Tested OK portable version. WXPsp3.
For speech files like meeting/remark records it is an excellent program.

#18 SoftwareBabe. I'm confused by your post as what you quote as being in the readme file isn't the same as in my copy. I have the standard GOTD text saying to install and activate before the offer is over with the usual terms and conditions of no free upgrades etc.

In regard to the 'portable' version, it appears to run without writing to main drive. I downloaded it to an external usb hard drive, ran it from there without a problem. Copied the folder to a second external usb hard drive. Also,to a NAS drive and a CD. It ran fine from all of them. I had installed it on 'C' drive but uninstalled it before checking out the portable version to be sure it wasn't tapping into the 'C' drive install somehow.
For a quick and easy one-trick pony this program seems to do the job. When I need the power of Audacity I can alway fire it up. Or for real overkill I have a version of SoundForge from a few years ago.

BTW: Where are you Giovanni? Miss your comments today. Wonder what you would have suggested for free alternatives besides Audacity ? .......

I like this program. For slowing down music (without changing the pitch) so I can learn to play it, great! Sound quality is very acceptable even at a 33% slowdown. 40% not so much, 50% (maximum) is not good. But 33% is very helpful, meets my needs quite well! And it's handy to be able to change the pitch to match my guitar instead of the other way around. Would be nice to be able to vary pitch in much smaller increments, maybe on a fine-tuning slider, perhaps down to 1/100 of a semitone (the accuracy of most guitar tuners). Then I could always match a recording to my current tuning. As it stands, I like this better than Best Practice, VLC and Audio Cleaning Lab because of its ease of use and high quality. A keeper and maybe a purchase down the road. (sorry, I didn't compare to Audacity's quality, did anyone else?)

Another utility for the audio toolbox. Does what it says,which, combined with a small resource footprint compared to other tools makes it a keeper-even if it is a two or three trick pony.Thanks GOTD & SUPERUTILS

To #1, Audacity does have the functions/features you're saying it doesn't as others have pointed out.

While I do use audacity to speed up and shorten the listening time without chipmunk voice it is time consuming, this Audio Speed Changer is nice an easy just for this particular task.

@ #18, not sure what you got, I downloaded the portable and it's registered as GAOTD, I don't like portable installs, anycase once installed I copied the folder and put it on another computer and it still works.

As to others that are saying VLC/WMP/XYZ-software on my computer does the same thing, actually it doesn't because we can't take our computer jogging, or to the gym, or in the car. Yes, I know it might be sacrilege to do something in our life that doesn't involve the computer.

Thanks for a great program.

It installed very easily on my Windows 7 (64bit). I tested it out on a music MP3 and it did a good job of slowing down the tempo without changing the pitch. I mainly downloaded it for the purpose of slowing down instrumental parts so that I could learn solos. I also tested it out a lecture and it did well in speeding it up. It's much better than listening to a chipmunk.

The only suggestion I have would be make the GUI a little more modern. I like the previewing slider, but wish it would be a little bit bigger to make it easier to slide.

Thank you for the software.

OK This is awesome! I tried fitting a version of Pachebels Canon to a videoclip I had. Which meant speeding it up by 24% (it was a VERY slow version of it I had) and it worked AMAZING. No (or at least minima) distortion, pitch preserved and it was easy as pie! THANKS for this GAOTD!

To #21:
Try Format Factory for free conversion. It works great with audio, video and pix. The only thing is - if you want to make a movie in Windows Movie Maker, you have to convert the Format Factory WMV to Windows Live Movie Maker BEFORE loading it into the regular MovieMaker. For some reason, FF's WMV file is not fully compatible with MS Movie Maker without this interim conversion.

How does it work with portable version? I should put it on the USB drive to be activated as todays GOTD or if I activate it on my computer I will be able to move it to the USB later without loosing the activation?

I have been a very happy ASC user for a couple of years. A quick check of today's update tells me ASC is still a fine program.

The batch conversion feature allows me to speed up a bunch of podcasts at a time. Some voice-only podcasts are produced at 128kbps or more - which strikes me as a waste of bandwidth. Setting the conversion rate at 64kbps in ASC seems quite sufficient for voice podcasts and reduces conversion time.

Don't forget to check out all of the conversion settings! The "normalize audio" option offered by ASC is a nice feature when listening to audio from diverse sources. Setting the "algorithm quality" slider to "max" slows things down a bit but gets you the best-quality conversion.

