How to combine MP3 or WAV files

rlk · Jul 18, 2005

I used a cassette recorder to record a radio program this morning. In the middle of the recording there are a bunch of commercials that I want to get rid of.

I have created 2 MP3 files, one before the commercials and one after the commercials. Now I want to merge the two files into one file.

I also have the same two files as WAV files if that makes any difference.

Anyone know how to merge these files, hopefully with a product that comes with Windows?

Thanks, Bob

Hakim · Jul 18, 2005

Hi Bob,

The best product for you would be the excellent "Audacity". It will do all you want and more. If you are trying to manage audio files, it is the best freeware program available.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Specifically, open both of the files you want to "merge." Open the window of the first section, then position your cursor at the end of that file. Navigate to the second file, and "select all." Then copy that selection, and navigate back to the cursor point at the END f the first file. Do a paste, and you should have them all as one file. Then "Save as" under a new file name, and you are all set.

It does not matter if you do it as .wav or .mp3 files. The .wav will have a higher quality, but if all you are doing is listening, just go ahead and use the MP3 format. It is significantly smaller.

Hope this helps.