MP3 Stream Editor 3.4.4.3324

Overview

MP3 stream editor is a utility that lets you edit audio files with the assistance of a 3D waveform display. Features include fixing of broken files, conversion between various formats (MP3, AAC, MP4, WMA, FLAC, etc.), tagging of files, support for DSP/VST DSP plugins and others. Recording of output streams in one of many formats is also supported.

Installation

The installation process is very quick and easy. All you have to do is click “Next” a few times and let the installer do the rest. After setup is complete, you have the option to launch Easy Update Client Setup to check for updates, visit additional 3delite’s downloads page and launch the program. Note that if you choose to launch Application Updater, you will actually have to install it first like a standalone application.

Supported operating systems are Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

Interface

When you run the program for the first time you will see a message that tells you to make a few basic settings, such as configure options regarding your speakers and set file type associations. In this message there are also some useful links for getting started with MP3SE. Dismiss the message to view the main screen of the program, which has a file explorer panel on the left and the stream list on the center, where basic information of the listed items is displayed. Next to the stream list is the plugins list, where you can select and apply plugins either globally or only to the selected streams. The last panel is the mixer, from where you can control the current playlist/track.

Pros

MP3SE can sample a waveform from the MP3 files in your stream list without re-encoding them, making it possible to cut and join parts easily and effortlessly, as well as apply VST and DSP effects. Moreover, you can re-encode your files or rip audio CDs into various formats: MP3, AAC/MP4, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and Opus. The reverse operation (burning Audio CDs) can be performed too.

Recording of output streams is also supported. This means that you can record anything that comes out from your speakers, e.g. a song playing on an internet station or the sound of a video. The recorded file can be saved as one of the above formats.

You can edit tags in your files as if you were using a fully-featured tag editor. Supported tags are ID3v1, ID3v2, APEv2, MP4 and Opus, plus you can add cover arts. If you have many MP3s you want to tag then you can add them to Multi Tag list and let the program tag them automatically using the set of tagging rules you define.

Cons

The program’s interface is a bit buggy with error messages appearing in some cases, and sometimes a force close is needed. Furthermore, the waveform is not always displayed. As for the system resources it consumes, it can slow down your system significantly if you don’t have a relatively powerful one.

Alternatives

A substitute for MP3SE is mp3DirectCut, which is free but doesn’t have as many features as MP3SE. It is designed for less experienced users who don’t want to mess with advanced options and settings, keeping however the most basic functions. Another alternative is mp3TrueEdit (paid), available both for Windows and Mac OS X.

Conclusion

Very nice utility for editing and managing your audio files. Had it been more attractive and less buggy, it would be one of the best applications of its kind.