Free Audio Recorder 7.5.1

Overview

Most Windows users would agree that the sound recorder that comes with the OS isn't the greatest program in the world. Sure, it gets the job done, but there's some really annoying characteristics - such as the fact you need to save every single recording and name it before you can play it back. That being said, it isn't too hard to find an Audio Recorder that can negate that annoyance from the Windows Sound Recorder. We'll find out if GiliSoft Audio Recorder Free is one of them later on.

Moving on, GiliSoft Audio Recorder Free is a very basic program with one use and not too many settings or options. It does offer easy to use audio recording with good sound and a decent Interface to work with. The only supported audio format is MP3, so it's extremely limited with exporting files - you are however, able to tweak quality settings.

Installation

Since this is marketed as a "Free" program, you can expect some attempted - or even forced - bundled software at times. Luckily its optional with this program, but they do ask you a lot. It was pretty annoying, and they try to be tricky, but its pretty easy to avoid. Overall it didn't take long to get the program ready to go.

Interface

GiliSoft Audio Recorder Free is a program that does indeed have a more practical method of saving files, as it actually allows you to play the file before naming it. This is nice, except for the fact that it only happens due to the program saving and naming the file for you as "My Audio Capture Date/Time". You can change the export folder though which is nice, and it's really easy to delete files within the program's UI - to the point where its not really like you ever actually saved a file if you choose to delete one.

Other than that, there isn't much more you even need to worry about. There's pretty much just the file manager, the recording buttons, the settings tab, and the playback.

Pros

• Easy to use Audio Recorder with good sound quality
• Decent UI with a nice file manager for deleting unwanted recordings
• Playback functionality to listen to files within the program
• Free, so you can't really go wrong

Cons

• Only supports one export format, MP3
• Multiple attempts to bundle software at installation
• Doesn't quite compare to other free audio recorders

Alternatives

Audacity is a program that offers top quality audio recording, as well as a ton of effects and settings to mess with - all for free. If you're not that interested in editing, but rather recording sound in different formats from various devices, try AV Audio Recorder - it's a great program but not freeware.

Conclusion

I have a hard time saying anything too negative about GiliSoft Audio Recorder Free, but I can't say it's that amazing either. On one hand, it is a fast and easy to use audio recorder with a decent file manager. But then again, it lacks any type of audio editing functions like basic clipping actions. Maybe with more functions and a couple more export formats it'd be a really solid program, but for now it's just OK.