Updated Essential List The Best Song Editing Apps for Windows/Mac Devices

Updated Essential List The Best Song Editing Apps for Windows/Mac Devices

Jacob Lv12

Essential List: The Best Song Editing Apps for Windows/Mac Devices

We often need to edit audio files, but the only thing that matters is using a good audio editing app. The question here is, how do you know an audio editor is good or not? The most basic requirement for good editors is a clean and understandable interface. If the interface of the audio editor is cluttered, you will never be attracted. Isn’t it right?

Does your song editor support multi-tracks? This is because the next thing that matters while selecting a good editor is the facility of multi-track to handle complex projects. Like this, many other factors are essential to consider. For now, let’s move on and share 10 audio editors.

Part 1. 10 Best Audio Editor for Windows and Mac

Now that you have a little idea about what a good audio editor should have, let’s share something new now. The following section of this article will introduce 10 great songs editors. So, let’s start without further delay!

1. Ocenaudio

Compatibility: Windows & Mac

Let’s start the discussion with Ocenaudio audio editor, as this is a powerful, fast and easy editor. The interface of Ocenaudio is very clean and interesting because of the colorful buttons. This audio editor is an open-source platform. Is Ocenaudio efficient?

Yes, it is! This editor offers keyboard shortcuts that make the tool easy and efficient to use. What features do you get from Ocenaudio? Along with basic editing features like trimming, cutting, you also get noise reduction, filters, 31-band equalizer, pitch adjustments, etc. Sounds great!

ocenaudio interface

2. Audacity

Compatibility: Windows & Mac

Are you ready to know about an open-source song editor? We are pointing towards Audacity editing software. Audacity is an open-source, free, cross-platform audio editing software that provides various features. This audio editor is a multi-track, and apart from editing capabilities, it also has recording functionalities via a microphone, mixer, etc.

This editing software supports different sound qualities like 16-bit, 24-bit, and also 32-bit. For editing audio, you get features like Cut, Delete, Copy, Paste, etc. Audacity supports different plugins, including LADSPA, Nyquist, VST, Audio Unit Effect, and LV2. You can import and export various file formats to Audacity. Looking forward to it?

audacity open-source editor

3. TwistedWave

Compatibility: Mac

What cool features does TwistedWave song editor has to offer? Let’s explore! This editing software is not just an ordinary editor; you get a lot more than that. For instance, features like Recording, Mastering, Batch processing of files, Converting Files, etc., are offered. Moreover, with the TwistedWave editing tool, you can get Pitch Shift technology, Time Stretch, etc.

This editor also offers Silence Detection, Video Sync, and many more cool audio editing features. Do you know what else TwistedWave has? Well, apart from all this, this editor also has Speech Recognition capability and supports multichannel audio editing. Perfect, right?

twistedwave mac

4. WavePad Audio Editing Software

Compatibility: Windows & Mac

Can you name a software with advanced tools? It’s WavePad Audio Editing Software with advanced tools like Spectral Analysis, FFT, and TFFT. This audio editor supports almost all file formats like MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, etc. This editor provides great ease; do you know how? It allows batch processing of files, which means everything is applied to multiple files at once. This is quite interesting.

Features like a scrub, search and bookmark audio are available for precise audio editing. If you want to use the Noise Reduction feature, you can also get access to that from Audio Restoration. WavePad Audio Editor supports sample rates ranging from 6 kHz to 192 kHz. Looking forward to using it?

wavepad audio editing software

5. Fission Audio Editing

Compatibility: Mac

Do you think editing is a chore? Try Fission Audio Editor, and this will change your mind. This audio editor comes with features like cut, trim, join audio, split files, and much more. Unlike other software, this audio editor promises to retain the original quality of the audio file even after editing. Additionally, this software provides fast, streamlined editing. Pretty awesome, right?

Are you ready to learn more about Fission Audio Editor? This editing software allows Smart Split, Quick Audio Removal, and much more. It supports various formats, including FLAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV, etc. Should we share something remarkable about the editor? Well, it lets you create unique ringtones.

fission audio editing

6. Sound Forge Audio Editor

Compatibility: Windows

Editing features like Mastering, Recording, and also Audio Editing have been made easy and fun with Sound Forge Audio Editor. The interface of this song editor is very clean and understandable; do you know why? This is because the left side of the screen offers all the tools and different editing options from where you can select and move on. You would be surprised to hear about it.

This editor has a lot of new features like Modern Reverb, Modern EQ, Resampling Engine, Optimized Multichannel handling, and so much more. For audio editing, you get functions like cut, move, and edit; this software also offers professional effects and 64-bit power up to 6 different channels.

sound forge audio editor

7. Logic Pro

Compatibility: Mac

What should we share next? How about Logic Pro? This audio editor is incredibly powerful and very creative. You can do wonderous audio editing, beat making, audio mixing, and much more with Logic Pro. It supports a massive collection of plugins and sounds like instruments, effects, etc. Do you wish to know more?

How to best use the tools? Well, with Logic Pro, use multi-touch gestures to adjust the instruments, track mixing, control features, etc. The interface of this software is loaded with different features and editing options.

logic pro mac interface

8. Ashampoo

Compatibility: Windows

Which song editor offers keyboard shortcuts? Its Ashampoo. This editing software provides tools for easy audio trimming, audio splitting, mixing, cutting, etc. Along with this, it also offers tempo analysis and smart synchronization. Curious to hear more about it?

How do you organize songs? Ashampoo organizes songs efficiently with different templates. This editor works perfectly because it has an optimized workflow. It surely is among the best.

ashampoo music studio 8

9. Acoustica

Compatibility: Windows & Mac

Acon Digital made Acoustica, which is an audio editor. It is available in two variants, Standard and Premium versions. Both the offered editions are powerful audio editors. It allows you to edit and navigate a single track. You can also edit multiple tracks at once while maintaining the quality. There is a lot you can find in this.

Acoustica provides you the facility to add processing tools and chains through plugins. It has made it capable for the users to use timer and input level triggered recording. Acoustica also has an ultra-fast, non-destructive editing engine that can be used as a song editor. Make the best use of this tool for your tasks.

acoustica audo editor

10. Adobe Audition

Compatibility: Windows & Mac

Have you not found any audio editor that can help you make what you want with full freedom? Adobe has made that possible. Adobe Audition is a platform available for everyone to use. It has a sophisticated and eye-catching user interface that you will not find among others.

You have always heard about Adobe being among the best tools. This professional editor provides top-notch facilities. Apart from editing, Adobe Audition is an audio clip editor that allows you to clean and restore your pre-recorded audio.

adobe audition interface

Final Words

What if we ask you to name an excellent audio editor? Can you name any? After reading the above article, we hope that you have learned something as we shared 10 amazing song editors along with their impressive features. Are you a content creator? You must also need a video editor along with audio editors to edit your videos. One great video editor is Wondershare Filmora .

This software not only offers editing tools but also provides editing elements, video effects, sound effects, transitions, titles, and whatnot. What else do you get from Filmora? The advanced editing section is packed with features like AI Portrait, Auto Highlight, Normalize, Video Stabilize, and much more than you can imagine.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Acoustic Precision: Navigating Through Audio Distortion Remedies

Create High-Quality Video - Wondershare Filmora

An easy and powerful YouTube video editor

Numerous video and audio effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials are provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

So you’re all set: you’ve sat down, grabbed your microphone, fired up your recording software, and started pouring out the content of your mind. Once finished, you listen back to the recording, thinking you’re about to hear the silky-smooth undertones of your voice resonating through your ears, but something odd occurs — it sounds terrible. Distorted audio is very unwelcoming since you want the sound to be natural. This guide will explain how to fix distorted audio using various methods.

