Audacity is an open source, free-to-download software program. It allows users to record,
edit, import, and export audio. It also supports a multi-track environment that enables a user to blend together multiple audio files or overdub a file. In addition to cutting and splicing audio files, effects such as reverb, compression, echo, limiting, equalization, fade, delay, tremolo, and much more are available. Additional effects can be added using the open VST plugin standard, which range from free open source to expensive professional grade. Audacity can also be used to display numerical and visual analyses of audio files, enabling more precise editing.
Downloads are available for both Mac, PC, Linux, and other operating systems at no cost.
Here is a detailed comparison matrix of several DAW software pieces.