Learn about the five most popular audio editing programs

Sound and audio editing are equally important to any film or video project, even though they’re often overlooked in the world of video editing.

Audio is an essential building block in any video edit. While you can control a lot of the audio and sound in most video editing software, like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, for serious video editors, it is helpful to at least have a basic knowledge of other audio-specific platforms.

Let’s look in depth at the digital audio workstations that are currently available to film and video editors and how they can be used for their audio and sound requirements.

What is a digital audio workstation (DAW)?

A DAW (digital workstation) is a term that should be familiar to anyone who has worked in the recording industry. For those of us who come from the video-centric world, this term may be intimidating. DAWs are editing software that works with audio files.

There are many different types of DAWs. They range from super-high-end software and apps used by professional musicians and recording studios to prosumer versions for laptops and smartphones.

It really depends on your needs and skills when it comes to choosing the best DAW for you. These are the best sound options for video editors.

Audacity

Audacity is one of the most iconic and famous names in sound editing. Nerve was originally released in the early 2000s, during the dawn of the internet. It is an open-source digital audio editing program.

The program is very easy to use and should teach you some of the basics. However, advanced users may wish for more features. As a free, legacy program, it is worth downloading and testing out at first.

GarageBand

Anyone who has owned a Mac or laptop can use GarageBand as an introduction to sound recording and editing.

GarageBand, while it may not be the most sophisticated software available, is still a fun and easy-to-use program that allows users to get creative.

Avid Pro tools

Avid is a mainstay of both the audio and video industries. It offers some of the most advanced technology available for professionals in each. Avid Media Composer is a popular choice for video editors in the industry, but Pro Tools from Avid is one of the most advanced digital audio workstations on the market.

Pro Tools is a steep learning curve for those who are new to audio editing. It’s best left to more advanced and experienced sound editors.

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition, a popular DAW audio-editing software for audio and video professionals, is a good option for anyone who uses video editing apps such as Premiere Pro or After Effects and subscribes to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Audition is an excellent choice for those who are just getting started. It is easy to use and has a sophisticated interface that’s not intimidating. Plus, if you use Premiere Pro, you can easily switch between the two for the best results in your video projects.

Logic Pro

Apple’s Logic Pro, a powerful sound editing program for professionals in video and audio, is a great choice for Mac users who are ready to move up from GarageBand. It is similar to GarageBand, although it is more focused on music than audio for video and film. However, it has all of the bells, whistles, and features you could need.

It’s not for beginners because of its complexity, and Pro Tools is still the industry leader in terms of support and use. If you are a Mac user using Final Cut Pro and want more audio controls, Logic Pro may be the best option.

Making your decision

These options will hopefully give you a better understanding of what DAWs and audio-editing platforms are available today. These options are designed for different skill levels, so you don’t have to buy the most expensive option if you just started.

If you’re serious about getting great audio and sound in your video and film projects, then it’s essential to use the right tool for the job. Check out a few options and decide which is best for you.