In this article

01 What Causes Distorted Audio?

02 How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

What Causes Distorted Audio?

Distorted audio is the main culprit in ruined audio clips. Here are some of the causes of distorted sound.

1. Recording Environment

Not recording dialogue and voice-over in a studio can cause distorted audio. However, audio quality can be out of control if you conduct an onsite interview. Getting a meaningful and cinematic shot should come first. If you do not use a studio-quality microphone that comes with directional controls, you’ll likely have distorted audio. You might want to go for a unidirectional stereo channel if you want boom movements to be undetectable.

When a cheap, low-quality microphone is moving, you’ll hear the unsteadiness in your recording, leading to distorted audio. Recording audio in an echo chamber or an overly large room can also result in distorted audio.

2. Touching the Mic While Recording

If you hand the microphone to someone who does not know how to use it, they might hold it too loosely or close. Microphones feature sensitive parts that should not be dropped, shaken, or breathed on. When you are interviewing people unfamiliar with industry standards, you should hold the microphone, not the person you are interviewing. The mic is not within the range of 6” to 12 “ away from the speaker, this could lead to distorted audio.

3. Using the Wrong Mic

A reliable mic comes with audio controls and captures room tone and timbre. It should be portable, compact, and have a wind sleeve. In outdoor situations where ADR is not an option, you might want to use a wind sleeve.

Podcast showrunners and content creators often use Blue Yeti mics connected to a soundboard. While these are cheaper options, they can cause distorted audio. Content creators who are not stationary should purchase a lavalier, and wireless is a more high-end and expensive option.

4. Positioning Your Microphones Incorrectly

You have to be careful if you’ll be mounting a mic on your DSLR. Filming events with a one-mic setup is a promise to record everything you hear again. You’ll inevitably film some moments at a distance and leave the audio compromised to distortion.

5. Faulty Equipment

Your equipment can fail in different ways. For instance, your effects processor can fail, meaning that you won’t hear any sound passing through it. It can also fail, and you end up hearing a distorted sound passing out of the processor. Essentially, this might or might not be linked to the component’s capability of handling the signal as much as the busted internals result.

How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

You can fix distorted audio using various methods. They include:

Method 1: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Audacity

Audacity is the bread and butter for individuals who adore a crisp audio quality. Audacity helps users finetune various attributes of their recordings. It is a free and intuitive software suite suitable for newbies and individuals who don’t interact with computers. With that in mind, here is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

  1. Open the audio file by dragging and dropping it into Audacity.
  2. Select the distorted part and click on the Effect option. Then, select Noise Reduction.

fix distorted audio with audacity how to fix distorted audio with audacity

  1. The Noise Reduction window will open.

noise reduction in audacity

  1. Now, click on Noise Profile, and Audacity will know what to filter out.
  2. Next, select the entire audio and open the Noise Reduction Window again ( Effect > Noise Reduction ). Then, set the values to suit your preferences.
  3. Hit preview to check the audio, then the Click OK button.

If the audio is still distorted, apply the filter again. Don’t overdo the process numerous times to ensure your audio is not degraded, making the voice sound robotic and tinny.

Now, use compression to your advantage. If compression confuses you, think of it as a tool that adjusts your audio for the listener’s benefit. Compression not only quiets the background minutiae that creeps into your recording, but it also boosts your voice and gives it a full, captivating resonance.

  1. To start the compression process, select your audio track, press CTRL + A, click “Effect” and then click “Compressor.”

compress your audio with audacity

  1. Adjust the values in the compressor to meet your needs and make your voice “pop” from the background.
  2. Once you have set the values, hit the Preview button to check the audio. Then, click on OK.

That is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

You May Be Interested In

How To Fix Distorted Audio in Garageband

Garageband is one of the most popular audio recording software available. Though you can use it for various purposes, it is mainly intended to be used to create music. However, many people have the problem of distorted audio files, making production difficult when trying to perfect a project. To learn how to fix distorted audio in Garageband, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch GarageBand, then open your audio file. Once your audio file finishes loading, select the audio file from which you want to remove distortion by clicking it.
  2. Click on the “i” symbol encapsulated in a blue circle positioned on the lower-right portion of your screen. This icon sits in the middle of two other icons: a set of notes and an eye.
  3. Select the “Real Instrument” tab located on the top right side of your screen. You’ll see two tabs: Master Tracks and Real Instrument.
  4. Click the Edit tab to activate it, and a list of effects will pop up.
  5. Select Distortion from the list, and you’ll see a drop-down menu.
  6. Next, select the None option to remove distortion.

If you have distorted audio due to poor recording quality, navigate to the Real Instrument”Edit menu and select AULowpass from the boxes available. Doing this will remove frequencies above a certain range, and this will fix the distorted audio.

Method 3: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Windows 10

Several actions can cause problems or distort sound on your Windows 10 application. Some of the common causes include:

  • When upgrading your computer from an older version to a new one
  • In case your computer gets corrupted with a virus
  • If your computer or device doesn’t the right sound drivers

So how do you fix distorted audio in Windows 10? There are several ways you can fix distorted audio in Windows 10. Here is how to fix distorted audio using some of the best ways.

1. Reinstall drivers

  1. Right-click the start button and choose device manager.
  2. Navigate through sound, video, and game controllers.
  3. Click on the Details tab.
  4. Select hardware Ids from the drop-down menu.

fix distorted audio in windows 10

  1. Copy and first the first value of drivers in your browser and search the internet.

fix distorted audio in windows 10 - reinstall drivers

  1. Open the official site and download the correct driver。
  2. Install and restart your PC。

2. Update drivers

  1. Right-click on the start button.
  2. Scroll to the sound, video, and game controllers option.
  3. Right-click on the sound device and select uninstall the device.

update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

  1. Restart your PC after the uninstall process is finished.
  2. Open the device manager.
  3. Select and click on the scan for hardware changes option.

how to update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

Windows will automatically install a new version of sound drivers

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

  1. To use this method, open Start and click the cog-like icon. This will open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot in the left pane.
  4. Expand the Playing Audio by clicking it.
  5. Hit the Run the troubleshooter button, then follow the further instructions.

run windows audio troubleshoot

4. Take Exclusive Control of Your Device Option by Disabling Allow Applications

  1. Navigate to the notification area and right-click on the sound icon. Open Playback devices.
  2. Next, right-click on the default Playback Device, then open Properties.
  3. Choose the Advanced tab option.
  4. Navigate to the Exclusive mode section and check the box that says disable Allow applications to control your device.

disable allow applications to fix distorted audio on windows 10

When it comes to editing or performing audio editing in the video, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing software that can help you with reducing the voiceover volume, mute the audio in the video, or cut, copy, paste or insert your audio files. Learn more about the audio editing features of Filmora from the below video & download Filmora to try!

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Conclusion

Whether you’re an amateur audio enthusiast or produce a podcast with thousands of listeners, the quality of your audio can “make or break” your results. When your audience is listening to an audio recording, the last thing they want to notice or hear is a distortion because it is very distracting. When recording, it is almost impossible to find an environment that removes audio distortion without access to a recording studio. Luckily, you can use the above methods to fix distorted audio and make it look professional.

