Where is the best place to record sound from a microphone: 7 audio recorders
Recording from a microphone may be useful not only for professional musicians. Capturing audio from a connected device may be required for digitizing audio cassettes or records, creating podcasts, dubbing movies.
To solve this problem, use specialized software that can be installed on a computer running on the Windows operating system.
In this review, we will look at software that will help record sound on a microphone and, at the same time, is suitable for beginners. A complete list of the best programs for recording sound from a microphone is presented on this page, we advise you to study it.
Ashampoo Audio Recorder
Ashampoo Audio Recorder, an easy-to-use program with basic recording capabilities, allows you to capture data from a connected or built-in microphone. Also, using the software, you can record system sounds. In the course of work, users can adjust the sound quality and select the appropriate format for export.
A convenient file manager built into the program allows you to sort the created audio recordings and quickly find the tracks you need. However, the functionality here is not too rich, so this tool is suitable if you need to quickly record a voice and do not need to edit the created file.
Pros:
- high quality of the created sound recording;
- there is a tool for trimming audio files;
- there is a built-in player and media library;
- free for home use.
Minuses:
- registration with email confirmation is required;
- you can not cut sections from the middle of the track;
- very few post-processing tools;
- recording cannot be paused;
- you cannot append sound to an existing file.
AudioMASTER
AudioMASTER is a handy audio editor for beginners, with which you can record audio from any device. In addition to the microphone, you can record your voice through connected headphones and even your smartphone’s voice recorder. Users can pause the recording, create a new file, or append to an existing track.
The resulting audio recording can be immediately processed – cut out individual fragments, glue with other files, mix and apply effects. There are tools for working with quality, an equalizer, automatic sound enhancement, noise reduction, voice change.
The program will be the best option for solving a variety of tasks – podcasts, voice acting, recording vocals or capturing music through a microphone.
Pros:
- automatically recognizes the device and does not require configuration;
- wide editing possibilities;
- options for merging audio files and a mixer are available;
- tabs interface allows you to process several tracks at once.
Minuses:
- small trial period;
- few presets for changing the voice.
Audacity
Audacity is a Russian language recording and processing software suitable for users with basic skills. The free editor allows you to multi-track recording, adjust the volume balance right during audio capture. Since the software allows you to record audio in parallel with playing an open track, it can be used to overlay vocals on a backing track, dub films, and so on.
The finished track immediately becomes available for processing: the editor has a good set of effects, each of which can be configured in detail. There are several tools to improve the sound quality in semi-automatic mode. There are also functions for analyzing the track and monitoring connected devices.
Pros:
- supported audio capture to different tracks;
- basic post-processing tools;
- manual adjustment of the quality of created records;
- choice of drivers for capturing sound.
Minus:
- not very user-friendly interface;
- difficulties with exporting to mp3;
- editing requires at least basic skills.
Wavepad
This free audio recorder offers a standard recording type and a special mode for overlaying voiceovers over an open music file. WavePad also allows you to overwrite selected sections of the composition.
Before starting, you can turn on the report and adjust the metronome to maintain the desired rhythm. The program has automatic silence trimming at the beginning and at the end of the track. The recorder contains advanced editing options, including automatic sound enhancement features.
Pros:
- several modes of sound recording;
- setting up automatic activation by voice;
- separate editing of channels is supported;
- secure recording (blocking any actions until the “Stop” button is pressed).
Minuses:
- inconvenient overloaded interface;
- no official Russian localization;
- multitrack recording mode requires the installation of a plug-in;
- files cannot be processed in batch mode.
Cool Record Edit Pro
This program for recording voice from a microphone allows you to capture sound from any source and then process it in an internal editor. Before recording, you can set the bitrate and select the number of channels (mono or stereo). Users can also manually adjust the volume and check the signal quality. A handy option is automatic silence removal.
The finished track can be improved using a collection of effects and basic editing can be done: cut the track, glue files together, change the volume, and so on. The editor has tools for suppressing noise and breath of the announcer, so Cool Record Edit Pro is well suited for voiceovers and podcasts.
Pros:
- convenient intuitive panel of the recorder;
- recording timer for automatic start at the appointed time;
- a large set of editing tools;
- quality noise reduction.
Minuses:
- trying to install additional software on the PC;
- the free version does not allow you to save the record;
- there is no Russian-language localization.
Reaper
Reaper is a professional music production tool. However, due to the interface and the ability to capture sound from third-party devices, it can be safely included in the list of the best programs for recording sound from a microphone. The application supports audio capture (including from the line input), allows you to analyze and change the volume of the signal.
The program has an on-the-fly sound capture function, so the application can be configured to start the next recording immediately after the previous one ends. This is suitable if you are recording a musical set or interviews with several guests. Created tracks can be sent directly to the editing panel or saved to the hard disk without modification.
Pros:
- you can record the signal on several tracks at once;
- supports capture from multiple audio inputs simultaneously;
- automatic saving of audio upon completion of work;
- You can set up recording from two audio signals to one track.
Minuses:
- you will need at least basic DAW skills to work;
- software is not suitable for laptops and weak PCs;
- no Russian translation.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a professional audio editor with sound recording function, which is used for creating podcasts, dubbing movies, and so on. The program allows you to make tracks of the highest quality, set the bitrate parameters and the number of channels. During the recording process, you can apply effect chains and listen to the result in real time.
Recording in multi-tracking mode is allowed with instantaneous mixing of tracks with channel separation. The editor offers a full range of professional options for improving finished tracks, including the function of detecting extraneous noise, clicks and other defects.
Pros:
- can replace a full-fledged audio studio for creating podcasts and broadcasts;
- supports capturing from multiple connected audio devices at once;
- advanced multitracking and mixer mode;
- apply effects in real time.
Minuses:
- it takes time to master the complex interface;
- before recording, you need to manually configure the signal sources;
- puts a lot of stress on the computer.
Article Conclusions
In this review, we looked at programs for recording and editing sound on a PC, which are suitable for novice users. To choose the software that is right for you, first of all, analyze how much work you are going to do. After that, make a choice based on the functionality, your skills in working with similar software and the capabilities of your computer.