01 — The tool
Fade audio in and out with separate controls
Use the free audio fade tool from Loudness.ai to bring a recording in gradually or lower its level towards the end. Fade in changes the beginning; fade out changes the ending. You can enable either fade independently and choose how long it lasts, rather than applying the same setting to both edges.
Set the fade duration and select a linear or smooth curve, then compare the preview with the original. The recording keeps its length: the fade changes level over time. If you need to shorten the file before fading it, use the Audio Cutter to save the section first.
02 — How it works
How to fade audio online for free
Open the audio file
Choose MP3, WAV or another supported recording. Play its opening and ending to decide which edge needs a fade and whether any notes or words must remain clearly audible.
Set each fade separately
Enable fade in, fade out or both. Choose the duration in seconds and a fade curve. Try a short setting first, then increase it when a gradual musical transition needs more time.
Preview the edges and export
Prepare the changed version and listen to both boundaries. Check that an opening consonant or closing word remains audible, then choose MP3 or WAV and export the finished recording.
03 — Practical uses
Fade music clips, sound effects and voice recordings
Music introductions and endings
Use a longer fade when background music should enter or leave gradually. Keep enough level for the melody to be heard. Listen to the final note before deciding where the fade should reach silence.
Sound effects and short clips
Apply a brief fade to the start or end of a sound when an abrupt boundary is distracting. For a repeated phrase, check the transition with the Audio Looper before saving a practice sequence.
Narration boundaries
Try a very short fade around a voice recording's edges when needed. Listen for the first and last syllables. Leave the fade off if it makes those words harder to hear.
04 — Frequently asked questions
Audio fade questions
What is the difference between fade in and fade out?
Fade in raises the level from the beginning of a recording. Fade out lowers the level at its end. They can have different durations, and you can apply just one of them.
Does an audio fade shorten my recording?
No. Fades change volume over the selected durations at the edges, while the file's timing stays the same. To remove audio or change the total length, trim the recording first.
Which fade curve should I choose?
Linear changes gain steadily through the fade. Smooth changes the shape of that transition. Compare both on the same passage and choose the curve that fits how the voice or music enters and leaves.
Can I fade one song into another?
Use Audio Crossfade for two recordings. It overlaps the end of the first with the beginning of the second while one fades down and the other fades up. This page fades the edges of one file.