Try It Free Try It Free

So you’re all set: you’ve sat down, grabbed your microphone, fired up your recording software, and started pouring out the content of your mind. Once finished, you listen back to the recording, thinking you’re about to hear the silky-smooth undertones of your voice resonating through your ears, but something odd occurs — it sounds terrible. Distorted audio is very unwelcoming since you want the sound to be natural. This guide will explain how to fix distorted audio using various methods.

In this article

01 What Causes Distorted Audio?

02 How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

What Causes Distorted Audio?

Distorted audio is the main culprit in ruined audio clips. Here are some of the causes of distorted sound.

1. Recording Environment

Not recording dialogue and voice-over in a studio can cause distorted audio. However, audio quality can be out of control if you conduct an onsite interview. Getting a meaningful and cinematic shot should come first. If you do not use a studio-quality microphone that comes with directional controls, you’ll likely have distorted audio. You might want to go for a unidirectional stereo channel if you want boom movements to be undetectable.

When a cheap, low-quality microphone is moving, you’ll hear the unsteadiness in your recording, leading to distorted audio. Recording audio in an echo chamber or an overly large room can also result in distorted audio.

2. Touching the Mic While Recording

If you hand the microphone to someone who does not know how to use it, they might hold it too loosely or close. Microphones feature sensitive parts that should not be dropped, shaken, or breathed on. When you are interviewing people unfamiliar with industry standards, you should hold the microphone, not the person you are interviewing. The mic is not within the range of 6” to 12 “ away from the speaker, this could lead to distorted audio.

3. Using the Wrong Mic

A reliable mic comes with audio controls and captures room tone and timbre. It should be portable, compact, and have a wind sleeve. In outdoor situations where ADR is not an option, you might want to use a wind sleeve.

Podcast showrunners and content creators often use Blue Yeti mics connected to a soundboard. While these are cheaper options, they can cause distorted audio. Content creators who are not stationary should purchase a lavalier, and wireless is a more high-end and expensive option.

4. Positioning Your Microphones Incorrectly

You have to be careful if you’ll be mounting a mic on your DSLR. Filming events with a one-mic setup is a promise to record everything you hear again. You’ll inevitably film some moments at a distance and leave the audio compromised to distortion.

5. Faulty Equipment

Your equipment can fail in different ways. For instance, your effects processor can fail, meaning that you won’t hear any sound passing through it. It can also fail, and you end up hearing a distorted sound passing out of the processor. Essentially, this might or might not be linked to the component’s capability of handling the signal as much as the busted internals result.

How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

You can fix distorted audio using various methods. They include:

Method 1: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Audacity

Audacity is the bread and butter for individuals who adore a crisp audio quality. Audacity helps users finetune various attributes of their recordings. It is a free and intuitive software suite suitable for newbies and individuals who don’t interact with computers. With that in mind, here is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

  1. Open the audio file by dragging and dropping it into Audacity.
  2. Select the distorted part and click on the Effect option. Then, select Noise Reduction.

fix distorted audio with audacity how to fix distorted audio with audacity

  1. The Noise Reduction window will open.

noise reduction in audacity

  1. Now, click on Noise Profile, and Audacity will know what to filter out.
  2. Next, select the entire audio and open the Noise Reduction Window again ( Effect > Noise Reduction ). Then, set the values to suit your preferences.
  3. Hit preview to check the audio, then the Click OK button.

If the audio is still distorted, apply the filter again. Don’t overdo the process numerous times to ensure your audio is not degraded, making the voice sound robotic and tinny.

Now, use compression to your advantage. If compression confuses you, think of it as a tool that adjusts your audio for the listener’s benefit. Compression not only quiets the background minutiae that creeps into your recording, but it also boosts your voice and gives it a full, captivating resonance.

  1. To start the compression process, select your audio track, press CTRL + A, click “Effect” and then click “Compressor.”

compress your audio with audacity

  1. Adjust the values in the compressor to meet your needs and make your voice “pop” from the background.
  2. Once you have set the values, hit the Preview button to check the audio. Then, click on OK.

That is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

You May Be Interested In

How To Fix Distorted Audio in Garageband

Garageband is one of the most popular audio recording software available. Though you can use it for various purposes, it is mainly intended to be used to create music. However, many people have the problem of distorted audio files, making production difficult when trying to perfect a project. To learn how to fix distorted audio in Garageband, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch GarageBand, then open your audio file. Once your audio file finishes loading, select the audio file from which you want to remove distortion by clicking it.
  2. Click on the “i” symbol encapsulated in a blue circle positioned on the lower-right portion of your screen. This icon sits in the middle of two other icons: a set of notes and an eye.
  3. Select the “Real Instrument” tab located on the top right side of your screen. You’ll see two tabs: Master Tracks and Real Instrument.
  4. Click the Edit tab to activate it, and a list of effects will pop up.
  5. Select Distortion from the list, and you’ll see a drop-down menu.
  6. Next, select the None option to remove distortion.

If you have distorted audio due to poor recording quality, navigate to the Real Instrument”Edit menu and select AULowpass from the boxes available. Doing this will remove frequencies above a certain range, and this will fix the distorted audio.

Method 3: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Windows 10

Several actions can cause problems or distort sound on your Windows 10 application. Some of the common causes include:

  • When upgrading your computer from an older version to a new one
  • In case your computer gets corrupted with a virus
  • If your computer or device doesn’t the right sound drivers

So how do you fix distorted audio in Windows 10? There are several ways you can fix distorted audio in Windows 10. Here is how to fix distorted audio using some of the best ways.

1. Reinstall drivers

  1. Right-click the start button and choose device manager.
  2. Navigate through sound, video, and game controllers.
  3. Click on the Details tab.
  4. Select hardware Ids from the drop-down menu.

fix distorted audio in windows 10

  1. Copy and first the first value of drivers in your browser and search the internet.

fix distorted audio in windows 10 - reinstall drivers

  1. Open the official site and download the correct driver。
  2. Install and restart your PC。

2. Update drivers

  1. Right-click on the start button.
  2. Scroll to the sound, video, and game controllers option.
  3. Right-click on the sound device and select uninstall the device.

update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

  1. Restart your PC after the uninstall process is finished.
  2. Open the device manager.
  3. Select and click on the scan for hardware changes option.

how to update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

Windows will automatically install a new version of sound drivers

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

  1. To use this method, open Start and click the cog-like icon. This will open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot in the left pane.
  4. Expand the Playing Audio by clicking it.
  5. Hit the Run the troubleshooter button, then follow the further instructions.

run windows audio troubleshoot

4. Take Exclusive Control of Your Device Option by Disabling Allow Applications

  1. Navigate to the notification area and right-click on the sound icon. Open Playback devices.
  2. Next, right-click on the default Playback Device, then open Properties.
  3. Choose the Advanced tab option.
  4. Navigate to the Exclusive mode section and check the box that says disable Allow applications to control your device.

disable allow applications to fix distorted audio on windows 10

When it comes to editing or performing audio editing in the video, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing software that can help you with reducing the voiceover volume, mute the audio in the video, or cut, copy, paste or insert your audio files. Learn more about the audio editing features of Filmora from the below video & download Filmora to try!

