Audacity is free software you can download and use for recording and editing sounds. You can download versions for Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98), Mac OS X and Linux/Unix (source code).

Audacity is an audio recorder and editor that as open source software is free and easy to use. Use the Audacity program in your computer to record live sound, or convert tapes/records into digital recordings stored on your computer or on compact discs. It is compatible with MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AU, and AIFF sound files. You can record and edit in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit samples with recordings up to 96 KHz.

The recording system if full-featured with multi-track recording capabilities. Record from microphone, line-in or other sources with up to 16 channels at once. Create multi-track recordings by dubbing over existing tracks. Use level meters to monitor volumes during and after recording.

Edit and mix an unlimited number of tracks. Even large files can be editted very quickly. You can cut, copy, paste and delete to splice recordings and mix sounds together. Change the speed or pitch of a recording, alter the tempo, and create other effects like wahwah, echo, reverse or phaser. Filter out hiss, static, hum and other background noise.