

Hence, one records audio and edits with a computer (using software like Audacity), and stores these sounds in files on a computer. While many of the terms and techniques remain the same today, computers replaced tape machines, and digital files succeeded tapes.

Many of the fundamental techniques which formed good audio recording and editing practices then, laid the foundation for recording and editing software. The recording industry still uses these terms, and more, today. "Multitrack" referred to recording many separate sounds onto extra wide tape to fit more 'tracks'. Making a "cut" meant literally cutting the audio tape at a certain point.

Much of the jargon used in audio editing today comes from this process. In the old days, audio editing was done with huge machines that recorded sound to tape (similar to the tape in tape cassettes).Īudio engineers would then edit these tapes using razor blades and sticky tape. You can then use Audacity to combine these sounds and edit them to make documentaries, music, podcasts, etc. Typically, one uses Audacity for recording sounds, like interviews or musical instruments. Which means Audacity can record and edit audio. The Audacity program is an example of an 'audio editor'.