It would be nice if the user had the option to punch in conversion parameters - while retaining the slide controls for users with that preference. I'd also like ASC to retain all settings between uses, though changing them is hardly burdensome.

Other than those small quibbles, I like ASC very much. It's quick, straightforward and accurate. At $20 it's a good value; getting it here for free is an absolute TREAT! Many thanks to SuperUtils and GAOTD.

For converting audio books "Calibre" is hard to beat, and free.

One can speed up a song with Windows media player while the song is playing? The feature is found under enhancements?

Later. tried the conversion with just a small adjustment in the speed and the same 64 kbs. This time it converted the 89 hour file to 3 hours with a file size of 92.8 mb. To attempt to find out why such a program has such a glaring and consistent fault would stretch my patience too far. It's getting uninstalled.

I particularly welcome the offer of a portable version, something not very common with GAoD, unfortunately. I hope the idea catches on, so that we may see alternative portable versions as standard.

One question though. Portable does not necessarily mean that it doesn't write to the registry. Some portable programs do, others don't and are of course preferable, as they leave no debris when their folder is deleted.

So my question to the developers (or experienced users) is: Does the portable version write to the registry?

You can speed up and slow down audio with VLC, which is free, as you probably already knew. It also does so much more than this software: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html

THUMBS UP for a wonderful product. The video tutorials explained everything and the program itself is really easy to use. Installation was a breeze. No personal info was required. And the addition of a portable version is definitely a huge PLUS.

I find Audacity a bit too complicated for my taste. I'm a fan of simple apps that make my life easy and don't require a steep learning curve. This is going to be a nice addition to the Angel's Vox from a few days ago. I already have a decent size audio book library and often listen to podcasts but hate the lack of control over the duration of some of the files. Speeding up the lectures would help me plow through the info in a fraction of the time.

Grab this, even if you don't think you need it right now. You might find some surprising uses for it down the road.

Thanks GAOTD! Another great program for the vault... And the batch conversion was a nice touch.

I am really glad to see some audio software but it would really be nice to see some conversion software for various formats such as audio books that I own from Audible going from .aa to mp3.

Thank you for adding WMA input support. This was a previous comment from me for you on GAOTD, and it's great to see the developers being responsive to feedback. Many library audiobooks are only available in this format, and with DRM, unable to convert to MP3 first before I speed them up. I've never had issues speeding up DRM protected MP3s using previous versions of Audio Speed Changer Pro, and I hope this version works equally as well on the DRM protected WMAs. Even if not (sorry I don't have time to test this functionality today), having the WMA capability will be a help. I also like the ability to change the bitrate in the conversion settings.

Other improvement ideas that would be nice to have:

1. Preserve the album art and genre tags on sped up files (I'm pretty sure these are lost on previous versions, and I usually need to replace them on my converted files).

2. Provide the ability to combine files that are converted into one larger file.

3. Show statistics in the conversion window in minutes and seconds of how much time will be saved or added when the conversion is complete. I just see a percentage and could calculate it if I wanted. The preview statistics total does not change when I adjust speed, but retains the full original file time.

4. Show statistics of the estimated change in file size. I notice my sped audiobook files are smaller in size, which helps me load more on my mp3 player. Shorter time typically results in smaller file size. It would be cool to know in advance, though not necessary.

5. I missed the "Add Directory" menu that you have for quite a while before I noticed it. This is great to have and allows me to select a folder and subfolders easily. Maybe make this a button too so it gets more easily noticed?

6. I installed with the shell extension, but do not see this when I right click on audio files. Maybe I need to reboot?

Thanks again. Take my comments or leave them. I like the simple interface and would not want you to clutter it trying to satisfy all these "enhancement" requests.

Installed easily and works GREAT! Thank you very much for the nice program.
Only negative - has no help file when you click on "Help". Would be nice to have one.
Eldad

I am a bit confused. I installed (unzipped) the PORTABLE version. Is this a giveaway or is it a PURCHASED app? The Readme tells me I have only 30 days to use it and then I must purchase it.
FROM THE README.TXT:
"Ordering
Audio Speed Changer Pro is Shareware. This means that it must be purchased before all benefits of the software will become available.
To remove the trial limitations within Audio Speed Changer Pro, please purchase the product online via this link: http://www.superutils.com/products/audio-speed-changer-pro/#ordering
Upon registering, you will receive your registration details by e-mail. Please, allow up to 1 working day for your information to be processed. After you have received your registration code, run the program. At the trial reminder window, click on the “Enter Code” button, and then enter your name and code into the appropriate field on the dialog panel."

