Freeware sound editor?

Infopackets Reader Tom W. writes:

" Hi Dennis!

I have just recently subscribed to your newsletter and am already learning more. I am always trying to learn all I can: it's my hobby.

I have been trying to find a good freeware program to record my audio tapes using my computer. I tried several Google searches for freeware programs, but I they all turn out to be shareware or trialware software.

I was wondering if you know of any good freeware programs for recording audio? The program that came with my CD Recorder doesn't allow me to modify / amplify the sound volume. Unfortunately, the majority of my recordings are barely audible. Any suggestions? "

My response:

I am also finding it increasingly difficult to find any meaningful web sites using Google these days, especially when searching for freeware. It seems that more and more sites in Google's top ranking are purposely misleading.

Having said that, I can tell you that (thankfully) I happen to know of a really great freeware sound file editor you can use, called Sound Pad by MenaSoft.

According to MenaSoft web site, Sound Pad is compatible with Windows 3.1, 95, 98, and NT. I have personally tried Sound Pad on Windows 2000 and XP, and it works just fine (most likely Windows ME, too). Sound Pad is a super light weight at 106k, and you can use it to record, edit, and amplify your sound files:

http://www.menasoft.com/soundpad/

Side note: Although the window for Sound Pad will report "unregistered" across the title bar of the program, as far as I understand, registration is not mandatory and the program will always continue to function.

About Sound File Compression

Sound Pad doesn't support .MP3 files, so you'll have to save in .WAV format. WAV files tend to be fairly large, and so you will probably want to compress your sound files using a compression utility like Windows Media Encoder. Windows Media Audio (.WMA) files compress very nicely and are widely supported -- after all, it's a Microsoft product.

http://www.microsoft.com

Other really good freeware sound file editors?

I enjoy using Menasoft's Sound Pad program, but I'd like to know if anyone else has come across any other really good sound editors that are freeware. If so, please send me your suggestion!

Update 2004/04/13: This article has been updated. Click here to read!