editing MP3 files

[Pseudo]

After seeing Target advertising generic "record your vinyl to MP3" turntables for 99 bucks I have finally made the plunge and am about to convert my MOUNTAIN of trash '80s vinyl into something which I can play on noughties hardware.

I already have a utility for labelling MP3 files - MP3tag - free & does the job.

Now I need something for editing the MP3 files. Mostly for cutting out the pre-track and post-track bits, but possibly also for filtering some of the more abused tracks, ameliorating the vinyl snap, crackle and pop.

Can anyone recommend a good FREE tool?

[JAS]

Never used one myself but is this the kind of thing you're after Pseudo. The grid might help narrow down the choices and shows which are free etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_editor

Regards
JAS

[Pseudo]

You are a gem JAS, and almost as quick as spelly

[smac]

Audacity has done everything I ever needed. Very small download and does all jobs. Available here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Some plug ins will also be required, most are available on the Audacity site, aside from the LAME plugin for MP3 encoding, available here: http://lame.buanzo.com.ar/

[JAS]

You are a gem JAS, and almost as quick as spelly

Pure coincidence...just waiting for my game char to regen and happened to pop in here for a nose while I waited

Regards
JAS

[zipzap]

Agree with smac - Audacity's a winner

[Pseudo]

Agree with smac - Audacity's a winner

Have downloaded it. Thanks for the tip smacker.

Have successfully managed to trim the ends off an MP3, but the tool looks very complex. I hope the learning curve is not too steep.

[zipzap]

Agree with smac - Audacity's a winner

Have downloaded it. Thanks for the tip smacker.

Have successfully managed to trim the ends off an MP3, but the tool looks very complex. I hope the learning curve is not too steep.

The main tricky thing is setting it up, like smac said, with the LAME encoder which you need to do once to allow it to encode MP3s. Other than that it's reasonably intuitive IMO, more so than something a bit slicker like Cool Edit Pro.
I think they've changed the way you add the ID3 tags for your MP3s though - go to File > Open Metadata Editor.
The Effects menu is pretty useful to bump up the sound of files ('amplify'), remove hiss ('noise removal') etc. 'Normalize' is useful too if making a compilation from various sources.

Tutorial here: http://www.jimmyedson.com/clay/Audacity_2007/index.