IS THE FULL INSTALL FREE AND THE PORTABLE, A PURCHASED ITEM????

PLEASE CLARIFY.

Like others commenting, I listen to disc upon disc of audio books. This program is great for among other things, deepening or lightening the narrator's voice when I just can't get on with it. Today I installed Audio Speed Changer, and loaded a file which was 221 mb, and 8 hours,3 mins and 15 seconds long, at 64kbs. When the (slowed down) file finished converting to 128 kbs (default)the file was 185 mb and 3 hours, 22 minutes and 4 seconds long. So I tried again. Same result.
The program's already exceeded my tolerance limit, which is admittedly small. I'm disappointed it does not convert from a file of one specific length, to a file of exactly the same specific length - or longer, if the running time has been increased.
Im gonna try it one more time, from 64kbs to 64kbs. If it still converts to an entirely different and shorter time, it's getting uninstalled. I'll come back and report,seeing as I know you're all dying to find out.

I didn't like angel's vox. you had to download additional software to use it and it cost, but this program works great! I used it to slow down a song (mp3) and it worked with no problems it also saved to a file of my choice. I like the idea that I can go portable in which I have. in addition it kept the tags. thx gaotd now if only you can giveaway a nice paint or photo program it would be nice. you have gotten away from that. inpaint would be nice. haven't heard from Giovanni, but I know he would offer audacity as and alternative. so here is my free alternative: Audacity.sonicdownloads.net

I think that it can be useful for listening to audio books too, although that is not its main purpose.

Just to be clear, I must have messed up my editing in my previous reply, and the way I posted it sounds like there is a version 2. There isn't.

My comment was supposed to begin:
"It was funny to me when I saw that this was today’s giveaway because I currently have Audio Speed Changer Pro since v.1.2.2.63 open."

portable is a Plus. I installed on win 7 64bit and on my usb drive. both work and I am still testing to see if it speeds anything up without hurting the sound..

It was funny to me when I saw that this was today's giveaway because I currently have v.2 of this

I have used Audio Speed Changer Pro since v.1.2.2.63 open. Last night I was using it and went to bed before I was done with my project, so it was still open on my taskbar.

Anyway, I have used this program for a few versions and happily upgraded to the current one today.

To all of you who keep pointing people to Audacity: I am a songwriter and I love Audacity. I use it frequently. It rocks for music.

But it's a little more time consuming and cumbersome than is needed for non-musical needs. There are two times I turn to Audio Speed Changer:
(1) For speeding up audio books and
(2) For speeding up recorded conversations

AUDIOBOOKS
I am an audiobook lover. Someone else mentioned AngelVox from the same publisher. I tested it many months ago. From vague memory, I BELIEVE it is a player, not an editor. Since I listen to books while driving, either on an MP3 player or burnt CDs, a tool that only plays them on my computer isn't useful. Audiobooks can often be several hours long. So I use Audio Speed Changer Pro to increase their speed by 15%-25%, depending on the person reading. I find that I can benefit from the books just as well at this increased speed - especially non-fiction (which is 90% of what I listen to).

VOICE RECORDINGS
My memory sucks. I am in frequent long meetings with clients and prefer to engage in the conversation rather than distracting my attention with note taking. So many times I carry a small digital voice recorder in my pocket and record the conversations. Before the know-it-alls chime in here: I cleared this with an attorney. In the state I live in (and he says that in most but not all of the United States), it is legal to privately record a conversation that you are a part of. And for me, for this purpose, it helps me create extra value for the client because of my "perfect digital memory." So when I want to listen to my recorded conversations, I usually find I can increase the speed anywhere from 20%-50% for review and can often listen to a recorded 1-hour conversation in 30 minutes.

I frequently use Audio Speed Changer Pro for these jobs and it performs them wonderfully, without pitch change, without perceptible distortion, and without loading a large and more complex program like Audacity.
~N

Since I am learning languages, in a previous Giveaway, I criticized "Angel's Vox" from the same publisher "Superutils" because the pitch was not controllable.

This time, I am very satisfied with the result of "Audio speed changer."

When you learn a language, you do not want to use a complicated software with a lot of options to get the result. This software is very easy to use, without headaches, but comes with a lot of possibilities.

