Fission

Rogue Amoeba's gapless Mac audio editor for trimming and joining without re-encoding.

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Best for

Lossless Mac audio edits

Our take

Fission is the lazy-pro Mac tool. Trim, join, and split audio files without re-encoding, preserving original quality. Useless as a multitrack editor; perfect for chopping intros off recordings or stitching segments without generation loss.

Pros
  • Edits without re-encoding the source
  • Small, focused, fast app
  • Pairs naturally with Audio Hijack
Watch-outs
  • Mac only
  • Not a multitrack editor
  • Limited effects and processing
In depth

Fission is Rogue Amoeba's compact Mac audio editor, designed for a specific job: cutting, joining, and splitting audio files without re-encoding the underlying audio. For podcasters that matters when you're working with already-compressed MP3 or AAC files and you want to trim a beginning, split an episode at chapter marks, or join segments without a generation loss from re-compression. Standard DAWs re-render everything on export, so if you load an MP3 into Logic and bounce it out as an MP3 again, you've stacked two rounds of lossy compression and the listener can hear it. Fission keeps the original encoding intact and only re-encodes the small portion you actually edit, which preserves quality on the unchanged parts. It's not a mixing tool, it's not a DAW, and it doesn't have effects beyond basic fades. What it is is a precision scalpel for finished files. Pair it with Audio Hijack for capture, or use it as the final step after a DAW workflow when you need to slice a longer file into chapters or segments for delivery. The price is reasonable for a perpetual license, and Rogue Amoeba's track record on Mac audio software means updates keep arriving year after year. The app remains useful even alongside a full DAW workflow, as the final delivery step when you need to split chapters or trim heads and tails without re-encoding.


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Fission FAQ

What is Fission in one line?

Rogue Amoeba's gapless Mac audio editor for trimming and joining without re-encoding.

Who should pick Fission?

Fission is shaped for lossless mac audio edits. Its biggest strength: edits without re-encoding the source. Trim, join, and split audio files without re-encoding, preserving original quality

What should I watch out for with Fission?

mac only; not a multitrack editor. None of these are deal-breakers on their own, but they're worth knowing before you commit.

Is Fission free?

It's a paid tool in the $ range. Some plans have a free trial — check the latest on their pricing page.

What can I use instead of Fission?

Closest in the same category: Descript, Audacity, Hindenburg Pro. Each has its own shape — see the alternatives page for a side-by-side.