What is SoundEdit 16?

SoundEdit 16 2.0 better addresses the needs of multimedia producers by providing improved downsampling and dithering options — essential for getting good sound on CD-ROMs and the Web. Pros will also appreciate a batch mode that processes a flock of files in sequence.

The new version adds read-write support for AU files (a popular Web-site audio format) and for IMA compression (supported by Apple’s QuickTime 2.1 and later). It also can import tracks from audio compact discs.

Macromedia fixed a glaring flaw in SoundEdit 16 1.0: the lack of recording-level adjustments. A new Levels window provides LED-style volume meters and lets you set record and playback levels. SoundEdit 16’s user interface now more closely resembles those of its Macromedia siblings — with menu commands and tool bars similar to Director 5’s.

More significant, version 2.0 lets you add third-party plug-ins (called Xtras) such as processing and effects filters, as well as file-import and -export modules; InVision Interactive... offers its CyberSound FX family of effects in SoundEdit 16 Xtra format. Waves... has released an Xtra that enables SoundEdit 16 to use the company’s superb sound-enhancement tools.

Unfortunately, SoundEdit 16 2.0 lacks scrubbing, a feature that lets you play a sound back and forth by moving the mouse. It’s essential for editing voice tracks, and its absence in SoundEdit 16 2.0 is one reason I use Digidesign’s Sound Designer II for heavy editing sessions.

Another annoyance; every time you save a file, SoundEdit 16 2.0 scrolls the file’s window to the beginning, so you lose your place — a real pain when editing large files. Saves are also slow.

Heid, Jim. (June 1996). Audio Production Programs. Macworld. (pg. 52).

Download SoundEdit 16 for Mac

Architecture

Motorola 68K

Compatibility notes

Architecture: 68K

System 7.x - Mac OS 9.2.2

At least 2.5MB of free RAM (recommended 4MB)

 

Emulating this? It could probably run under: Basilisk II