Audio Editing Web 2.0 Tools
Audio editing is a process that requires skill and instinct. Before the 1990s, sound was recorded on magnetic tape and edited by cutting the tape and joining the pieces with with specially designed editing tape. Now audio is digitally recorded and edited on computers with audio editing software. Here are some audio editing web tools that I have reviewed in my Web 2.0 class.
1. Audacity
Audacity is a free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds. I rated this tool twenty-six out of twenty-seven. The site was easy to navigate and was available at all times. The software had to be downloaded to my computer, but it was already loaded onto my laptop by the school so there was no problem. All desired tools and features are available for free and there was a full feature list and multiple screenshots available without registration. The only problem I have found is that there was no contact information for technical support. They can only be contacted for suggestions, bug reports and feature requests. I would recommend this tool to a classmate because it is surprisingly easy to use and can perform all the tasks required for the final project.
5. Wavosaur
Wavosaur is a free downloadable tool that has the ability to edit audio. I rated this tool with a twenty-one out of twenty-seven because the site was not well maintained. Some of the links did not work, and there was no contact information provided. I couldn’t find any information concerning awards that Wavosaur may have recived. The positive things about this site are that there is an extensive list of features and several screenshots with descriptions. Based on the list of features, I believe that this tool is able to meet all of the instructional goals of this unit. I wouldn’t recommend this tool to a classmate because there are many issues with the site, and if something were to go wrong there is no way to contact the company to ask for assistance. I wouldn’t recommend this site to anyone because of the lack of maintenance this site has.
4. AudioExpert
AudioExpert is a free and simple online audio editor, file converter and sound recorder. I rated this tool twenty-one out of twenty-seven because it is designed to be an easy way to create a ringtone for your cellphone. Unfortunately, this tool cannot overlap audio so it would not work well for the class project we were assigned, and that is why I rated this web tool twenty-one out of twenty-seven. I also could find no information about awards that the site may have received. The site could be navigated easily and seemed to be always available. The best part about this site was its complete feature list and its multiple screenshots. I would recommend this web tool to a friend who wants to make their own ringtones for their cellphone because the design of the site is geared mostly toward that kind of audio editing.
2. Ujam
Ujam is a free online audio editing program that allows users to create their own music. I rated this tool twenty-six out of twenty-seven because you don’t have to download any software and it is in perfect working order. All instructional goals can be met with Ujam, and there are many screenshots and samples that can help you learn how to use the site. The site is well maintained, and its contact information is complete and easy to find. The only issue was I wasn’t able to find much information about the awards they have received. I would recommend this to a classmate because Ujam has all of the features needed to create the final artifact, and the tool is easy to use.
3. Soundation
Soundation is a powerful online music studio that is designed to create music. I rated this site twenty-four out of twenty-seven. One of the best things about this tool is that is online, and you do not have to download any software for your computer. It is a little hard to navigate and use, but there are many tutorials and screen shots with descriptions to help new users become accustom to the site. The site is in good working order, and the contact information is complete and easy to find. The main problem with the tool is that there isn’t any mention of awards that they have won. I wouldn’t recommend this tool to another classmate because the tool itself is difficult to use. I would recommend this to a person who is interested in making their own music at home. The site is more than capable of meeting their needs.
