Easy, Inexpensive, Effective Audio Editing Software
June 06, 2019
Easy, Inexpensive, Effective Audio Editing Software
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with WavePad
Wavepad is used to edit audio files typically for background in ads. It is also used to create and edit voice-overs for audio and video ads created for clients. We have helped our outside voice over talent setup and utilize WavePad for creating their work to submit to us. WavePad is easy to set up and use to create a quick voice-over or to edit audio files. It also includes good tools for enhancing audio. We use the noise removal, compression, high and low pass filters, amplify, normalize and equalize to clean up audio that may not have been recorded under the best circumstances.
We started with the free, non-commercial, version to evaluate WavePad but quickly licensed the Master's edition for our commercial work.
Some of the other features we have taken advantage of:
Convert stereo to mono.
Convert file formats. Supported formats include; WAV, mp3, WMA, Ogg, m4r, FLAC, AAC, vox, spx and several more.
Create ringtones for our cell phones.
- Voice recording is our most used function. It is simple and straight forward. We have trained non-technical voice over talent to use it.
- The cleanup tools have saved us from having to go out and rerecord some bad original recordings.
- Being able to cut out sections of recordings and insert a different audio piece is a great time saver.
- WavePad only works with a single audio track. NCH does offer MixPad for multi-track editing. We also use MixPad occasionally to mix background music with voice.
- We are able to work with local voice-over talent and amateurs and that allows us to keep our cost low to our clients.
- WavePad is so inexpensive that is pays for itself on the first project. The Master's edition is less than $100 and the standard edition is less than $50.
We ran across WavePad years ago and used it for some simple music file edits. Cutting out some parts to make it fit better into the time slot. Audacity was recommended by a friend and we installed it and give it a brief try. We didn't find anything bad about it but came back to WavePad.
Using WavePad
2 - WavePad is used to record voice-overs, edit recorded voice-overs, edit audio files used for background and convert audio file formats.
Simple enough to use that we don't really have a support person.
- Voice-over recording.
- Voice-over editing.
- Audio/music file editing.
Evaluating WavePad and Competitors
- Price
- Product Features
- Existing Relationship with the Vendor
Initially used the free, non-commercial, versions for some personal projects. When our company moved into creating video ads for customers WavePad served our needs for audio editing. We have helped business partners set up and use WavePad. The product is very inexpensive.
Would not change the evaluation or selection process. Very satisfied with the product, price, and support.
WavePad Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Yes - Implementation by phase only to the extent that we are learning to use some of the more advanced editing tools that we did not use in the beginning.
Change management was minimal
WavePad Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Support understands my problem Quick Initial Response | Difficult to get immediate help |
No - Premium support is not offered. Support is by email or a user forum. I have rarely needed support.
No - Resolved
Using WavePad
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Record a voice-over.
- Edit an audio file; cut, copy, delete sections with ease.
- Open a file in one format and save it to another format.
- Audio clean-up takes some time to learn the different tools available and which to use when. Video tutorials help.