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Conclusion

Whether you’re an amateur audio enthusiast or produce a podcast with thousands of listeners, the quality of your audio can “make or break” your results. When your audience is listening to an audio recording, the last thing they want to notice or hear is a distortion because it is very distracting. When recording, it is almost impossible to find an environment that removes audio distortion without access to a recording studio. Luckily, you can use the above methods to fix distorted audio and make it look professional.

Try It Free Try It Free

So you’re all set: you’ve sat down, grabbed your microphone, fired up your recording software, and started pouring out the content of your mind. Once finished, you listen back to the recording, thinking you’re about to hear the silky-smooth undertones of your voice resonating through your ears, but something odd occurs — it sounds terrible. Distorted audio is very unwelcoming since you want the sound to be natural. This guide will explain how to fix distorted audio using various methods.

In this article

01 What Causes Distorted Audio?

02 How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

What Causes Distorted Audio?

Distorted audio is the main culprit in ruined audio clips. Here are some of the causes of distorted sound.

1. Recording Environment

Not recording dialogue and voice-over in a studio can cause distorted audio. However, audio quality can be out of control if you conduct an onsite interview. Getting a meaningful and cinematic shot should come first. If you do not use a studio-quality microphone that comes with directional controls, you’ll likely have distorted audio. You might want to go for a unidirectional stereo channel if you want boom movements to be undetectable.

When a cheap, low-quality microphone is moving, you’ll hear the unsteadiness in your recording, leading to distorted audio. Recording audio in an echo chamber or an overly large room can also result in distorted audio.

2. Touching the Mic While Recording

If you hand the microphone to someone who does not know how to use it, they might hold it too loosely or close. Microphones feature sensitive parts that should not be dropped, shaken, or breathed on. When you are interviewing people unfamiliar with industry standards, you should hold the microphone, not the person you are interviewing. The mic is not within the range of 6” to 12 “ away from the speaker, this could lead to distorted audio.

3. Using the Wrong Mic

A reliable mic comes with audio controls and captures room tone and timbre. It should be portable, compact, and have a wind sleeve. In outdoor situations where ADR is not an option, you might want to use a wind sleeve.

Podcast showrunners and content creators often use Blue Yeti mics connected to a soundboard. While these are cheaper options, they can cause distorted audio. Content creators who are not stationary should purchase a lavalier, and wireless is a more high-end and expensive option.

4. Positioning Your Microphones Incorrectly

You have to be careful if you’ll be mounting a mic on your DSLR. Filming events with a one-mic setup is a promise to record everything you hear again. You’ll inevitably film some moments at a distance and leave the audio compromised to distortion.

5. Faulty Equipment

Your equipment can fail in different ways. For instance, your effects processor can fail, meaning that you won’t hear any sound passing through it. It can also fail, and you end up hearing a distorted sound passing out of the processor. Essentially, this might or might not be linked to the component’s capability of handling the signal as much as the busted internals result.

How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

You can fix distorted audio using various methods. They include:

Method 1: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Audacity

Audacity is the bread and butter for individuals who adore a crisp audio quality. Audacity helps users finetune various attributes of their recordings. It is a free and intuitive software suite suitable for newbies and individuals who don’t interact with computers. With that in mind, here is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

  1. Open the audio file by dragging and dropping it into Audacity.
  2. Select the distorted part and click on the Effect option. Then, select Noise Reduction.

fix distorted audio with audacity how to fix distorted audio with audacity

  1. The Noise Reduction window will open.

noise reduction in audacity

  1. Now, click on Noise Profile, and Audacity will know what to filter out.
  2. Next, select the entire audio and open the Noise Reduction Window again ( Effect > Noise Reduction ). Then, set the values to suit your preferences.
  3. Hit preview to check the audio, then the Click OK button.

If the audio is still distorted, apply the filter again. Don’t overdo the process numerous times to ensure your audio is not degraded, making the voice sound robotic and tinny.

Now, use compression to your advantage. If compression confuses you, think of it as a tool that adjusts your audio for the listener’s benefit. Compression not only quiets the background minutiae that creeps into your recording, but it also boosts your voice and gives it a full, captivating resonance.

  1. To start the compression process, select your audio track, press CTRL + A, click “Effect” and then click “Compressor.”

compress your audio with audacity

  1. Adjust the values in the compressor to meet your needs and make your voice “pop” from the background.
  2. Once you have set the values, hit the Preview button to check the audio. Then, click on OK.

That is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

You May Be Interested In

How To Fix Distorted Audio in Garageband

Garageband is one of the most popular audio recording software available. Though you can use it for various purposes, it is mainly intended to be used to create music. However, many people have the problem of distorted audio files, making production difficult when trying to perfect a project. To learn how to fix distorted audio in Garageband, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch GarageBand, then open your audio file. Once your audio file finishes loading, select the audio file from which you want to remove distortion by clicking it.
  2. Click on the “i” symbol encapsulated in a blue circle positioned on the lower-right portion of your screen. This icon sits in the middle of two other icons: a set of notes and an eye.
  3. Select the “Real Instrument” tab located on the top right side of your screen. You’ll see two tabs: Master Tracks and Real Instrument.
  4. Click the Edit tab to activate it, and a list of effects will pop up.
  5. Select Distortion from the list, and you’ll see a drop-down menu.
  6. Next, select the None option to remove distortion.

If you have distorted audio due to poor recording quality, navigate to the Real Instrument”Edit menu and select AULowpass from the boxes available. Doing this will remove frequencies above a certain range, and this will fix the distorted audio.

Method 3: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Windows 10

Several actions can cause problems or distort sound on your Windows 10 application. Some of the common causes include:

  • When upgrading your computer from an older version to a new one
  • In case your computer gets corrupted with a virus
  • If your computer or device doesn’t the right sound drivers

So how do you fix distorted audio in Windows 10? There are several ways you can fix distorted audio in Windows 10. Here is how to fix distorted audio using some of the best ways.

1. Reinstall drivers

  1. Right-click the start button and choose device manager.
  2. Navigate through sound, video, and game controllers.
  3. Click on the Details tab.
  4. Select hardware Ids from the drop-down menu.

fix distorted audio in windows 10

  1. Copy and first the first value of drivers in your browser and search the internet.

fix distorted audio in windows 10 - reinstall drivers

  1. Open the official site and download the correct driver。
  2. Install and restart your PC。

2. Update drivers

  1. Right-click on the start button.
  2. Scroll to the sound, video, and game controllers option.
  3. Right-click on the sound device and select uninstall the device.

update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

  1. Restart your PC after the uninstall process is finished.
  2. Open the device manager.
  3. Select and click on the scan for hardware changes option.

how to update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

Windows will automatically install a new version of sound drivers

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

  1. To use this method, open Start and click the cog-like icon. This will open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot in the left pane.
  4. Expand the Playing Audio by clicking it.
  5. Hit the Run the troubleshooter button, then follow the further instructions.

run windows audio troubleshoot

4. Take Exclusive Control of Your Device Option by Disabling Allow Applications

  1. Navigate to the notification area and right-click on the sound icon. Open Playback devices.
  2. Next, right-click on the default Playback Device, then open Properties.
  3. Choose the Advanced tab option.
  4. Navigate to the Exclusive mode section and check the box that says disable Allow applications to control your device.

disable allow applications to fix distorted audio on windows 10

When it comes to editing or performing audio editing in the video, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing software that can help you with reducing the voiceover volume, mute the audio in the video, or cut, copy, paste or insert your audio files. Learn more about the audio editing features of Filmora from the below video & download Filmora to try!

