When it comes to audio editing in video editing software it is important to understand that I am assuming you are looking for video editing software, not audio editing software!
All current mainstream video editors offer at least some audio editing ability and all offer the ability to add separate tracks to the project time line. The sophistication of these audio editing features vary from product to product but as an overall deciding factor it is not really that important.
In saying that I mean that the features or lack of them are unimportant, not that audio control in video editing software is unimportant. Sound, and your ability to create it in tune with what you are visually presenting is a vital element in video editing.
At the pro level of video editors you will of course experience a far superior level of audio editing control but that doesn’t mean you cannot do well with the consumer level programs. All you need is a little imagination and some free software!
If you are going to demand pro level audio editing then you will need dedicated pro software for that. However at the moment there is a very serviceable free, open source audio editing program available called Audacity. This program can do all sorts of audio manipulation and sound control and let’s face it…you can’t beat the price! There is also another called Power Sound Free that is a little easier to use and also very good.
For those of you with any Nero Multimedia suite loaded there is an audio editor already included called Nero Wave Editor and it is quite good too.
The current choices in video editing software recently have been making greater inroads into their audio editing abilities and it is a scene that is constantly changing. For that reason you should always check the menus in the sidebars of this site to read the latest software reviews.
In the case of needing a “tie-breaker” on deciding which video editing software is right for you, audio editing would be a sound point to break that tie. (No pun intended!)
Audio Tracks.
The video editing software you choose should offer at least two audio tracks to play with in addition to the sound in the main video track and the sound in any additional video tracks. That leaves you enough room for music, narration or sound effects without having so many that you need to send it to a professional studio to be mixed!
Auto Music.
An added feature to look for but not essential is a feature that comes with Corel VideoStudio Pro and CyberLink Power Director. Its called SmartSound and is a feature that allows you to add reasonably suitable generic background music to your videos.
The program can actually create a music track in a theme to your liking and to an exact length which is a godsend in editing. Now don’t expect that the music itself is going to set the world, or you, on fire but used discreetly it can be quite an asset especially in montage sequences or slide shows.
It is important to understand that the very first horrifying realization you will have when you begin video editing is the sound. Pro videos are set up to the nth degree to make sure everything is right whereas the home user is just switching on the cam and firing at will or as necessary!
Inbuilt microphones on camcorders leave a great deal to be desired so oft times it is handy to be able to kill the audio and swing in a little mood music!
So to wrap it up. Yes audio control is vital in creating a pleasing video production but in choosing video editing software that is suitable for you audio editing features are of a slightly lesser importance.
