Audio fading adds a professional touch to your soundtracks, but messing with audio usually means diving into complex software. Luckily, your smartphone and a few simple apps make fading audio effortless.
1
WaveEditor for Android
WaveEditor is a versatile audio editing app for Android users that provides a range of editing features, including the ability to apply fade-ins and fade-outs. WaveEditor supports various audio formats and allows precise fade effects control. It’s a great choice if you want something straightforward but effective.
After launching WaveEditor, import your audio file by tapping the Browse button and selecting it from your phone. Next, tap on the Macro option, and choose Fade In for the beginning or Fade Out for the end. You can adjust the duration of the fade effect using the slide bar overlayed on the waveform. After applying the fade effect, preview the audio to ensure it sounds right, then save your edited file.
The app also gives you access to a range of additional editing tools, such as multi-track mixing and macro processes such as fade, reverse, & invert. You can also undo and fix mistakes and batch format tracks into MP3, FLAC, or WAV files before exporting them.
Download: WaveEditor for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
2
GarageBand for iPhone
GarageBand is Apple’s flagship music creation and editing app, and it’s perfect for users who want more control over their audio projects. GarageBand is one of the best free music production software, but it’s also great for small edits like applying fade effects.
To add fade, open GarageBand and create a new project by selecting the Audio Recorder or Track option, depending on the source type you want to use. Then, import your audio file by tapping the + sign or by dragging it into the workspace.
Select the Automation button, which looks like a squiggly line, and you’ll see a blue line appear over the track, which controls volume. Tap on the blue line to add points, creating a fade-in or fade-out effect.
You can adjust the points to shape the fade and preview the audio. Once you’re happy with your effect, export your project by tapping the Share button and choosing the format.
Download: GarageBand for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
If you’re looking for a less complicated yet still effective GarageBand alternative, Audio Editor Tool is a great option for iPhone users. This app simplifies the audio editing process, making it easy to apply fade-ins and fade-outs in just a few steps.
Open the app and launch the Audio Editor Tool, then load your audio file by tapping the Open button. Tap on the track, and you’ll see several options, including the Fade In and Fade Out symbols.
Audio Editor will automatically apply a default fade effect, but you can adjust the fade duration by moving a slider. After applying the fade, you will be played a preview. Once satisfied, tap Save to store the edited file on your device.
This app also has a few other tricks up its sleeve—it can remove lyrics from tracks, allows you to add sound effects, and you can record any sound and edit it on the fly. It’s perfect for making quick edits and for anyone who doesn’t want to go through a complicated process.
Download: Audio Editor Tool for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
4
Lexis Audio Editor for Android
Lexis Audio Editor is another highly functional Android app that offers a rich set of features for audio editing. It supports multiple formats, including WAV, M4A, AAC, FLAC, and WMA, and allows for a variety of adjustments, including the ability to fade audio in and out.
Launch Lexis Audio Editor and then import your audio file by selecting Open. Navigate to the section of the track waveform where you want the fade effect. You can zoom in for more precise editing. Go to the Effects menu and select Fade In or Fade Out as needed. Lexis Audio Editor also allows you to adjust the fade’s length to fit your needs by adjusting the slide bar.
Listen to the result, and once satisfied, save the file by tapping the Save button. With a clean interface and easy-to-use tools, Lexis Audio Editor is perfect for anyone who needs both simplicity and advanced editing features in one app.
Download: Slow Shutter Cam for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
5
BandLab for iPhone and Android
BandLab is an all-in-one music creation platform that also serves as a social network for musicians. It’s packed with various music creation, editing, and collaboration tools.
Open BandLab and start a new project by selecting Import File. Select the track you want to edit, then tap the track on the waveform, then tap the three white dots and look for the fade option. Use the slider to add fade-in or fade-out curves to the track.
Preview the track with the fade effect; you can adjust the curves as needed for a smooth transition. Once happy with the results, save or share the project. BandLab is especially great if you want cloud-based collaboration tools, and its fade effects are simple to apply without sacrificing quality.
Download: BandLab for Android and iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Fading audio in and out is an essential skill. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to achieve professional-sounding results using your smartphone. All of these apps make it possible to fade audio in and out easily, and each provides different features depending on your editing needs.
Pick the one that works best for you, and enjoy adding smooth transitions to your audio projects without the complicated PC software.