Adobe Audition 1.0
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| Multichannel Encoder (click for larger view) |
For video editors, or anyone needing to mix and export surround audio files, this feature alone makes Audition worth buying. You can mix any multichannel recording in surround by opening the Multichannel Encoder (View>Multichannel Encoder).
The Multichannel Encoder interface lets you select one track at a time and pan it anywhere around the area of a circle. Little white boxes representing speakers are positioned at the proper 5.1 listening positions around the circle for guidance. There are volume controls for the sub and the center channel as well as for the overall track level. Eleven panning presets are also available from a pulldown menu, with quick setups for options such as "Center only, mono" and "LFE only." You can preview the mix before exporting.
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Export options allow you to save as six individual mono files, as an interleaved six-channel Wave file or as a Windows Media Audio Pro 6-channel file. The WMA options include Lossless, Constant Bit Rate or Variable Bit Rate. Files can be saved at a wide variety of bit rates and sampling options.
Conclusion
I like this program a lot. It's got considerable power, and a strong lineup of built-in effects. It never crashed despite all the abuse I gave it -- recording 10 tracks simultaneously, stacking real-time effects without saving, undoing edits and redoing them in rapid succession, etc. Editing functions are superb and accurate to the last sample. The interface is extremely well-designed. Creation of looped tracks is simple and fast, and with the included 4,500-plus Loopology content files, Audition is a music bed creation powerhouse.
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| Sample Editing: In this example, the point at the high end of the arc is a single sample whose volume has been raised (click for larger view) |
There are some limitations. For instance, Audition is a MIDI lightweight. It can import, play and trigger MIDI files, but the lack of MIDI recording and the minimal MIDI editing features limit its usefulness for recording applications where MIDI plays a big part. An external sequencer can be used, but that may prove cumbersome compared to more full-featured audio/MIDI applications.
Direct CD burning, which was introduced in beta form in the last version of Syntrillium's Cool Edit Pro, didn't make it to Audition version 1.0 for some reason. You can export to external CD burning programs, but a built-in burning function is far more convenient. This is no doubt on Adobe's list for inclusion in a future version upgrade.
Another thing that would enhance the program would be VST compatability, opening up the use of a horde of VST plugins. Again, a workaround can be had with a third-party product such as Cakewalk's VST Adapter, but having the built-in ability would expand the program's effects options considerably.
But because third-party solutions are available, these limitations are more annoyances than problems. And none of them affect Audition's core functionality. It's a feature-laden and high-quality audio recording and editing program that's rock-solid and proven in the field. The addition of Premiere Pro/After Effects interoperability and file exchange features only makes it stronger. For video editors using Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects, there's no excuse: Audition is a slam dunk. Whatever your audio recording and editing needs, you won't go wrong with Audition in your arsenal.
If you'd like to "audition" Audition, Adobe has a free downloadable trial version at http://www.adobe.com/products/tryadobe/download.jsp?ftpID=2145.
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