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Conclusion

Whether you’re an amateur audio enthusiast or produce a podcast with thousands of listeners, the quality of your audio can “make or break” your results. When your audience is listening to an audio recording, the last thing they want to notice or hear is a distortion because it is very distracting. When recording, it is almost impossible to find an environment that removes audio distortion without access to a recording studio. Luckily, you can use the above methods to fix distorted audio and make it look professional.

Try It Free Try It Free

So you’re all set: you’ve sat down, grabbed your microphone, fired up your recording software, and started pouring out the content of your mind. Once finished, you listen back to the recording, thinking you’re about to hear the silky-smooth undertones of your voice resonating through your ears, but something odd occurs — it sounds terrible. Distorted audio is very unwelcoming since you want the sound to be natural. This guide will explain how to fix distorted audio using various methods.

In this article

01 What Causes Distorted Audio?

02 How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

What Causes Distorted Audio?

Distorted audio is the main culprit in ruined audio clips. Here are some of the causes of distorted sound.

1. Recording Environment

Not recording dialogue and voice-over in a studio can cause distorted audio. However, audio quality can be out of control if you conduct an onsite interview. Getting a meaningful and cinematic shot should come first. If you do not use a studio-quality microphone that comes with directional controls, you’ll likely have distorted audio. You might want to go for a unidirectional stereo channel if you want boom movements to be undetectable.

When a cheap, low-quality microphone is moving, you’ll hear the unsteadiness in your recording, leading to distorted audio. Recording audio in an echo chamber or an overly large room can also result in distorted audio.

2. Touching the Mic While Recording

If you hand the microphone to someone who does not know how to use it, they might hold it too loosely or close. Microphones feature sensitive parts that should not be dropped, shaken, or breathed on. When you are interviewing people unfamiliar with industry standards, you should hold the microphone, not the person you are interviewing. The mic is not within the range of 6” to 12 “ away from the speaker, this could lead to distorted audio.

3. Using the Wrong Mic

A reliable mic comes with audio controls and captures room tone and timbre. It should be portable, compact, and have a wind sleeve. In outdoor situations where ADR is not an option, you might want to use a wind sleeve.

Podcast showrunners and content creators often use Blue Yeti mics connected to a soundboard. While these are cheaper options, they can cause distorted audio. Content creators who are not stationary should purchase a lavalier, and wireless is a more high-end and expensive option.

4. Positioning Your Microphones Incorrectly

You have to be careful if you’ll be mounting a mic on your DSLR. Filming events with a one-mic setup is a promise to record everything you hear again. You’ll inevitably film some moments at a distance and leave the audio compromised to distortion.

5. Faulty Equipment

Your equipment can fail in different ways. For instance, your effects processor can fail, meaning that you won’t hear any sound passing through it. It can also fail, and you end up hearing a distorted sound passing out of the processor. Essentially, this might or might not be linked to the component’s capability of handling the signal as much as the busted internals result.

How To Fix Distorted Audio Using Different Methods

You can fix distorted audio using various methods. They include:

Method 1: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Audacity

Audacity is the bread and butter for individuals who adore a crisp audio quality. Audacity helps users finetune various attributes of their recordings. It is a free and intuitive software suite suitable for newbies and individuals who don’t interact with computers. With that in mind, here is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

  1. Open the audio file by dragging and dropping it into Audacity.
  2. Select the distorted part and click on the Effect option. Then, select Noise Reduction.

fix distorted audio with audacity how to fix distorted audio with audacity

  1. The Noise Reduction window will open.

noise reduction in audacity

  1. Now, click on Noise Profile, and Audacity will know what to filter out.
  2. Next, select the entire audio and open the Noise Reduction Window again ( Effect > Noise Reduction ). Then, set the values to suit your preferences.
  3. Hit preview to check the audio, then the Click OK button.

If the audio is still distorted, apply the filter again. Don’t overdo the process numerous times to ensure your audio is not degraded, making the voice sound robotic and tinny.

Now, use compression to your advantage. If compression confuses you, think of it as a tool that adjusts your audio for the listener’s benefit. Compression not only quiets the background minutiae that creeps into your recording, but it also boosts your voice and gives it a full, captivating resonance.

  1. To start the compression process, select your audio track, press CTRL + A, click “Effect” and then click “Compressor.”

compress your audio with audacity

  1. Adjust the values in the compressor to meet your needs and make your voice “pop” from the background.
  2. Once you have set the values, hit the Preview button to check the audio. Then, click on OK.

That is how to fix distorted audio using Audacity.

You May Be Interested In

How To Fix Distorted Audio in Garageband

Garageband is one of the most popular audio recording software available. Though you can use it for various purposes, it is mainly intended to be used to create music. However, many people have the problem of distorted audio files, making production difficult when trying to perfect a project. To learn how to fix distorted audio in Garageband, follow the steps below:

  1. Launch GarageBand, then open your audio file. Once your audio file finishes loading, select the audio file from which you want to remove distortion by clicking it.
  2. Click on the “i” symbol encapsulated in a blue circle positioned on the lower-right portion of your screen. This icon sits in the middle of two other icons: a set of notes and an eye.
  3. Select the “Real Instrument” tab located on the top right side of your screen. You’ll see two tabs: Master Tracks and Real Instrument.
  4. Click the Edit tab to activate it, and a list of effects will pop up.
  5. Select Distortion from the list, and you’ll see a drop-down menu.
  6. Next, select the None option to remove distortion.

If you have distorted audio due to poor recording quality, navigate to the Real Instrument”Edit menu and select AULowpass from the boxes available. Doing this will remove frequencies above a certain range, and this will fix the distorted audio.

Method 3: How To Fix Distorted Audio in Windows 10

Several actions can cause problems or distort sound on your Windows 10 application. Some of the common causes include:

  • When upgrading your computer from an older version to a new one
  • In case your computer gets corrupted with a virus
  • If your computer or device doesn’t the right sound drivers

So how do you fix distorted audio in Windows 10? There are several ways you can fix distorted audio in Windows 10. Here is how to fix distorted audio using some of the best ways.

1. Reinstall drivers

  1. Right-click the start button and choose device manager.
  2. Navigate through sound, video, and game controllers.
  3. Click on the Details tab.
  4. Select hardware Ids from the drop-down menu.

fix distorted audio in windows 10

  1. Copy and first the first value of drivers in your browser and search the internet.

fix distorted audio in windows 10 - reinstall drivers

  1. Open the official site and download the correct driver。
  2. Install and restart your PC。

2. Update drivers

  1. Right-click on the start button.
  2. Scroll to the sound, video, and game controllers option.
  3. Right-click on the sound device and select uninstall the device.

update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

  1. Restart your PC after the uninstall process is finished.
  2. Open the device manager.
  3. Select and click on the scan for hardware changes option.

how to update drivers to fix audio distorted issue on Windows

Windows will automatically install a new version of sound drivers

3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

  1. To use this method, open Start and click the cog-like icon. This will open the Settings app.
  2. Select Update & security.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot in the left pane.
  4. Expand the Playing Audio by clicking it.
  5. Hit the Run the troubleshooter button, then follow the further instructions.

run windows audio troubleshoot

4. Take Exclusive Control of Your Device Option by Disabling Allow Applications

  1. Navigate to the notification area and right-click on the sound icon. Open Playback devices.
  2. Next, right-click on the default Playback Device, then open Properties.
  3. Choose the Advanced tab option.
  4. Navigate to the Exclusive mode section and check the box that says disable Allow applications to control your device.

disable allow applications to fix distorted audio on windows 10

When it comes to editing or performing audio editing in the video, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing software that can help you with reducing the voiceover volume, mute the audio in the video, or cut, copy, paste or insert your audio files. Learn more about the audio editing features of Filmora from the below video & download Filmora to try!

