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Modern-day digital music software offers a wide range of editing options that could only be imagined in the days of cutting and splicing magnetic tape.
Besides the traditional cut and paste, one can change the tempo and pitch of an entire sound file and perform numerous intricate editing functions including pitch correction, fades, merging of sound bites and much more.
Start with the right stuff
The extent of your editing capabilities depends upon several factors:
- Your musical savvy. To edit music, you should have a basic feel for it. The more intricate the edit, the more this inbred talent comes into play.
- Your software. For the beginning audio editor, inexpensive programs are available for download. Professional programs are much pricier.
- Your sound system. Music editing can be performed on a single computer speaker, but a good sound system helps to assure accurate edits.
Editing basics
If you’re a beginner, you’ll find that the best approach to music editing is experimentation. Start with an inexpensive software program, import a song file, and try making some cuts. For example, you can begin by deleting a verse of the song.
Before you make a cut, however, you should be certain the two edit points match each other musically. Here are some things to watch and listen for:
- Make sure the rhythmic pattern of the piece is not compromised. That’s another way of saying, “Make sure the edit feels right.” If you delete or add too many beats, it can make for an awkward feel.
- Listen for any sustained instrument…a horn lick or cymbal swell, for example…that spans the point of your cut. If there isn’t a similar sustain at both edit points, the instrument will suddenly cut off or enter abruptly.
- Check to make sure the instrumentation is basically the same at both cuts. For example, if the first edit point has a strong drum sound and the drums have dropped out at the second, the edit may not work.
- A key change (modulation) may occur between your cutting points. If the keys don’t match it may be best to abandon the edit.
These are basic tips for the beginning music editor. If you want to become a serious student of the art, upgrade your software as you progress and discover the many facets of audio editing.
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