Music File Conversions

	http://software.mp3.com/software/guide/ - quick tutorial on MP3 players, convert cd's to mp3's, etc...
	http://www.cnet.com - Then click on Download, click on MP3 & Audio, Rippers & Encoders.  If you look through several pages you will find some free programs that convert files to .mp3's.

 

Product	Info
dBpowerAMP Music Converter v9.0	www.dbpoweramp.net by Illustrate - I use this software. Notes: License: Free OS: Windows (all) Features dMC Audio CD Input - rip audio from a CD to mp3 (varied formats) dBpowerAMP Music Converter - convert files from one format to another (IE: .wav to .mp3, etc...).

File Conversions

MusicMatch v7.10 (Jukebox Basic Version)	MusicMatch - Media Player - I like this software.  It's easy to use and the free version is pretty powerful. www.musicmatch.com - The basic player is free. Basic Player File, Convert  Convert WAV to:  MP3 (8kbps to 320 kbps) or  MP3 VBR Convert MP3 to: MP3 (8kbps to 320 kbps), MP3 VBR, or WAV Recording - View, Recorder Options Recorder - rip from CD or record from Line In, Mic In, or System Mixer.   First you need to visit the Recording Preferences (Options, Recorder, Settings) to change: Set recording quality,  Set recording source - rip from CD or record from Line In, Mic In, or System Mixer.  Click Recorder, then Tracks Directory, to change the directory location.  (Default: C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\My Music) Next, Record.  Click the "Record Button (red)". To Rip songs from a CD, click the "Record Button", then select the Tracks from the CD.  Make sure the record option is set to the CD drive.  Also remember that the Quality and directory is set in the "Recording Preferences" View your recording in the Library. Burn CD's.
Windows Media Player .wma	v7.0 - Free download from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/ Can rip a song from CD to a .wma file.  (Note:  I don't like .wma file because Windows Browser will not let you copy the files like you can any other file including .mp3's.) Can create a CD from .mp3, .wma, and maybe other files.
Winamp (Netscape)	www.winamp.com/download - Free download from
Roxio Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum	Convert a track on a cd to an: .mp3, .wav, or .wma MP3CD Project - here you can select a CD and Track, then click "Convert" and convert to a MP3.
RealPlayer	http://www.real.com

Bitrate (kbps)	Info
32	Lowest quality - Music is distorted badly.
40	Music is distorted slightly.
48	Music OK. Can barely hear slight distortion.
56	Music OK
64	FM Radio quality (Lowest quality for internet - my opinion)
80
96	Near CD quality (thinner than 128k)
128	CD quality (small file size)  (Most common.)
160	Good CD quality with improved sound to some ears.
192	Better CD quality with improved sound to some ears.
224
256	Studio quality - High quality
320	Highest quality
Custom MP3	From 8 - 320 kbps.
Custom MP3 VBR	High quality in a small file using high detail as needed. (1% to 100% of)
Custom CBR
Custom WMA	5 to 160 kbps
.WAV	About 10 Meg per minuet.
1,411	.CDA - A regular music CD.
Notes	Notes A 64 MB player will hold about 16 songs at 128 kbps, but only 10 at 192 kbps.