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Conclusion

Whether you’re an amateur audio enthusiast or produce a podcast with thousands of listeners, the quality of your audio can “make or break” your results. When your audience is listening to an audio recording, the last thing they want to notice or hear is a distortion because it is very distracting. When recording, it is almost impossible to find an environment that removes audio distortion without access to a recording studio. Luckily, you can use the above methods to fix distorted audio and make it look professional.

Top 8 Dictation Software for Windows, Mac, and Online

Top 8 Dictation Software for Windows, Mac, and Online

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A good dictation software makes it easy and simple to transcribe documents, take notes, and help people who struggle at typing gather information easily.

Dictation apps were not much used before because of the lesser accuracy and more errors. But now it has come a long way and dictation apps are faster and accurate now more than ever. The use of AI, speech recognition, etc. has enabled dictation software to perform as fast as a person is reading.

Dictation software has also helped to empower people who find it difficult to type because of their disabilities. So here in this article let’s find out the best dictation software that you can use while in meetings, to transcribe documents, take notes, and much more.

Top 8 Dictation Software/Apps

A good dictation software must be fast, accurate, and must give very little space for errors. Let’s talk about 8 such speech-to-text softwares that can make things easier at some point in your life.

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

google-docs-dictation-software

Google docs voice typing is one of the best tools for transcribing texts. This feature has been added a few years back and it is completely free. This feature is very accurate and fast, but will only be available when you are using the online app in Chrome.

Some of its features include voice dictation, integration to google cloud, and availability in both Windows and Mac devices.

Price: Free

2. Dictation.io

dictation-io-software

Dictation.io is an application that will allow you to type with your voice in English or any language of your choice. It uses speech recognition to transcribe accurately and can help you write documents and emails very easily.

The transcribing happens in real-time using the dictation app and it also allows to add punctuation marks, paragraphs, and smileys through voice commands. This app requires an internet connection and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux without any issues. Dictation has a simple interface and all the necessary tools needed to do necessary edits, which makes it very easy to use.

Price: Free

3. Braina

braina-dictation-software

Braina is more than a voice-to-text converting application. Apart from the ability to dictate in more than 90 languages accurately, Braina can also control applications using voice commands. It makes use of AI and voice recognition to execute voice commands and convert to text accurately.

Brania can eliminate the need for a keyboard as it can control almost everything on your computer. Mathematical calculations, internet searches, opening folders, and files, no matter what you ask, it is capable of doing everything. Another plus point of Braina is that it understands accents and almost all medical, scientific and legal terms, which makes it easier while transcribing.

Price: Braina Lite - Free, Pro version - $49 per year, Pro Lifetime - $139

4. Dragon Professional Individual

dragon-professional-dictation-software

Dragon Professional individual is a next-level speech engine using deep learning technology. This dictation app can help you to dictate and transcribe more accurately and faster than before. It performs well with different accents and optimizes accuracy for speakers in a noisy environment.

This dictation software of Nuance is the best for students, health care, legal, and others to transcribe and share documents securely. It uses 256- bit encryption and offers 99 percent accuracy while transcribing. This tool also helps to control your computer with voice commands and supports cloud document management.

Price: Free trial for 7 days, One-time fee of $155, Professional firms are charged yearly fees.

5. Apple Dictation

apple-dictation-software

Apple dictation is a dictation app that is available free on all Apple devices. It is not a very accurate software but is functional and useful when you need it to dictate messages and documents on your iPhone or any other Apple device.

This feature can be also be used to voice type on word, processor, presentation applications, social media sites, etc. Apple dictation supports multiple languages and also allows the sharing of audio recordings. Though this is a reliable voice-to-text app, it is not ideal for using for long durations. No installation is required for this tool.

Price: Free

6. Happy Scribe

happy-scribe

Happy Scribe is an AI-based dictation software that is used by many famous organizations including BBC, Forbes, United Nations, etc. It is an all-in-one platform where you can convert your audio to text as well as add captions to your videos.

Happy Scribe offers transcription in two ways, Automatic Transcription Software which is 85% accurate, and 100% Human-Made Transcription which is 99% accurate. This app supports about 62 different languages and has a dedicated transcript editor. This application also allows sharing and export of transcripts in different formats.

Price: Automatic Transcription Software - €0.20/min, 100% Human-Made Transcription - €1.70/min

7. Speechnotes

speech-notes-dictation-software

Speech notes is another online dictation app that can be used to type anything using your voice. It is very easy to use and supports multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindu, Bahasa, Urdu, Turkish, etc.

Speechnotes can be used for any website and the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping make it easier to use. Sending long mails can be made easier using this dictation app both on Gmail and outlook. This application also allows exporting to google drive.

Price: Free, Premium version - $9.99

8. Otter

otter-dictation-software

Otter is one of the few dictation softwares that offer high accuracy like the previously mentioned Dragon app of Nuance. This software uses Ambient Voice Intelligence which helps it to learn as the speaker speaks. Some of the features of this app include sync with zoom, sharing voiceprints, etc.

Otter has a speaker identification feature that makes it stand out among other dictation softwares. It is ideal for meetings where will be more than one speaker and, the change of the speaker will be highlighted in the transcribed text.

Price: Free, Premium - $8.33 per month, Teams - $20.00 per month

How to Choose the Best Dictation Software

All the dictation software mentioned above performs very well for transcribing into text, and some of them have additional features which might be very helpful. The best software for you will depend on the purpose for which you are using it.

For office purposes, the dictation apps of Otter or Dragon might be the best for you. If mailing and preparing documents are your purposes then Speechnotes or Braina can do the job. If you don’t want to spend any money on dictation apps, you can go for the free ones like Google Voice Docs typing.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A good dictation software makes it easy and simple to transcribe documents, take notes, and help people who struggle at typing gather information easily.

Dictation apps were not much used before because of the lesser accuracy and more errors. But now it has come a long way and dictation apps are faster and accurate now more than ever. The use of AI, speech recognition, etc. has enabled dictation software to perform as fast as a person is reading.

Dictation software has also helped to empower people who find it difficult to type because of their disabilities. So here in this article let’s find out the best dictation software that you can use while in meetings, to transcribe documents, take notes, and much more.

Top 8 Dictation Software/Apps

A good dictation software must be fast, accurate, and must give very little space for errors. Let’s talk about 8 such speech-to-text softwares that can make things easier at some point in your life.

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

google-docs-dictation-software

Google docs voice typing is one of the best tools for transcribing texts. This feature has been added a few years back and it is completely free. This feature is very accurate and fast, but will only be available when you are using the online app in Chrome.

Some of its features include voice dictation, integration to google cloud, and availability in both Windows and Mac devices.

