Top 10 MP3 Tools At PC World.Com

For March 24, 2000

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Beef up your music collection with this handy assortment of MP3 tools. With MP3 encoders and all-in-one players, you can compress (or rip, in MP3 parlance) music from audio CDs into MP3 files. You can use the players to compile a playlist of Grammy Award winners, organize old favorites, or search the Internet to find and upload music files. 

AudioCD MP3 Studio 2000  

Creating music archives is now fast and simple. Extract and convert tracks from audio CDs into MP3 or .wav files, then store them on your hard drive with or without compression. You can also create audio CDs with tracks from your personal library of downloaded MP3s. This version allows you to manage tracks and artist lists with the drag and drop feature.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6160,00.html

DFX

This free plug-in optimizes Winamp's sound quality. DFX enhances Winamp by correcting two key limitations of both MP3 and Windows Media audio formats. DFX addresses the loss of high-frequency fidelity (causing a muffled sound) and loss of stereo separation and depth. DFX also compensates for the limitations of typical PC playback systems and listening environments.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6774,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I use the free version and "under the monitor" cheapo speakers, it really helps!

Abe's MP3 Finder

Quickly search the Internet for MP3 files by typing in an artist name or song title. This program maintains a database of MP3 sites to help you avoid broken links. It supports a variety of protocols, including HTTP, SMB, and FTP. This version includes an integrated FTP client for one-stop downloads and bug fixes.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6321,00.html

Planet MP3Find

Get into the MP3 mix with this program, which searches servers for artist- or song-specific files faster than you can say "audiophile." It provides activity information about FTP sites before it initiates a connection so that you can steer clear of dead-end servers. The latest version includes a built-in FTP client for uploading and downloading MP3 music.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6187,00.html

MusicMatch Jukebox

This all-in-one program combines CD ripping and encoding for one-step recording from your CD-ROM to your hard drive.  It also converts MP3s into .wav files and vice versa, and creates programmable playlists. This version plays music videos and has an Internet radio tuner, enhanced NetMusic functionality, and bug fixes.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6152,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I've started using MusicMatch almost exclusively for MP3-ing CDs. While not exactly as "straightforward" as it could be, it does a great job and is much easier to use than Winamp and does encode at the 128kbs, 44Khz sample rate required by MP3.Com. And that's the FREE version!

Winamp

This high-fidelity music player supports MP3, CD, Audiosoft, Mjuice, and other audio formats. You can apply "skins" to customize the look of your player. Audio visualization and audio effect plug-ins are also supported. Version 2.60 offers new playlist options, enhanced Mjuice support, an improved interface, and bug fixes.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,5556,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I've used Winamp when it was still shareware, I actually paid for it! I really dig the visualization plug-ins...back in the 60's again! ;-)

Cdex

Extract data from an audio CD and store it as a .wav or MP3 sound file. The utility reads the digital audio data directly from the disc.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6298,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I've used this once or twice, but only to convert from WAV to MP3 or MP3 to WAV. It was quick and simple.

Real Jukebox Basic

This app lets you play CDs, RealAudio, MP3, A2B, Liquid Audio, IBM's EMMS, and other popular music formats. You can also record CDs at up to 96 kbps. Download exclusive, free songs for RealJukebox users. You can also download files straight to portable digital music players. This update includes privacy enhancements.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6791,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I've used to rip with on occasion, it's pretty simple...one caution is to go through the preferences thoroughly and make sure it's set the way you expect it to be. REAL is one of those companies that thinks you run only their software and defaults to their best interests...not yours.

Audio Catalyst

This package converts sound files into MP3 format in one easy ripping/encoding step. It offers CDDB support and .wav and MP3 file support. Define encoding start and stop times and normalize volume among tracks. The updated version includes the XingMP3 Player.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6357,00.html

Bloozman Sez: I've recently read that the makers of Audio Catalyst are either out of business or have been absorbed (possibly by REAL...). So don't pay for a "full" version, or expect any support from them...

MP3 Player Screen Saver

This desktop utility plays audio files and runs a slide show of images, taking the files and images randomly from user-selected folders. It supports most major graphical formats. Other features include password protection, wallpaper options, and transition effects.
http://www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,7093,00.html

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