Switch Sound Format Converter 4.50

Overview

Switch Sound File Converter is a program that can convert between many types of audio files (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, etc.). It’s a tool with simple functionality that can converter up to 32000 files in one batch; you also have the ability to change bit rates and sample rates for the output files.

Installation

Run the installer to start the installation procedure; the wizard will guide you through all of the steps. At some point you’ll be asked to install the following programs additionally: WavePad Audio Editor, MixPad MultiTrack Software, Prism Video File Converter and Express Burn CD Burn. The installation process very quick and finishes instantly.

No viruses, Trojans, adware or other types of malicious items are included in the setup package.

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

Interface

It has an elegant interface with not too many graphics. Below the menu bar is the toolbar with 10 buttons (Add File(s), Add Folder, Remove, Remove All, Options, Play, Convert, Share and Help). In the main area of the window is a list with all files that are going to be encoded. This list is split into columns with details like filename, format, size and path. At the bottom part of the window you can see and change a few settings, such as output file path and output format. The “Encoder Options” button opens a new window with various settings for more advanced users. The conversion process starts when you click the Convert button.

Pros

Switch Sound File Converter simple interface that can be used by anyone regardless of experience.

Supported input file formats are AAC, AIFF, CDA, FLAC, M4A, MP2, MP3, OGG, RAW, WAV, WMA, 3GP, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MPEG, WMV and others, whilst supported output formats are AAC, AIFF, AMR, APE, FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, RAW, WAV, WMA, WPL, etc.

You have the ability to choose between Constant Bitrate (VBR) and Variable Bitrate (VBR). In addition to that, you can also select the bitrate when using CBR or the minimum and maximum bitrate values when using VBR. Selection of Encoding Mode is supported too (Mono, Stereo, Joint and Force). There is an option that includes CRC to detect errors as well.

Other options include collision actions (what to do when the destination file exists- overwrite existing file, don’t convert the file, abort current and remaining conversion tasks or append a number to filename), error handling (ignore problematic file or stop all tasks), audio normalization, context-menu option for adding files directly to the list and prevention of duplicate files from being added to the conversion list.

Cons

There are a few features that require external software, like the ability to edit audio files using WavePad; however, when you try to use this feature SSFC will instantly try to download the needed program and install it.

Alternatives

Freemake Audio Converter (free), Helium Audio Converter (free), Oxelon Media Converter (free), EZ CD Audio Converter (paid) are a few nice audio converters.

Conclusion

SSFC might not be the most powerful audio encoder available, but it’s certainly a software that can take on most audio converting tasks easily.