LAME is a reverse acronym for LAME ain’t an MP3 encoder, which is deceptive because it is an MP3 encoder. The MP3 encode Audacity uses is called LAME.ĭespite its name, LAME is a ubiquitous, open-source MP3 encoder that allows many software applications to create MP3s from uncompressed audio files. Installing an MP3 encoder is highly recommended. MP3 files are ubiquitous on the Web, and their small size with relatively low quality loss ensures that it will be quick and easy to download. While the MP3 encoder is listed as an optional download, it is required in order to export MP3 files. This tutorial was written using the latest beta version, however, to keep it as up to date as possible. If working on production material, it is suggested that users download the stable versions until the beta versions replace them. Generally “beta” software is still in a testing mode and could be unstable. While the software makers allow users to download the latest “beta” versions of the program, doing so may have some unexpected consequences. We will try to keep it updated when possible.)ĭownloading, installing and setup Download and install Audacity Due to Audacity’s open-source nature, the program tends to update regularly, and some information may become outdated. While the screenshots and some menu items are Mac specific, it is written to cater to all platforms. (This tutorial was written using Audacity for Mac OSX version 1.3.6 in November 2008. The program is not as complete, as you will have to install plug-ins/encoders separatelyĪudacity can be downloaded at the following location:.Some aspects are more complex, and not as user-friendly.The program is limited in its mixing capabilities.Several known (and unknown) bugs exist that can cause the program to become unstable.Open source with community support working to continually improve it.

Lightweight and a relatively small program size.Compatible with Mac OSX, Windows, Linux and other operating systems.Generally, Audacity is not as robust and polished as some other professional sound-editing programs, and there are some bugs in the software that can cause it to crash unexpectedly. Audacity is a piece of sound-editing software that is widely known for being open-source (free of charge) and offering cross-platform compatibility.īecause it is free, however, there are some drawbacks.

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