Alternative to Audacity?

[Fireproof!]

I've been using Audacity to record simple audio files for voice-over work when creating eLearning modules for clients. Or short podcasts. Just plugging my Blue mic into my MBP and recording. Real basic.

I'm looking to upgrade to Catalina, and they state on the website it’s not compatible with Catalina.

Any recommendations for an alternative that's 64-bit and does work with Catalina? I don't need any fancy DAW for this purpose. Just simple, decent audio recording capabilities.

 

[Stephen.R]

More than what the basic audio recording of QuickTime provides, I guess? (Not being sarcastic/snarky, I genuinely have no clue how useful that functionality in QT is for what you want to do)

 

[Fireproof!]

More than what the basic audio recording of QuickTime provides, I guess? (Not being sarcastic/snarky, I genuinely have no clue how useful that functionality in QT is for what you want to do)

Well, to be honest, I haven't tried because I've always thought of QT as more of a video/media player, vs. recorder.

But I don't think it has monitoring levels, or easy ability to cut sections of an audio wav form, etc. I could be wrong though.

 

[weaztek]

I've been using Audacity to record simple audio files for voice-over work when creating eLearning modules for clients. Or short podcasts. Just plugging my Blue mic into my MBP and recording. Real basic.

I'm looking to upgrade to Catalina, but it appears Audacity is 32-bit only.

Any recommendations for an alternative that's 64-bit? I don't need any fancy DAW for this purpose. Just simple, decent audio recording capabilities.

They seem to have posted a workaround here: https://www.audacityteam.org/macos-10-15-catalina-is-not-yet-supported-by-audacity/

 

[mikzn]

Have your tried using voice memo app? works pretty decently with the iPhone or iPad mic - or with the "Audio In" on the Mac - and is availble on all devices - iCloud sync

can't get much easier and does a decent job - you can import to garage band for editing

 

[Fireproof!]

They seem to have posted a workaround here: https://www.audacityteam.org/macos-10-15-catalina-is-not-yet-supported-by-audacity/

Thanks - I'll check that out.

Have your tried using voice memo app? works pretty decently with the iPhone or iPad mic - or with the Audio in on the Mac - and is availble on all devices - iCloud sync

can't get much easier and does a decent job

I can look into that. I guess I was kind of hoping for a bit more features than just that for the occasional need to convert audio file types, or split or append or otherwise manipulate audio files. But sounds like that might work in a pinch.

 

[Stephen.R]

For the editing/type conversions I’d suggest Fission. No idea if it supports recording but I can check in the morning when I’m in the office.

 

[Super Spartan]

For the editing/type conversions I’d suggest Fission. No idea if it supports recording but I can check in the morning when I’m in the office.

I checked their site and it seems they have an app called Piezo which is for recording: https://rogueamoeba.com/piezo/

 

[mic j]

Audacity v2.3.2 is 64-bit.

I see by looking at the above link it is not a 32/64 bit problem but a permissions problem that Catalina has. Good to know. I was not aware of that. I have not upgraded to Catalina yet and will probably hold off as long as I can.

 

[Fireproof!]

Audacity v2.3.2 is 64-bit.

I see by looking at the above link it is not a 32/64 bit problem but a permissions problem that Catalina has. Good to know. I was not aware of that. I have not upgraded to Catalina yet and will probably hold off as long as I can.

Yes, I was confused at first, and probably didn’t accurately explain that in my OP. It says it’s 64-bit. But their website clearly states it’s NOT compatible with Catalina. But apparently there’s a workaround (linked above) - but even that sounds like it may not work for everyone. Hence my desire to have a backup plan just in case. 😉
[automerge]1572475647[/automerge]

I checked their site and it seems they have an app called Piezo which is for recording: https://rogueamoeba.com/piezo/

Piezo looks interesting. I’ll have to check it out since it’s try before you buy!

 

[Partron22]

So Apple is now taking on the role of ARM in Niven's old Man, Kzin wars novels?
These increasingly strict "permissions" barriers have been getting more irksome for years now.
--

ARM

ARM (Amalgamated Regional Militia) began as a confederation of civil-defense organizations from every nation of Earth. The ARM then evolved into an enforcer of United Nations regulations, especially technology control: the ARM receives reports of any new technology and monitors its use and...

larryniven.fandom.com

 

[gilby101]

I'm looking to upgrade to Catalina, but it appears Audacity is 32-bit only.

The current version of Audacity is 64-bit. The workaround is to give Audacity permission to use the microphone

 

[Spacetime Anomaly]

GarageBand is very easy to record audio with.

Open a new Empty Project>choose the Mic/Audio option>Hit Record.

To export: Share>Export Song To Disk

 

[Reality4711]

GarageBand is very easy to record audio with.

