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Technical Help & Discussion => Software, Hardware & Website Recommendations => Topic started by: Tony on July 05, 2008, 16:03

Title: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 05, 2008, 16:03
there are plenty out there but I would prefer knowing of a recommended one. I want to convert some of my music CD files, so I can upload them to an MP3 player.


I'll even take recommendations from Simon, though he did recommend Cartex for printer cartridges a few years back.

Time is a great healer  ;D
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Baz on July 05, 2008, 16:35
I use switch (http://www.nch.com.au/switch/)  straight forward to use.


I dont think I got it here but this is the home page
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: gmax on July 05, 2008, 16:44
I use Windows Media Player 11, seems to do the job well.
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: GillE on July 05, 2008, 17:51
It's Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) for me.
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Simon on July 05, 2008, 18:39
As Gill recommended, Audacity should do the job for you, Tony, as would most brands of burning software, such as Nero.  :)
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 05, 2008, 19:38
Oh thanks folks, I have got Windows Media Player 9 and it ain't got the MP3 option, but I have got Nero.  ::) But I will look at Audacity as well coz I'm nosey  :)x

Thanks
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 05, 2008, 20:23
Got to track ten on a twenty track Dr Hook CD, and Nero said my free trial of the File conversion software was over, so need to part with  the HM folding. So Audacity it is then  ;D
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 05, 2008, 20:33
Oh dear Audacity fell at the first hurdle with the message "Track 01.cda" is an audio CD file Audacity does not open  ::)
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Simon on July 05, 2008, 20:41
I don't think that's the actual audio file, Tony.  I haven't got it on my PC at the moment, so can't help much, but it might be worth another look.
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Baz on July 05, 2008, 21:03
what do you actually want to do Tony, convert music you already have on your computer OR save music in MP3 format. Im not sure if audacity actually rips CD's, it has to be in a format already on your hard drive then you convert it to MP3, if I got that right.
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 06, 2008, 10:17
what do you actually want to do Tony, convert music you already have on your computer OR save music in MP3 format. Im not sure if audacity actually rips CD's, it has to be in a format already on your hard drive then you convert it to MP3, if I got that right.

Convert cda file format CD's into MP3 files, so I can load said files onto an SD memory chip, allowing me to play said music files on my TomTom Sa tNav  ;D

Anyway all sorted now, and I reckon it is what daveeb is looking for as well. Funny that, same question being asked with in hours of each other. Does nobody read recent postings before posting themselves.......except Clive  :)x

Anyhow this is what I came up with and its so simple it's untrue : Express Rip (http://www.nch.com.au/rip/) most others I tried either could not handle cda files. Or would not copy the files for legal reasons. Or restricted you to converting only ten files, before insisting you bought the software. Whereas this one is completely free with no restrictions. As they say in their sales pitch. they hope having tried it and liked it, you will be tempted to first try and then buy their fully featured Express Rip Plus @ £9.94
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: GillE on July 06, 2008, 11:15
Oh.  What you've been trying to do is so uncomplicated, I'm surprised you couldn't do it with Windows Media Player or even Winamp.
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Baz on July 06, 2008, 11:19
sorted now though Tony...great.


Yeah windows media player does but apparently not version 9 which Tony has.  :dunno:  I use Ashampoo Burning Studio mostly for ripping/burning.  its easy to use and quite good.  then Switch to convert any which I already have in other formats
Title: Re: Need a Free program to convert audio files to MP3 format
Post by: Tony on July 06, 2008, 11:20
Hi Gille,

I'm on W2K at the mo, and it only supports Windows Media Player version 9, which in turn does not offer the facilities WMP version 11 does.


Edit: Beat me to it Baz  :blush: