Technology
Audacity 4 launches with redesigned interface and engine overhaul
The major update rebuilds the open-source audio editor on Qt and adds Windows ASIO support, but temporarily omits several legacy tools.
The short version
- Audacity 4.0 has been released featuring a completely rebuilt Qt user interface, a new clip-editing model, and the AUP4 project file format.
- The release adds native high-DPI rendering and official Windows support for ASIO playback and recording.
- Multiple legacy features from version 3—including MIDI tracks, scripting pipes, and specific plugin hosting—are missing at launch but planned for future updates.
Key facts
- Audacity 4.0 introduces a reconstructed Qt interface, customizable workspaces, native high-DPI rendering, and a new AUP4 project format.[Slashdot]
- Official Windows builds of the software now include support for ASIO recording and playback.[Slashdot]
- The 4.0 release omits previous tools such as Time Tracks, Note and MIDI tracks, the Mixer, Macro Manager, scripting pipes, play-at-speed, and VAMP/LADSPA plugin hosting.[Slashdot]
- Development plans indicate that omitted legacy functionality is intended to be restored in subsequent versions.[Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline and release schedule for restoring omitted legacy features have not been specified.[Slashdot]