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Switch Audio Converter for Mac is a sound-file format converter that takes files in a number of formats and recodes them in formats the Mac can handle. As it's not available through the App Store at the time of review, we obtained our copy from the publisher's Web site.
To use Switch Audio Converter for Mac you can add files to the interface through browsing or by drag and drop. The Switch Audio Converter for Mac interface is straightforward. The dialog box shows a list of files to convert, their existing format and size, and any metadata associated with the file. Icons at the top let you add more files or folders, as well as set conversion parameters and launch the conversion process on all queued files. By default, the input files are converted to MP3 format, but AIFF and WAV files are also supported. There's the option to automatically normalize audio when converting, so volume differences can be accommodated. Also, there's the ability to handle audio tracks from video files (AVI, MOV, and MPEG formats).
Switch Audio Converter for Mac worked as advertised, and we didn't encounter any problems in testing. We liked the ability to create a long list of files to convert by searching folders and then trigger the conversion while we went off to do other things. While there are other apps available that provide more file format support, Switch Audio Converter for Mac has all the most commonly used formats, and we liked it.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Switch Audio Converter 4.30.
Switch Audio Converter - Convert audio files into MP3, AIFF, or WAV format - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From NCH Software:
Switch is a sound file converter for Mac. It can convert audio files from many sources into MP3, AIFF, or WAV format. Switch Converter is very easy to use. Just add the files you want to convert to the list, select the format you want to use, and then click the convert button. Features: Automatically normalize audio while converting. Access online database to add song information as you convert. Import multiple file formats at the same time and convert to one output format. Ability to play tracks prior to conversion. Import video files and extract audio (AVI, MOV, MPEG) options. MP3 encoder supports constant or variable bit rates from 8 to 320kbps with optional error correction and stereo modes. WAV encoder supports sample rates between 6,000 and 196,000Hz in PCM as well as a number of other audio codecs. It allows up to 32,000 files to be converted in one batch.
What's new in this version: General Updates and Bug Fixes.
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All versions:
2.9 starsout of 62 votes
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Current version:
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"unable to use this version.my Mac OS is 10.4 pre intel"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.30
Pros
I was able to select quality control and process batch list of songs, walk away and the appropriate sound files were all in good order and where they belonged
Cons
Just that sometimes the program would create an image of sound file and not truly convert the wave or aiff to MP3. so , sound file was on a few Kb instead of 3- 10 MB
Summary
I was unable to use this version of software as my Mac OS is 10.4 pre intel.. I have enjoyed the use and ease of SWITCH since 2009. I had asmile as to how quickly the conversion happened.
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"Converted DRM WMA Audio to excellent MP3's"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
Free easy to use converter has multiple format options and many quality settings within each. Used variable rate MP3 bit rate settings (minimum 128 & maximum 320) for excellent conversions of previous CD to WMA high quality files (setting below WMA lossless). Files play in MacBookPro (Snow Leopard) ITunes after adding them individually to library.
Cons
Would be nice if converter could batch produce whole artist album(s) that would be automatically added to Itunes. As is; I'm converting individual songs and then have to manually add into ITunes library and input all artist/album data. Itunes then shows them properly. Still, and at no cost, this program does what it advertises and converts WMA songs (to include DRM) into excellent MP3's.
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"Simple and effective"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
Ease of use.
Cons
Conversion somewhat slow
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"Does what it needs to"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
makes otherwise unusable file listenable
Cons
can not convert .rar who the hell can use that anyway?
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"doesn't use the capabilities of cpu and ergo very slow."
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 1.40
Pros
coverts audio file formats
Cons
to slow for me.
Summary
I think there are better apps in the market.
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"quick and easy"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
simple and quick.
Cons
Intel only. I have some Pro Tools HD3 accell machines running on DP-G5 computers. I want a quick MP3 converter so I don't have to open iTunes to send MP3's to clients. This would be great if it worked on my G5!
Summary
Can't complain. I have two $20,000 pro recording studio systems and have to use iTunes to convert to MP3. :-(
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"Just what I need"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
Quick, easy, efficient
Support for plenty of formats
Free!Cons
Can't think of any
Summary
For quick and efficient audio conversion, this is a must-have. If I need to turn MP3s into AIFFs for Final Cut, turn AIFFs into MP3s for storage, turn WAVs into MP3s, whatever, Switch is my go-to tool. It has a much smaller footprint than similar applications, and better usability, because it does exactly one thing, and does it really well.
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"Money hungry"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.15
Pros
works OK - as advertised
Cons
Want more money to upgrade - really a rip-off. I have version 4, and really should not have to pay $20 for version 4.13. I advice others to stay away from people like this. there are other apps that can do the same job.
Summary
The app works alright, but don't like their policies.
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"Crashes every time on Mac"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 4.00
Pros
Appears to be a perfect, simple program.
Cons
Crashes every time I try to convert. I have a brand new Macbook pro, yet it still won't work. Uninstalled.
Summary
Apparently it works on Windows for some people, but definitely doesn't work on my Mac. The creators need to create a debugged version!
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"Good enuff 4 me!"
Version: Switch Audio File Converter 1.50
Pros
Great 4 CD ripping into DVD music or mp3.
Cons
Have found no glitches yet.
Summary
Don't(me) do any DVD movie ripping so these r all I ever convert. Over 2 u, mate.
