version. I believe it's time for Lifehacker editors to be more judicious in use of the term "free download".

aeronaut

Not actually for all platforms. Won't run natively under linux, but apparently works under WINE. Good thing I like how Audacity runs on my Ubuntu box.

laurion

I've been using WavePad for years. Its great! The only downside is after editing an MP3, once you save the ID tags are cleared.

rdldr1

I've been using Wavepad Master for many years now, I have to say it's way more better and easier than Audacity.

Samuel Wat

no ty, it seems audacity is much better.

prozaker

wavosaur is better than this baitware

Tactical-Incineration-Development

@Woden501:
Did you try running something like Revo Uninstaller to clean it out? Just curious if that would work.

krn

Audacity all the way!

dluxfresh

I've been using Goldwave for years [goldwave.com]
While not as slick as something like Adobe Soundbooth the feature set is great for a free app. I don't see anything in wavepad that would make me want to switch.

thespot84

@johnsmith1234: Yes! CoolEdit! Great grandfather to Adobe Audition. Love it. [www.oldapps.com]

cheesebubble

For those making their own ringtones, it might behoove you to read this site on Fair Use and the law:

[fairuse.stanford.edu]
[fairuse.stanford.edu]

I'm against over-protected bullshit too, but record company greed and stupidity doesn't stop the courts agreeing with them.

And I agree with thespot84, Goldwave is worth a look. Even if you're too cheap to pay and register, the shareware version v4.26 has a "toll meter". You can perform a certain number of actions before it stops working, about 15-20 major edits of one song.

P_Smith

Baitware. Yuck. I optimistically installed this, but when I saw how much garbage it decided to install I used CCleaner to pull it and all the other installed crap from my machine.

USBhack

i used to use audicity.

ariswadkar

Why do so many people find Audacity hard to use? My finacee uses it to make ringtones all the time, and she's no software wiz. I think the interface is fairly straightforward for anyone who has used an EQ before. I think I'll stick with it.

shjohns