Price: Free

2. Dictation.io

dictation-io-software

Dictation.io is an application that will allow you to type with your voice in English or any language of your choice. It uses speech recognition to transcribe accurately and can help you write documents and emails very easily.

The transcribing happens in real-time using the dictation app and it also allows to add punctuation marks, paragraphs, and smileys through voice commands. This app requires an internet connection and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux without any issues. Dictation has a simple interface and all the necessary tools needed to do necessary edits, which makes it very easy to use.

Price: Free

3. Braina

braina-dictation-software

Braina is more than a voice-to-text converting application. Apart from the ability to dictate in more than 90 languages accurately, Braina can also control applications using voice commands. It makes use of AI and voice recognition to execute voice commands and convert to text accurately.

Brania can eliminate the need for a keyboard as it can control almost everything on your computer. Mathematical calculations, internet searches, opening folders, and files, no matter what you ask, it is capable of doing everything. Another plus point of Braina is that it understands accents and almost all medical, scientific and legal terms, which makes it easier while transcribing.

Price: Braina Lite - Free, Pro version - $49 per year, Pro Lifetime - $139

4. Dragon Professional Individual

dragon-professional-dictation-software

Dragon Professional individual is a next-level speech engine using deep learning technology. This dictation app can help you to dictate and transcribe more accurately and faster than before. It performs well with different accents and optimizes accuracy for speakers in a noisy environment.

This dictation software of Nuance is the best for students, health care, legal, and others to transcribe and share documents securely. It uses 256- bit encryption and offers 99 percent accuracy while transcribing. This tool also helps to control your computer with voice commands and supports cloud document management.

Price: Free trial for 7 days, One-time fee of $155, Professional firms are charged yearly fees.

5. Apple Dictation

apple-dictation-software

Apple dictation is a dictation app that is available free on all Apple devices. It is not a very accurate software but is functional and useful when you need it to dictate messages and documents on your iPhone or any other Apple device.

This feature can be also be used to voice type on word, processor, presentation applications, social media sites, etc. Apple dictation supports multiple languages and also allows the sharing of audio recordings. Though this is a reliable voice-to-text app, it is not ideal for using for long durations. No installation is required for this tool.

Price: Free

6. Happy Scribe

happy-scribe

Happy Scribe is an AI-based dictation software that is used by many famous organizations including BBC, Forbes, United Nations, etc. It is an all-in-one platform where you can convert your audio to text as well as add captions to your videos.

Happy Scribe offers transcription in two ways, Automatic Transcription Software which is 85% accurate, and 100% Human-Made Transcription which is 99% accurate. This app supports about 62 different languages and has a dedicated transcript editor. This application also allows sharing and export of transcripts in different formats.

Price: Automatic Transcription Software - €0.20/min, 100% Human-Made Transcription - €1.70/min

7. Speechnotes

speech-notes-dictation-software

Speech notes is another online dictation app that can be used to type anything using your voice. It is very easy to use and supports multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindu, Bahasa, Urdu, Turkish, etc.

Speechnotes can be used for any website and the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping make it easier to use. Sending long mails can be made easier using this dictation app both on Gmail and outlook. This application also allows exporting to google drive.

Price: Free, Premium version - $9.99

8. Otter

otter-dictation-software

Otter is one of the few dictation softwares that offer high accuracy like the previously mentioned Dragon app of Nuance. This software uses Ambient Voice Intelligence which helps it to learn as the speaker speaks. Some of the features of this app include sync with zoom, sharing voiceprints, etc.

Otter has a speaker identification feature that makes it stand out among other dictation softwares. It is ideal for meetings where will be more than one speaker and, the change of the speaker will be highlighted in the transcribed text.

Price: Free, Premium - $8.33 per month, Teams - $20.00 per month

How to Choose the Best Dictation Software

All the dictation software mentioned above performs very well for transcribing into text, and some of them have additional features which might be very helpful. The best software for you will depend on the purpose for which you are using it.

For office purposes, the dictation apps of Otter or Dragon might be the best for you. If mailing and preparing documents are your purposes then Speechnotes or Braina can do the job. If you don’t want to spend any money on dictation apps, you can go for the free ones like Google Voice Docs typing.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A good dictation software makes it easy and simple to transcribe documents, take notes, and help people who struggle at typing gather information easily.

Dictation apps were not much used before because of the lesser accuracy and more errors. But now it has come a long way and dictation apps are faster and accurate now more than ever. The use of AI, speech recognition, etc. has enabled dictation software to perform as fast as a person is reading.

Dictation software has also helped to empower people who find it difficult to type because of their disabilities. So here in this article let’s find out the best dictation software that you can use while in meetings, to transcribe documents, take notes, and much more.

Top 8 Dictation Software/Apps

A good dictation software must be fast, accurate, and must give very little space for errors. Let’s talk about 8 such speech-to-text softwares that can make things easier at some point in your life.

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

google-docs-dictation-software

Google docs voice typing is one of the best tools for transcribing texts. This feature has been added a few years back and it is completely free. This feature is very accurate and fast, but will only be available when you are using the online app in Chrome.

Some of its features include voice dictation, integration to google cloud, and availability in both Windows and Mac devices.

Price: Free

2. Dictation.io

dictation-io-software

Dictation.io is an application that will allow you to type with your voice in English or any language of your choice. It uses speech recognition to transcribe accurately and can help you write documents and emails very easily.

The transcribing happens in real-time using the dictation app and it also allows to add punctuation marks, paragraphs, and smileys through voice commands. This app requires an internet connection and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux without any issues. Dictation has a simple interface and all the necessary tools needed to do necessary edits, which makes it very easy to use.

Price: Free

3. Braina

braina-dictation-software

Braina is more than a voice-to-text converting application. Apart from the ability to dictate in more than 90 languages accurately, Braina can also control applications using voice commands. It makes use of AI and voice recognition to execute voice commands and convert to text accurately.

Brania can eliminate the need for a keyboard as it can control almost everything on your computer. Mathematical calculations, internet searches, opening folders, and files, no matter what you ask, it is capable of doing everything. Another plus point of Braina is that it understands accents and almost all medical, scientific and legal terms, which makes it easier while transcribing.

Price: Braina Lite - Free, Pro version - $49 per year, Pro Lifetime - $139

4. Dragon Professional Individual

dragon-professional-dictation-software

Dragon Professional individual is a next-level speech engine using deep learning technology. This dictation app can help you to dictate and transcribe more accurately and faster than before. It performs well with different accents and optimizes accuracy for speakers in a noisy environment.

This dictation software of Nuance is the best for students, health care, legal, and others to transcribe and share documents securely. It uses 256- bit encryption and offers 99 percent accuracy while transcribing. This tool also helps to control your computer with voice commands and supports cloud document management.

Price: Free trial for 7 days, One-time fee of $155, Professional firms are charged yearly fees.

5. Apple Dictation

apple-dictation-software

Apple dictation is a dictation app that is available free on all Apple devices. It is not a very accurate software but is functional and useful when you need it to dictate messages and documents on your iPhone or any other Apple device.

This feature can be also be used to voice type on word, processor, presentation applications, social media sites, etc. Apple dictation supports multiple languages and also allows the sharing of audio recordings. Though this is a reliable voice-to-text app, it is not ideal for using for long durations. No installation is required for this tool.

Price: Free

6. Happy Scribe

happy-scribe

Happy Scribe is an AI-based dictation software that is used by many famous organizations including BBC, Forbes, United Nations, etc. It is an all-in-one platform where you can convert your audio to text as well as add captions to your videos.

