MP3/WAV/etc Editor?

[LarryG]

I have a very minor, very occasional need for an app to edit audio files. Can someone recommend something that works well, is easy to use, and doesn't cost a fortune? Actually, freeware would be good, but I don't mind paying to get something a little better. Also, if there's something out there that's considered sort of a defacto standard, like Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro are for graphics files, that might be preferred as long as it's not too expensive.

Bonus question: I have Windows Movie Maker, but have never used it. Can I edit audio files (only: no video) with it?

Thanks!

[Thom2]

Audacity from sourceforge

[Ken Massingale]

Larry,
In Movie maker, File, Import into Collections. Then select the type, wav, mp3, mid, etc.
ken

[jziegler]

I'll second Audacity. It's free, and it works great for basic editing. Imports and exports wav, mp3, and others.

Jim

[RichG]

Sound Forge

I've always used Sound Forge, there's a pro version and an entry level version (Sound Forge Audio Studio). I've used the pro version but found that Sound Forge Audio Studio more than meets my needs. I edit allot of the music & video for my kids' dance school, and Sound Forge has always worked well for me.

[HarmsWay]

I'll 3rd or 4th Audacity. I went from using whatever it was that came with my Sound Blaster card, which was the only software I had that could crash my NT box, to Audacity which was a dream to use. I could get it to crash doing something wrong but I forget what it was. Lots of RAM helps it work good. I've got 2GB and editing a two hour raw file worked without a hitch. I use it mostly for getting my vinyl collection on the computer, so I do a fair amount of pop and click removal. Very inituitive interface and highly recommended.

The base program doesn't allow you to export MP3 but there are free add-ons. Or use iTunes or something. I export everything as wav so I can go back and edit if I need to down the road.

[crokett]

Sigh. I guess I really do need the day off that I am taking tomorrow. Been reading a lot of log files at work recently. I saw the thread title and was thinking it was an odd place for Linux config files.

[JSUPreston]

Another vote for Audacity. I've used it for quite a bit of editing I have done over the years. It's free and easy to use.

[LarryG]

Okay, sounds like Audacity is worth a serious look. I've downloaded it, and will give it a try.

Ken, I tried your suggestion for Windows Movie Maker, and it worked; but I neglected to specifically mention that I also need a way to convert from one audio file format to another. If there's a way to do that in WMM, I'm not seeing it.

Thanks a bunch, everyone!

[Ken Massingale]

Geeeze Larry! ;-D

Nope, they can be edited, but not converted. AFAIK
k