If you are just getting started with audio production, Adobe Audition is a great tool for recording and multitrack editing your audio podcasts, commercials, and final mixing for video. There are other great tools available (see the list at the bottom of this post), but a lot of students and professionals already have access to the Adobe Creative Suite…so it makes sense to work with Adobe tools.
This guide is meant to be an overview of all items Adobe Audition. It provides a few video tutorials, best practices, and resources for practicing audio editing.
Before we go any further, let me introduce you to Mike Russel. He has produced a lot of content and training over the years about Adobe Audition, so if you are looking on YouTube for answers, you’ll probably run into videos from him.
Here is his video about Adobe Audition CC for beginners:
There are new versions of this video, but this one is my favorite.
Getting into depth: How to make your voice recordings sound better
1. Use a Noise Gate to turn off the audio when the signal is not loud enough.
2. Balance frequencies with EQ
3. Use a Compressor/Dynamics filter
4. Add studio reverb
Free Music Resources
https://mixkit.co/free-stock-music
https://soundcloud.com/royaltyfreemusic-nocopyrightmusic
https://www.facebook.com/sound
https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
https://incompetech.com/music/
Free AI-generated voice-over services
https://wideo.co/text-to-speech
My Favorite Royalty Free Music Resources:
VIDEOHELPER (Really not cheap, but one of my absolute favorites)
Audio Recording and Editing Software (FREE, for beginners)
From Audactiy website: “An easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. Audacity is free, open source software.”
WavePad Audio Editing Software
From NCH Software website: “This audio editing software is a full-featured professional audio and music editor for Windows and Mac. Record and edit music, voice and other audio recordings. When editing audio files, you can cut, copy and paste parts of recordings, and then add effects like echo, amplification and noise reduction.”
Audio Recording and Editing Software (PAID, for professionals)
From Avid’s website: “Get everything you need to make beats, write songs, record vocals and instruments, and mix studio-quality music that’s ready to be heard across the world’s most popular streaming platforms.”
From Apple’s website: “Logic Pro turns your Mac into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects. Create and arrange music in real time and quickly go from first note to final master.”
Additional Resources
According to Investopedia, here are the best audio editing software apps of 2023:
Best Overall: Audacity.
Best Free: GarageBand.
Best for Live Music: Adobe Audition.
Best for Podcasts: Hindenburg Pro.
Best for Music Production: Ableton Live.
Best for Professionals: Pro Tools.
Best for Apple Devices: Logic Pro X.
Best for Android Devices: AudioLab.
Source: Best Audio Editing Software 2023 from Investopedia
Motivation for sound design:
