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I still use Adobe Audition 1.5 daily. It's adapted from the old Cool Edit Pro. I know it cold and it does most of what I want. It's ancient by now.
Yes, I also use a DAW, but for many purposes, it's good to have a stereo file editor.
Adobe Audition has two main drawbacks:
1) it crashes a lot, especially when the full file is not in view
2) it does not understand the newest plugins, like VST3 (and I've converted to 64-bit in just about everything)
I also have Adobe Audition 3, but it suffers from bloat, won’t share ASIO and also doesn't recognize VST3 plugins.
So I just tried the demo versions of WaveLab Elements and SoundForge.
What a difference! WaveLab (by Steinberg) makes you jump through registration hoops, but the program just looks modern and handles all my plugins.
Sound Forge looked functional but felt 'old'. It reminded me of another program you might know. And although it comes with extensive effects, I could not figure out how to add my plugins. The look and feel of the program did not inspire me to try further.
So, if you are still with me, what are you using? Is anyone here using WaveLab? Anyone using Sound Forge? Still suffering with Audition? Something else? Yes, I'm familiar with Audacity; I need something much more powerful.
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Watching. And the fine print is on point
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Can you be specific about the editing needs? I used to use ancient versions of Cool Edit Pro, Goldwave and Sound Forge. But ever since I started using Tracktion as my DAW in early 2000’s, I find the built in audio clip editor does everything I need it to do. The ability to drag VSTs directly onto the clip for non destructive editing is a really cool feature, drag over cross fading, one touch fades of linear, exponential and sigmoid types, etc. Inside the DAW. What is it you are needing?
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I tend to use a DAW (Reaper or Cakewalk) or maybe Melodyne but for a bit of simple manipulation I have used Audacity for years. Audacity is free, very commonly used with a lot of addons that make it reasonably versatile. Given the common usage it has a lot of info on various tasks if you need it.
Tony
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Matt are you trying to work on one song file or a group of them?
If I were just trying to exit one song I would just do that in my DAW. I used to use a couple audio editors. Gave them up cause it didn’t seem to help. Cakewalk has some pretty decent audio tools.
If I am trying to master a group of songs I use the project page in studio one.
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Thanks, everyone. As many of you know, there may be lots of overlap between a DAW and a powerful stereo editor. Adobe Audition could even be considered a DAW when in multitrack mode. I tend to work in a DAW when recording or assembling multiple tracks. Then I normally work with the exported stereo file for final tweaking in a stereo audio editor. Specifics are different, as each project requires its own approach.
Also, inertia is a powerful deterrent to switching tools. I’ve used Audition or its predecessor daily for over thirty years.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt,
I hardly ever use it, I find Audacity is faster for the few times I edit audio files, but I have Soundforge (11), it came with the Samplitude Pro Suite when they were offering it at "fire sale prices" (when Gibson dropped Sonar). I have used it but not alot.
to get at and use your VST's use:
"View -> Plug-in Manager" (or CTRL+Atl+1) to find your VSTs and apply them to waveform or parts thereof
and "View -> Plug-in Chain" (or Ctrl+Alt+0) to create a chain of FX's. The Chain can be named and saved
I think you already figured out the Options -> Preferences is where you add paths for your VST's
Again I don't use it much.
IMHO - If you don't already have a version of Soundforge that works or that you want to upgrade from then the price relative to free Audacity or $99 Wavelab (BTW Steinberg has ALWAYS been a PITA when it comes to making you hop-jump), or just using your DAW (as you already know and mentioned) would not be worth it unless you do a significant amount of wavefile/audio editing.
good luck
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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I still use Audition V1.5 here daily both for recording and editing audio. I also have Audition V3.0, which I used as my DAW until I switched over to Reaper a few years ago. I've never found a program that allows me to quickly and seamlessly punch in notes like Audition 1.5 can, and that's something I do quite often. Which is quite remarkable, considering how old the program is! I don't need it to understand modern plugins, the plugins get added to the file once it's in Reaper.
Also, inertia is a powerful deterrent to switching tools. I’ve used Audition or its predecessor daily for over thirty years.
Yes, very true! Same here, I started with Cool Edit. EDIT: Matt, in your OP you mentioned you tried WaveLab. Other than the registration problems did you find it to be comparable in functionality?
Last edited by BlueAttitude; 02/14/20 12:15 AM.
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WaveLab appears to have more functions than I could have imagined. I’ll keep playing with it.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Since you'll be starting from scratch you should strive for what's best and not necessarily someone's favorite. Aim for a program made for the job and that is stable as well as compatible with a DAW. Still using Adobe Audition 1.5 means nearly any current program will be far advanced from what you're use to. I recommend Studio One Professional. It has a very powerful Project page designed for stereo editing and mastering. It has high quality plug-ins, tools and very well designed and useful presets. It is a professional, commercial grade product designed to do specifically what you're needing. I think it will be suitable to you for several other reasons too. . It will work extremely well in both the DAW and Project page with your X-Touch controller. . There are templates available making setup of the X-touch quite easy and quick. . There are commercial grade covers to go onto your X-Touch identifying all the faders, buttons and knobs to match the X-Touch to the DAW/Project commands. . There is seamless integration between the DAW and the Project Page. For instance, if you're editing stereo file and discover you need to make a minor fader change on an individual instrument, you can make the change on the DAW page and it automatically updates the Project Page stereo file. I don't think you should concern yourself about the learning curve. There will be a learning curve at some level with any new software you choose. But in your case, with Studio One, you don't have to learn the entire software. You need it specifically for stereo editing. Everything else about the program can be considered a future benefit and can be ignored until the day you either choose it as DAW or accidentally discover a feature and include into your workflow. It's simply a case that you'll have more than you need for the day you need more than you have.  There are ton's of tutorials on YouTube and entire channels dedicated to Studio One Software. I have no doubt you will be able to install the software, Install and set up your Audio interface and sound modules, install and set up your X-Touch, install and set up a Keyboard, load and edit your first stereo file in less than a day. It will also help future proof your studio. Studio One stays current with changes in the hardware sector of the industry and is very stable with most manufacturers products. It has pro grade plug-ins and works seamlessly with most after market VST's. (PG Music's Band in a Box VST included.) Regarding future proofing your studio, I know you've had your X-Touch for several years and may need or consider replacing it or upgrading in the not to distant future. A Major benefit you get with Studio One that no other DAW can match in its price range is the tight integration between the DAW and Presonus's controllers, Faderport 8 or Faderport 16. Presonus's latest version upgrade release has put Faderport integration as the main new upgrade feature and the controllers access and control the DAW VST's both factory and third party. In your situation, if you don't use it for nothing more than the project page and the additional VST's it includes and the high quality presets, you'll get your money's worth.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Studio one is an excellent DAW, no question about that! It's one of the ones I evaluated when I decided it was time to switch from using Audition 3 as my DAW. It is not however as good (or as easy might be a better way to put it) as Audition 1.5 for editing or punching in audio, and I spent quite a few hours evaluating it and learning what it could do. IMHO of course
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Matt are you trying to work on one song file or a group of them?
If I were just trying to exit one song I would just do that in my DAW. I used to use a couple audio editors. Gave them up cause it didn’t seem to help. Cakewalk has some pretty decent audio tools.
If I am trying to master a group of songs I use the project page in studio one. Master a group? How the heck do you do that? Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Studio one is an excellent DAW, no question about that! It's one of the ones I evaluated when I decided it was time to switch from using Audition 3 as my DAW. It is not however as good (or as easy might be a better way to put it) as Audition 1.5 for editing or punching in audio, and I spent quite a few hours evaluating it and learning what it could do. IMHO of course It is an excellent DAW. However, my recommendation to Matt is for it's value as a stereo editor, of which the Project Page is a pro grade version. Audition 1.5 was released in 2004. Any current software will be more feature laden and require some time learning what it can do. Matt said: "Yes, I also use a DAW, but for many purposes, it's good to have a stereo file editor." Once installed and set up, Matt should be able to learn stereo editing in an hour. Matt continues: "I tend to work in a DAW when recording or assembling multiple tracks. Then I normally work with the exported stereo file for final tweaking in a stereo audio editor. Specifics are different, as each project requires its own approach." Yes, Studio One has dozens if not hundreds of features beyond Audition 1.5, and yes, the specifics Matt needs for editing differ between projects, I speculate the specifics don't vary a lot over time and different projects. My point is that Matt doesn't need the same editing tools on every project but every project is repetitious to the total tools and techniques Matt uses. There are probably a certain set of commands he uses over and over as needed per project. Initially, Matt will only need to learn the tools and techniques in Studio One that he uses on all his projects in Audition 1.5.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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The one tool that noone mentions is the multiband compressor. It's difficult but once Mastered.it ends a lot of issues
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The one tool that noone mentions is the multiband compressor. It's difficult but once Mastered.it ends a lot of issues I use Waves LinMB multi compressor on every project. It will open up a mix like nothing else I’ve used. That! Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Diamond Cut Audio Restoration Tools (DCArt) (diamondcut.com) for me. Have used it since Win95 days and have helped beta test it several times. It supports VST effects and has a quick-edit mode and a traditional edit mode. Once you learn just a few keyboard shortcuts, it is very easy to navigate. You can load multiple files in a tabbed display and it's easy to copy/paste (with options to paste over, paste insert, etc). Lots of audio filters and effects included, and with VST effects, there is little you cannot do. And like PGMusic, the developers are very responsive on the forum to help you (Craig Meier and Rick Carlson). It also has an audio library feature and saves nicely to MP3 (and other formats).
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Let me address a few of these questions and comments, again with my thanks for your interest.
Yes, I do a lot of just plain stereo editing for clients. I do even more for myself to make my composer demos.
John Ford, thanks, I did get Diamond Cut Pro on your recommendation. It's an especially good tool for noise removal. I'll take another look now that you say it handles VSTs to see if that includes my newer ones.
Larry, -1 for annoying hoops in all things Steinberg. But I have Dorico (tried it, still don't like it) so it wasn't too bad the second time around.
Silvertones, I use multiband compressors and I use them from a plugin. My ancient Adobe Audition doesn't recognize my newer plugins, and this is one of my two main reasons for a change.
BlueAttitude, the other main reason I want to change is too many abrupt crashes when I forget to unzoom. If you make the mistake of zooming and previewing a portion of the song (especially in multitrack mode) and you don't stop playback before the end of the selected section, bang, gone. Recovery might or might not bring it back. Does that happen to you? Very annoying.
Bud, perhaps the concept of 'master a group of songs' refers to how I handle mastering to burn a CD. I use the program CD Architect, which allows adjustment of each song so the project is coherent throughout. My favorite technique is to pretend I have an old turntable, where you pick up the needle and set it down anywhere. Does it have coherence in terms of volume and energy wherever you set the needle down, or does one song blast you out where another makes you want to turn up volume? Or 'mastering a group' might mean something entirely different...
About Studio One, which several have mentioned, thanks. I did try that when SONAR went defunct temporarily. I have moved back to Cakewalk by Bandlab. Otherwise, I would have stayed with Mixcraft 9. But I did not evaluate Studio One for its use as a stereo editor. Likewise for the stereo editing features of any other DAW. As I'm an expert in Adobe Audition, I never considered using a DAW for this, instead thinking I would just update my stereo editor.
Apologies for any other major points I did not address. Thank you all.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt Of course you know if you do invest in Wavelab it will go on sale a week later, so let me know when you buy it so I can be on the lookout for a deal  Good Luck Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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So true! Larry, I strive to help!
I like what I’ve seen so far. There is no competitive product cross grade, and I no longer qualify for educational pricing, but the Elements ‘lite’ version is a very reasonable $100.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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