Happy Scribe offers transcription in two ways, Automatic Transcription Software which is 85% accurate, and 100% Human-Made Transcription which is 99% accurate. This app supports about 62 different languages and has a dedicated transcript editor. This application also allows sharing and export of transcripts in different formats.

Price: Automatic Transcription Software - €0.20/min, 100% Human-Made Transcription - €1.70/min

7. Speechnotes

speech-notes-dictation-software

Speech notes is another online dictation app that can be used to type anything using your voice. It is very easy to use and supports multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindu, Bahasa, Urdu, Turkish, etc.

Speechnotes can be used for any website and the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping make it easier to use. Sending long mails can be made easier using this dictation app both on Gmail and outlook. This application also allows exporting to google drive.

Price: Free, Premium version - $9.99

8. Otter

otter-dictation-software

Otter is one of the few dictation softwares that offer high accuracy like the previously mentioned Dragon app of Nuance. This software uses Ambient Voice Intelligence which helps it to learn as the speaker speaks. Some of the features of this app include sync with zoom, sharing voiceprints, etc.

Otter has a speaker identification feature that makes it stand out among other dictation softwares. It is ideal for meetings where will be more than one speaker and, the change of the speaker will be highlighted in the transcribed text.

Price: Free, Premium - $8.33 per month, Teams - $20.00 per month

How to Choose the Best Dictation Software

All the dictation software mentioned above performs very well for transcribing into text, and some of them have additional features which might be very helpful. The best software for you will depend on the purpose for which you are using it.

For office purposes, the dictation apps of Otter or Dragon might be the best for you. If mailing and preparing documents are your purposes then Speechnotes or Braina can do the job. If you don’t want to spend any money on dictation apps, you can go for the free ones like Google Voice Docs typing.

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A good dictation software makes it easy and simple to transcribe documents, take notes, and help people who struggle at typing gather information easily.

Dictation apps were not much used before because of the lesser accuracy and more errors. But now it has come a long way and dictation apps are faster and accurate now more than ever. The use of AI, speech recognition, etc. has enabled dictation software to perform as fast as a person is reading.

Dictation software has also helped to empower people who find it difficult to type because of their disabilities. So here in this article let’s find out the best dictation software that you can use while in meetings, to transcribe documents, take notes, and much more.

Top 8 Dictation Software/Apps

A good dictation software must be fast, accurate, and must give very little space for errors. Let’s talk about 8 such speech-to-text softwares that can make things easier at some point in your life.

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

google-docs-dictation-software

Google docs voice typing is one of the best tools for transcribing texts. This feature has been added a few years back and it is completely free. This feature is very accurate and fast, but will only be available when you are using the online app in Chrome.

Some of its features include voice dictation, integration to google cloud, and availability in both Windows and Mac devices.

Price: Free

2. Dictation.io

dictation-io-software

Dictation.io is an application that will allow you to type with your voice in English or any language of your choice. It uses speech recognition to transcribe accurately and can help you write documents and emails very easily.

The transcribing happens in real-time using the dictation app and it also allows to add punctuation marks, paragraphs, and smileys through voice commands. This app requires an internet connection and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux without any issues. Dictation has a simple interface and all the necessary tools needed to do necessary edits, which makes it very easy to use.

Price: Free

3. Braina

braina-dictation-software

Braina is more than a voice-to-text converting application. Apart from the ability to dictate in more than 90 languages accurately, Braina can also control applications using voice commands. It makes use of AI and voice recognition to execute voice commands and convert to text accurately.

Brania can eliminate the need for a keyboard as it can control almost everything on your computer. Mathematical calculations, internet searches, opening folders, and files, no matter what you ask, it is capable of doing everything. Another plus point of Braina is that it understands accents and almost all medical, scientific and legal terms, which makes it easier while transcribing.

Price: Braina Lite - Free, Pro version - $49 per year, Pro Lifetime - $139

4. Dragon Professional Individual

dragon-professional-dictation-software

Dragon Professional individual is a next-level speech engine using deep learning technology. This dictation app can help you to dictate and transcribe more accurately and faster than before. It performs well with different accents and optimizes accuracy for speakers in a noisy environment.

This dictation software of Nuance is the best for students, health care, legal, and others to transcribe and share documents securely. It uses 256- bit encryption and offers 99 percent accuracy while transcribing. This tool also helps to control your computer with voice commands and supports cloud document management.

Price: Free trial for 7 days, One-time fee of $155, Professional firms are charged yearly fees.

5. Apple Dictation

apple-dictation-software

Apple dictation is a dictation app that is available free on all Apple devices. It is not a very accurate software but is functional and useful when you need it to dictate messages and documents on your iPhone or any other Apple device.

This feature can be also be used to voice type on word, processor, presentation applications, social media sites, etc. Apple dictation supports multiple languages and also allows the sharing of audio recordings. Though this is a reliable voice-to-text app, it is not ideal for using for long durations. No installation is required for this tool.

Price: Free

6. Happy Scribe

happy-scribe

Happy Scribe is an AI-based dictation software that is used by many famous organizations including BBC, Forbes, United Nations, etc. It is an all-in-one platform where you can convert your audio to text as well as add captions to your videos.

Happy Scribe offers transcription in two ways, Automatic Transcription Software which is 85% accurate, and 100% Human-Made Transcription which is 99% accurate. This app supports about 62 different languages and has a dedicated transcript editor. This application also allows sharing and export of transcripts in different formats.

Price: Automatic Transcription Software - €0.20/min, 100% Human-Made Transcription - €1.70/min

7. Speechnotes

speech-notes-dictation-software

Speech notes is another online dictation app that can be used to type anything using your voice. It is very easy to use and supports multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindu, Bahasa, Urdu, Turkish, etc.

Speechnotes can be used for any website and the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping make it easier to use. Sending long mails can be made easier using this dictation app both on Gmail and outlook. This application also allows exporting to google drive.

Price: Free, Premium version - $9.99

8. Otter

otter-dictation-software

Otter is one of the few dictation softwares that offer high accuracy like the previously mentioned Dragon app of Nuance. This software uses Ambient Voice Intelligence which helps it to learn as the speaker speaks. Some of the features of this app include sync with zoom, sharing voiceprints, etc.

Otter has a speaker identification feature that makes it stand out among other dictation softwares. It is ideal for meetings where will be more than one speaker and, the change of the speaker will be highlighted in the transcribed text.

Price: Free, Premium - $8.33 per month, Teams - $20.00 per month

How to Choose the Best Dictation Software

All the dictation software mentioned above performs very well for transcribing into text, and some of them have additional features which might be very helpful. The best software for you will depend on the purpose for which you are using it.

For office purposes, the dictation apps of Otter or Dragon might be the best for you. If mailing and preparing documents are your purposes then Speechnotes or Braina can do the job. If you don’t want to spend any money on dictation apps, you can go for the free ones like Google Voice Docs typing.

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Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Also read:

  • Title: Updated Essential List The Best Song Editing Apps for Windows/Mac Devices
  • Author: Jacob
  • Created at : 2024-05-20 00:04:04
  • Updated at : 2024-05-21 00:04:04
  • Link: https://audio-shaping.techidaily.com/updated-essential-list-the-best-song-editing-apps-for-windowsmac-devices/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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