Part 2: How to Choose an Audio Editor
Hey there, fellow Wrockers! In Part 1, we got your song out of your head and into a recording. Now it's time to take a breather and chat about something super important that’ll shape all your future music-making adventures: picking an audio editor.
This part is all about helping you find the right tool for the job, based on your budget and what computer you’re using. I’m sharing what I know from my own experience, conversations with friends, and a little bit of online research—so take it as friendly advice rather than gospel.
Your editor will be like your magic wand. You will need to know which spells to cast, and certain wands are more powerful than others. But once you find the right fit, the wand (or editor) that fits you best, you will be producing in no time!
What Should Your Audio Editor Do?
Before we list out options, here are a couple of must-haves in an audio editor for our Wrock projects:
-
Multi-Track Recording:
Think of this as having your own little recording studio at home. You can record different sounds on separate “tracks” (like drums on one, vocals on another, piano on a third, etc.) and mix them together into one awesome track. -
Beats and Measures Support:
This feature helps you line up your recordings, keeping everything in time. It’s especially handy for musicians—even if you’re just starting out. But don’t sweat it if you’re not using it right away; you can grow into it.
Options Based on Your Budget
$0 Budget: Free Tools to Get Started
If you're not ready to spend any money, there are a couple of great free options:
Audacity (Windows & Mac)
- What It Is:
A free, open-source audio editor that can handle multi-track recording and basic editing. - Pros:
It’s totally free and does everything you need to start recording and editing. - Cons:
Some effects might not be as fancy as what you’d get in paid software, and it doesn’t come with built-in virtual instruments. - Perfect For:
Beginners who want to try out recording and editing without dipping into their wallet.
GarageBand (Mac Only)
- What It Is:
Apple’s own user-friendly audio editor and music-making tool. - Pros:
It’s easy to use, has cool built-in virtual instruments, and is a gentle intro to more professional software later on. - Cons:
Only available on Mac. - Perfect For:
Mac users who want an easy way to jump into music making with a clear upgrade path to Logic Pro if you ever decide to dive deeper.
Quick Tip: If you start in GarageBand and later crave more advanced features, switching to Logic Pro is a smooth transition.
Around $60: Stepping It Up with Reaper
For those who can spare a bit more cash, Reaper is an excellent choice. This digital audio workstation (DAW) works on both Windows and Mac and is loved by beginners and pros alike.
Reaper
- Cost:
The discounted license is about $60 if your earnings from your music are under $20k (That’s what I’m using!. When you're ready to go full-time, upgrading to the commercial license is around $225. - Features:
It’s loaded with editing, mixing, and mastering tools. It also supports multi-track recording and syncing with beats and measures—super useful when you’re adding virtual instruments later. - Cons:
You don’t get built-in virtual instruments, so if you want to use those, you’ll need to buy them separately. - Perfect For:
Anyone who wants a powerful, flexible editor that grows with your skills—and all without costing a fortune.
Heads Up: Reaper is my go-to for creating Wizard Wrock tracks because it’s simple enough for beginners and powerful enough for more complex projects.
Around $200: Leveling Up with Logic Pro (Mac Only)
If you’re all-in and using a Mac, Logic Pro is a fantastic choice to bring your music to a professional level.
Logic Pro
- Cost:
Approximately $200 (prices might change, so check the latest). - Features:
It comes with a full suite of professional editing tools, effects, and a huge library of virtual instruments and loops. - Perfect For:
Serious music makers who want an all-in-one solution for recording, editing, and mastering. Plus, if you’re comfortable with GarageBand, you’ll find Logic Pro feels like its big, grown-up cousin.
A Few Other Options
There are plenty more editors out there—like Ableton Live or Pro Tools—but I’m keeping it simple here for a few reasons:
- There are so many tools available that it would be overwhelming to cover them all.
- I haven’t had a chance to deeply explore every single one.
- Many of those are on the pricier side, and for creating awesome Wizard Wrock tracks, the ones we’ve talked about are more than enough to get you started.
Conclusion
Choosing the right audio editor might seem intimidating at first, but remember: it’s all about finding the tool that works for you right now. Whether you go with a free tool like Audacity or GarageBand, level up with Reaper, or invest in a professional setup with Logic Pro, each step is a move toward making your music sound as magical as you imagine.
In Part 3, we’ll jump into some hands-on editing so you can start mixing and fine-tuning your recordings. Until then, relax, have fun, and remember that every great track started with a single beat.
Happy editing and keep on rockin’!
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