Top 10 MP3 tools

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March 7, 2000
Web posted at: 8:32 a.m. EST (1332 GMT)

by Linda L. Grubbs

(IDG) -- 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.

Of the many players to choose from, here are some of our favorites. MusicMatch Jukebox, an all-in-one program, combines CD ripping and encoding for one-step recording from your CD-ROM to your hard drive. Winamp 2.61, the latest version of this popular music player, lets you bookmark streaming MP3 Shoutcast "radio stations" so you can find channels with just one click. Another favorite is Real Jukebox Basic, which allows you to download free songs if you use their player. While the list features MP3 players, it also includes a customizable MP3 screen saver, and a utility program that enhances audio file sound quality. To browse all the MP3 tools in our library, click "More MP3 tools," link below.

Top 10 MP3 tools

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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