Stop juggling separate tools for ripping, converting and tagging
You have a folder of WMA files that won't play on your phone, a few OGG tracks, and an audio CD you want on your computer. Normally that means three programs and a lot of fiddling. Advanced WMA Workshop handles all of it in one window that looks and works like Windows Explorer.
Quick facts
- Version: 2.7
- Platforms: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
- Price: $24.95
- Disk space: about 10 MB
- Extra: a CD-ROM drive is needed for CD ripping
Key features
Convert between WMA, MP3, AAC, OGG, WAV, APE and FLAC
You pick files in the Explorer-like interface and convert them from one format to another, including resampling. Each action takes about one mouse click.
Rip audio CDs straight to the format you want
Audio CD tracks show up like ordinary files. You can transcode them directly to OGG Vorbis, MP3, AAC (M4A), WAV, APE, FLAC or any type of WMA. Jitter correction compensates for reading errors.
Queue up a whole library with batch conversion
Add files to the Batch Queue and press "Process tasks". You can still change the output format, its settings and the tag information for each queued task. Batch conversion is optimized for multi-core and multi-processor computers.
Choose the WMA mode that fits your files
It supports WMA with constant bitrate, quality-based variable bitrate, two-pass variable bitrate and WMA Lossless. MP3 encoding uses the LAME encoder (3.98.2).
Keep your tags and name files from them
It supports ID3 Tag v2. You can transfer tag fields between formats and edit them, including on several files at once. It can also generate file names and folder structures from artist, album, title, genre and track number.
Look up CD details online
Click the CD drive icon in the folder tree to fetch album, artist and track names from an internet database (CDDB). A local CDDB base can be saved and loaded. It can also create or append to Winamp playlists.
Who it's for
It suits you if you have a mixed collection of audio formats and want one Windows tool for converting, CD ripping and tag editing. It is especially useful if you work with WMA, since it offers several WMA modes including lossless.
Pros and cons
- Pro: wide format coverage, including FLAC, APE and AAC.
- Pro: converts directly, without temporary WAV files.
- Pro: batch queue with per-task settings.
- Con: Windows only.
- Con: the vendor's page lists support only up to Windows 8.
- Con: it is a paid product at $24.95.
FAQs
Which formats can it convert?
WMA, MP3, AAC (M4A, M4B), OGG Vorbis, WAV PCM, APE and FLAC.
Can it rip audio CDs?
Yes. It transcodes CD tracks into the supported formats, with jitter correction, and you need a CD-ROM drive.
Can it edit tags?
Yes. It handles ID3 Tag v2 and can edit several files at once.
How much space does it need?
About 10 MB of free hard drive space.
System requirements
- Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8
- About 10 MB free hard drive space
- CD-ROM drive for CD ripping