I appreciate particularly, having the opportunity to work on multiple files at once. In the list you can even choose to process differently each file individually.

Even if you do not want to convert audio files, you can just use the playback mode with speed control.

Today we can have the portable version too. What can we want more.

Ten thumbs up for me. If you are learning languages, it's a must to have. Thanks Giveaway and Superutils publisher.

I alway needed this-finnaly something I can use, thank

Installed with no problems on XP. I like this program. When speakers in online sites talk too fast, I cannot understand much of what they are saying. This program is a simple and easy way to slow down the playback of a recording so it is easy to hear and understand everything. This works well for me.

Can be used as a portable version, always a big+ for me.
Pitch, tempo, speed can be adjusted and the file can be saved.
For a simpler way, for such as playing back of audio books a little slower, Angel's Vox is much easier to use. ( A recent Giveaway).
For that reason I prefer Angel's Vox but will use Audio Speed Changer because it is portable.
If you want to change edit music use Audacity,free, or similar.
Pick the tool for the job.

Although I had already published my opinion just few days ago I would like to repeat it here at this very opportunity. My impression after testing several audio speed changing programs was that there exist differences among them as to their quality. The decisive point is about how far the sound would be distorted when especially reducing the speed. Maintenance of the pitch is obvious but the kick is the "natural" sound of the more slowly spoken words. Too often it was altered at a rather low reduction of the speed. I esteemed it important when learning foreign languages. My first choice several years ago was the program offered today.

I assure by all saints not be affiliated with the company, I only had long battles what Portuguese people were talking.

werceiro

Installed fine on Win 8 64 bit. Tried a few songs from various artists and it did a good job at maintaining vocal integrity when I changed the tempo. It also has some basic tag editing features.

Audacity. Completely (and always) free, comes with this functionality and much more.

Karla, I can assure you that Audacity does indeed have a speed changer effect plugin included in its basic install (Look in the "Effects" menu. In fact, I believe it's also one of the toolbar items as well, although I don't recollect what its graphical button representation looks like. In the same menu there is another effect which changes the pitch without affecting the speed of the selection - which comes in handy for musicians to easily transpose from one key to another. I believe one has the option of transposing either by note or by frequency.

There are also quite a few third-party "plugins" for Audacity, ranging from a simple range of existing effects presets to more complex emulations and simulations of various types of tube amplifiers. Yes, Audacity may not be a "no-brainer" audio software, but if you approach things from an "a la carte" point of view and only tweak things that really NEED tweaking, Audacity has a pretty quick learning curve if you only need one or two basic functions.

Having said that, with such a powerful audio processing ensemble available for FREE, I don't see how the publisher can really justify the $20 price tag for what amounts to really nothing more than a "one trick pony." I suppose there are some people who would happily pay 20 rather than have to actually LEARN something - especially something relevant to what most musicians have a passion for (namely, MUSIC), but I'd wager that none of them would dare admit it openly in conversations with their peers.

It would seem to me that the publishers of today's offering did little - if any - market research before tossing today's offering into their marketing hopper. First, there isn't all that much of a NEED for such a software (although there are some creative uses), and secondly it's WAY overpriced for what little it does(as I just covered).

Not the best way to build a brand!

I'm sure there will be many other free alternatives mentioned besides Audacity, although IMHO Audacity is one of the more powerful and feature-rich audio editors out there - at least for the price anyway (which is ZERO regardless of your particular form of currency).

To all the folks involved with the GOTD project: Many thanks!

Dear GOTD users,

the link to the portable version download is fixed now. Sorry for the glitch.

Have a nice giveaway day!

Sincerely,
GOTD team

While I tend to use Adobe Audition (among others) for most of my professional audio editing, today's offering is not to be sniffed at especially if you have just started out in editing audio. Although I personally don't consider this a professional product it does do it's job admirably. I will likely use this for quick edits and it does use the most commonly used formats and frequencies which should be good enough for most.
It would be nice to see a little more tweak ability but for a product in this price range I guess it isn't too bad.
There are probably free alternatives which Giovanni will most likely mention but as a free giveaway today I believe it is worth trying.

So many thumbs down shows me that only very less people can use this software.
For me - amateur piano-player - its interesting if I play together with mp3-songs.

And no - I'vend found such a speedchanger in audacity which changes speed without changing the pitch.

But maybe unmusical Giovanni may find alternatives.