MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA – all are audio formats and all have their pros and cons, being used by different players or even by different software vendors. Not always synonymous compatibility is granted and even if the format is right, players such as smartphones, tablets and MP3 playerstill strike because they can not cope with dynamic bitrates or very high frequencies, for example. Here come the Audio Converter into the game, because this is a software that is able to change the file format and specifications of an audio file.

The principle behind it

To change the file format of an audio file, the computer needs a codec. A piece of software that contains the algorithm with which the file was originally decoded or compressed. „Codec“ is English and stands for „Code / Decode“, ie „encode and decode“. If you convert an audio file to another format using a codec, this is called transcoding. Since one rarely has uncompressed WAV files available, transcoding is the main function of the Audio Converter, however, they may differ based on the supported codecs, graphical user interface and other possible functions.

examples for Audio Converter

A large number of audio converters advertise that they seem to be free. However, this is often just a kind of demo or basic version that allows the conversion of audio files, but can be restricted in a variety of ways, such as setting the quality, amount, or length of audio files. Sometimes it is even possible that files can not be saved without the purchase of the software. Good examples of classic, commercial products are MediaMonkey in the current version 4 and the Magix Audio & Music Lab 2017. Both are not pure Audio Converter but much more software packages, which among other things also master the conversion of audio files. MediaMonkey is primarily intended to facilitate the management of their own music library, creating playlists and synchronization with external devices such as tablets and smartphones. The built-in Audio Converter Here’s how to customize the right format and quality options. Magix Audio & Music Lab takes a different approach that is more in the direction of professional mastering. Audio files can be directly edited, covered with filters and effects, restored or used as a montage. At the end of the Audio Converter used for the creation of the final product.

Which audio converter is right for me?

Which audio converter you need depends to a large extent on how big your own music library is, which formats you want to use and what the subsequent quality should be. Especially the latter is a big factor, because many freeware programs allow .mp3 – probably the most commonly used format – only bitrates of up to 192 kBit / s. To achieve true CD quality, this number must be at least 256 kBit / s. If you value quality, the Audio Converter should support the highest possible bit rates. Lovers of .flac and .ogg rarely get their money, as these formats are rarely used and therefore also little supported. MediaMonkey is a real exception here, because it controls both .flac and ogg and is unlimited in terms of bit rate and quality settings.

Not for beginners?

Another topic is the operation. For freeware and freeware applications, the emphasis is often on convenience. Many functions are hidden behind nested menus and laymen are hopelessly overwhelmed because of the many setting options. Magix Audio & Music Lab goes another way here. Thanks to its great experience, the manufacturer knows how to build graphical user interfaces in such a way that even beginners can cope with them and the program is not overloaded or cluttered despite its powerful functions. However, some training is still required for some of the advanced techniques. AudioMonkey is one of the favorites, but it is pleasingly short. At lightning speed you juggle with .mp3, aaaa and .wmv, broadcasting your favorite playlist iPodand Co. or fits the latest purchased albumto be Smartphoneat.