What are the best programmes for preparing audio for the web?

I want to put some audio files on the web, but the files sizes are quite large so they'll eat through the bandwidth. I'm looking for a good way to optimise them, perhaps also cleaning up the sound quality and editing out bits. Which are the best programmes for this, both paid and freeware?

I've found quite a few utilities that will convert audio from one format to another, but I'd like to know what people find the most useful for editing audio as well.

 

I use BlazeMedia Pro (paid) and Audacity (free). These 2 are the better ones that I've come across in my opinion.

 

Audiacity
would definitely be my recommendation too. I strongly agree with ancer - it is one of the best free audio-editors available online.
As regards the paid ones, there is a vast range of various audio-editors and optimisers and your choice would rather depend more on their price. However, if you are not engaged in professional audio-editing, I believe the latest version of Audiocity would work perfectly for you.

Best wishes

 

That's great. I'll definitely have a go with Audacity, and I see there's a 15 day trial version of Blaze MP I can look into. Thanks for your replies.

 

You're welcome Obelia.

 

I am glad our advise was of help to you, Obelia.

 

I prefer audiacity because its free and easy to use. Also its powerful to merge , mix diffrent songs.

 

Back when I was using a PC, I used to work with Sound Forge from Sony (Used to be by Sonic Foundry).
It is THE best audio editor in my opinion. It's a shame they not making a Mac version..

 

nice thread, I like...

 

i agree, Sony stuff works pretty well

 

I like Sound Forge , to copy sounds over Internet the total recorder is good to.

Kiss

 

Try AVS Audio Editor, It is able to edit your audio files like cut, mix, split, merge, record, apply various effects. Use Timeline for maximum precision and accuracy. Multichannel audio files are supported.