Sound Editor Audacity 2.3.2 update integrates MP3 Encoder
A new update for the sound editor Audacity to version 2.3.2 resolves a long-standing inconvenience: the editor comes with integrated MP3 encoder for the first time.
The version bump from Audacity 2.3.1 to 2.3.2 suggests that it is a minor update. If you followed Audacity updates over the years, you know that updates for the audio editor are released two or three times a year only.
The new update comes just two months after the upgrade to Audacity 2.3.1 in March 2019. The last update before that, version 2.3.0, was released in September 2018.
Audacity is a powerful editor that you may use for all kinds of audio editing and creating tasks. You may use it to merge mp3 or wav files, create white noise audio files of any length, or use it to create ringtones (does anyone do that anymore these days?)
Audacity 2.3.2
Audacity 2.3.2 is a cross-platform update for Windows, Mac OS and Linux devices. Downloads are provided on the official Audacity website; Windows users may select a portable version or installer. Updates install fine over existing installations, portable users need to overwrite program files to update.
The new version improves the user experience, especially that of new users, significantly. It includes the LAME MP3 encoder so that it is no longer necessary to download it separately to integrate MP3 functionality in the program.
You can load any mp3 audio file in Audacity right on first run and it will work just fine in the new release.
Patents expired, according to the release notes, so that it is now possible to integrate the MP3 encoder directly.
The remaining changes are not all that exciting. The team fixed over 20 bugs that affected version 2.3.1 including a crash, and added a new select button to select the entire track in the Audacity interface.
The mod-script-pipe to control Audacity using Python has been integrated in the new version. It is not enabled by default but you may enable the functionality in the preferences according to the release notes.
Closing Words
The integration of a native MP3 encoder improves the experience of first time users significantly. Mp3 is one of the most popular audio formats and most users who use audio editors probably need it supported.
Audacity 2.3.2 takes care of that.
Now You: do you use an audio editor?
MP3 is dead. Long live FLAC and lossless formats !
Ah, I remember having to download LAME everytime for it to work, this year I transitioned to FLAC for my library anyway. Coolbeans.
Article: “[…] The remaining changes are not all that exiting. …”. I suspect to write: “ex[c]iting”.
“use it to create ringtones (does anyone do that anymore these days?)”
I do. All 24 ringtones on my phone are my creations, and yes I used Audacity to create them. I also use it to transfer my wife’s Vinyl collection to MP3 as well as CD.
There is nothing like the perfect ringtone until you change your mind….
Bomfunk MC’s – Freestyler, as general ringtone since 2004 to this date. Never changed ;)
Although I do have custom ringtones on some contacts.
One of my favorite audio utilities for many years. Now fix that atrocious ui please!
Death to software patents, and to software patents holders*
* in a legally expressible way, like heart attacks or gold poisoning
Er, you’d rather no software were developed?? I can’t fathom your attitude, sorry.
Er, you’d rather no software were developed?? I can’t fathom our attitude, sorry.
Good. MP3 is now free <3
Is there a reason for this change? Did MPEG make any legal updates to its policy?
God forbid searching for yourself.
“Audacity now includes the LAME mp3 encoder. Previously, due to now expired patents, you had to download it separately.”
After rereading the article (or perhaps there was an update?)… Never mind.