Short practical articles on getting clean results from the tools. More detail in the beginner guide.
Why crossfades work
A crossfade overlaps the end of one song with the start of the next while the first fades out and the second fades in. The overlap hides the exact moment where one file ends. Equal-power curves keep the overall loudness steady while both are audible.
Matching loudness between songs
Songs are mastered at different loudness. Without matching you will hear a jump in volume at each join. Match the average level of the parts you plan to use, then fine-tune by ear.
How to avoid clipping
Clipping appears when the waveform is pushed above the maximum level. It sounds like harsh crackle. Leave some headroom, avoid stacking large volume boosts, and check the export in headphones.
Removing silence the right way
Silence at the start of a track delays the music and silence at the end creates a dead gap in a mix. Trim both ends, but leave a short natural tail so reverb does not cut off.
Choosing between MP3 and WAV
Choose WAV for editing and archiving because nothing is lost. Choose MP3 at 192 to 320 kbps for sharing, because files are far smaller.
Smoother DJ-style transitions
Pick songs with close tempos, start the blend in a quiet or steady section, use an equal-power crossfade and listen for clashing beats. If the beats fight, shorten the crossfade.