Open a new Empty Project>choose the Mic/Audio option>Hit Record.

To export: Share>Export Song To Disk

Could/would you be a little more explicit please. I have followed your instructions and playback just has a rhythm - not my voice??
Thank you.
[automerge]1572696202[/automerge]

GarageBand is very easy to record audio with.

Open a new Empty Project>choose the Mic/Audio option>Hit Record.

To export: Share>Export Song To Disk

Could/would you be a little more explicit please. I have followed your instructions and playback just has a rhythm - not my voice??
Thank you.

 

[Spacetime Anomaly]

Could/would you be a little more explicit please. I have followed your instructions and playback just has a rhythm - not my voice??
Thank you.

It sounds like you have the metronome on, the correct mic is not selected as the audio input, or the recording volume is too low (or all three). I'll outline the steps for you.

Open a new project:

Choose the microphone option.
In this example I am using the built in mic on my Macbook but if you are using a USB mic you can click the little grey arrow and choose that as your input:

Turn off the Count-in and Metronome clicks (because you wont need them):

Press record. Your voice will be recorded as a region on your audio track:

If the recording is too quiet, you can change the 'Record Level' in the bottom panel (and change the mic input if it's not correct, etc):

When you are done, choose the Share option and export:

Once you've got the hang of it, you might want to learn how to boost the volume, mess with the EQ, add reverb, and that kind of thing. All this can be done non-destructively after you have recorded your audio.

Hope that helps.

 

[weaztek]

So Apple is now taking on the role of ARM in Niven's old Man, Kzin wars novels?
These increasingly strict "permissions" barriers have been getting more irksome for years now.

It used to bother me that iOS was selective in accepting apps into the app store. With the current iterations of malware, viruses and privacy stalkerware it was all a smart decision in my opinion.

Now they are somewhat locking down access to the Mac OS system. As long as they do it in a fair and smart way I'm ok with it for now.

 

[Partron22]

Weaztak. It's not just annoying changes to permissions. Apple appears to be actively making life harder for developers: https://m.slashdot.org/story/362698.
This may not impact you now, but I've given up writing MacOS/iOS for anyone but myself.
Python or even C on other platforms is far less hassle. I'm far from alone from shaking my head in disgust. That will impact you down the road.

 

[weaztek]

Ok, I see how that is a PITA.

I think they could do a better job implementing the changes. Not sure what Apple's angle is with that, but I'm all for having more security around the system in light of all the malware, etc. risks.

 

[w4z]

Im using ocenaudio for 2 years, native support for mac and nice interface. recomended

https://www.ocenaudio.com

its 64bit but didnt test on catalina

 

[jagilsdorf]

I found a perfect work around so that you never have to open terminal again! Just watch it until the end. It works.

 

[26139]

GarageBand is very easy to record audio with.

Open a new Empty Project>choose the Mic/Audio option>Hit Record.

To export: Share>Export Song To Disk

I moved from Audacity to Garageband, reluctantly, but it works just fine for even the simplest of voice work.

 

[isoS]

I've been using Sound Studio by Felt Tip for about 15 years and it remains the best simple audio recording/editing program for the Mac that I've encountered. (Mac OGs might remember SoundEdit 16 back on the old Macintosh -- this is like the modern version of that.)

https://felttip.com/ss/ -- It's also in the Mac App Store -- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sound-studio/id405537804?mt=12

I think it's like $30 but if it's something you need often, might be worth it.

 

[haralds]

I checked their site and it seems they have an app called Piezo which is for recording: https://rogueamoeba.com/piezo/

Rogue Amoeba has some very cool apps. I have used their Fission audio editor for years. AirFoil is always loaded on my system.

Fission - Fast & lossless audio editing for Mac

Fission makes audio editing fast and easy enough for anyone.

rogueamoeba.com

Airfoil - Any Audio, Everywhere

Stream from your Mac to Airplay, Bluetooth, and Chromecast outputs!

rogueamoeba.com

 

[gilby101]

Rogue Amoeba has some very cool apps

Agreed, but what is the problem with Audacity as an audio editor? Works fine for me, though only occasional use.

 

[tmcdanel]

Rogue Amoeba has some very cool apps. I have used their Fission audio editor for years.

Fission - Fast & lossless audio editing for Mac

Fission makes audio editing fast and easy enough for anyone.

rogueamoeba.com

I agree, Fission works well for very basic editing, cutting, pasting, cropping... etc. i have owned it for years also, for easy quick conversion of encoding types, and never noticed the editing tools before. Nothing as fancy as Audacity. Fission has been updated for Catalina and it's reasonably priced compared to Sound Studio. If they were paying attention, they would up the price $5 or so, because a lot of people are going to be hurting if Audacity is not updated for Catalina.