CNET Editors' review
We see a lot of audio converters, and there's really only so much that they can do to differentiate themselves from one another; we rarely see any that are particularly impressive. Switch Sound File Converter didn't do anything that blew us away in terms of design or features, yet this lightweight, uncluttered program won us over with its simplicity and ease of use.
The program's interface is quite basic and intuitive, with its features organized with well-labeled graphical buttons. Using the program couldn't be easier; users simply select the files they want to convert, choose the output format and destination folder, optionally adjust the encoder options, and Switch does the rest. Although the program only supports MP3 and WAV input formats, users can convert files to 21 different file types. The program has a few nice extras, including the ability to access the freeDB Internet Database for track listing information and the option to run Switch in the background if other programs are being used. Most impressively, users can configure the program to be accessible via right-clicking; up to three right-click options can be set, and then users need only right-click on an audio file within Explorer to select the desired output format and start the conversion. The program comes with an HTML Help file that is well-written and thorough. Overall, we found Switch to be extremely simple, suitable for even file conversion novices, but customizable enough to suit more advanced users.
Switch Sound File Converter is free. The program installs a desktop icon without asking but uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From NCH Software:
Switch Plus is a professional audio file converter for Windows. It can convert mp3, wav or wma audio file formats and more to the audio file format of your choice. Switch Plus audio file 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.
Switch Plus Features: * Simple and intuitive interface. * Converts a variety of different audio file formats (including WMA, AU, GSM and DSS formats) into MP3 or WAV format. * Automatically normalise audio while converting * Ability to play tracks prior to conversion. * Import and convert a playlist (m3u and pls). * 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 6000 and 196000Hz in PCM as well as a number of other audio codecs. * Allows up to 32000 files to be converted in one batch. * Can be run from the command line for automation with other applications. * Optimized CPU usage and efficient code allows for fastest conversion times.
What's new in this version: Version 4.22 added CDDB support and other operation improvements.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 473 votes
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Current version:
3.4 starsout of 19 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"malware detected when uninstalling as per AVG"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
doesn't have any
Cons
- 4.5mb wav to 3.5mb mp3, not worth it!
- try uninstalling the program, including this wave... and you'll get a malware alert from AVG! -
"Without asking..."
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
It worked as it said it would, but should not do more than advertised.
Cons
This product made automatic changes to my "open file" selections in files other than sound! This is a very undesirable "feature" and not tolerable!!
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"Simply the best"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
I use this only for MP3 conversions as I use other software for videos. This product works as expected.
Cons
None that I can recall.
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"Don't go near this thing: trouble from the 'git-go'!"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
It's too bad, but for all its beaurocratic snafus, its really a nice little program ... IF you can install it.
I spent 2or 3 days trying to reconcile the myriad of numbers and emails I received (3 serial #s ... two were the sme, but none worked).
If you can install it, it's a very handy little tool.Cons
1. FAR too complicated to buy, install and register.
2. Pretty casual attitude on the part of elephone support.Summary
Finally in my negotiations I did what I thought was a good-hearted thing: I donated my $30 to the Switch Executive Christmas fun. I gives me a good feeling and I can dream about the things I could do be doing with it if I actually had the program.
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"best and super"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
best and super
Cons
best and super
Summary
best and super
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"Just what I was looking for ."
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
It converted al of my mp3's to wma's as expected. What I didn't expect..... I now have both files (mp3 & wma) on my computer. I can add music to my ipod as well as make cd's. It's great !!!!
Cons
No cons to mention at this time.
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"Fit my needs perfectly"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
Easy install on Windows 7
Cons
none that I can think of
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"It Actually Works!"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Sort of slow
Summary
I wanted this to convert a lot of mp3's to wma....about 15K of music files. The speed is, understandably, very dependent on the computer and hard drives in use, but on an extremely fast machine with a fast drive, it converted at the rate of about one song per 45 seconds or less. All I wanted to do was convert files, that's all I used it for, and it was simple to use and did the job. Pay attention to the options when loading, everyone's comments are correct.....they try to trick you into loading some software you don't want or need.
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"I am very pleased.Fast accurate conversion."
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
Ease of use.Very fast.
Cons
Converts only one sound file at a time.
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"Simple. I've used this software"
Version: Switch Sound File Converter Plus 4.22
Pros
Easy and simple. right click to convert.
Cons
None really. Just about everything you download and install these days asks you to add some tool bar, additional software, etc to your computer. You just need to make sure you uncheck the boxes.
Summary
see the above
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