How to Use Foobar2000 to Convert Audio Files?
For managing and converting audio files, audio lovers’ top choice is Foobar2000. This free Windows app is more than a music player, best known for its lightweight capability, customizable interface, and advanced audio features. Its audio conversion feature lets you convert audio tracks into different formats, which is among its most useful functions. All in all, we will dive into the depths of how to convert audio files with foobar2000. Also, will cover one automated option for those who want a simplified solution to convert WAV to MP3, and other file formats.
Why Use Foobar2000 for Audio Conversion?
So before jumping into the process, let’s go over the reasons to choose Foobar2000:
- Audio format compatibility – It works with MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, OGG, and more.
- Batch Conversion – Convert multiple files at once.
- Top-notch output – guarantees very little loss in conversion
- Free and customizable – Zero cost, Customizable User experience
Now, let’s walk through the process of how to use foobar2000 to convert audio files.
Step 1: Install Foobar2000
- At first, go to the official Foobar2000 site and download the software.
- Next, launch and run the setup file and follow the instructions.
- Once installed, launch the program.
Now, you are ready to import audio files and convert them.
Step 2: Insert Audio Files into Foobar2000
- Open Foobar2000.
- Just drag and drop the audio files you need to convert into its main window.
- Or you can navigate to File ? Add Files to choose audio files using your file explorer.
This allows you to add single files, or entire albums, or even folders as per your needs.
Step 3: Select Conversion Option
- Select the files in your playlist that you wish to convert.
- Right-click on it and select Convert ? …
- This will open up into the Converter Setup dialog.
Then, the actual conversion process starts with this menu. When you learn how to convert audio files in foobar2000, you need to know the options.
Step 4: Choose Output Format
- Click on Output format in the Converter Setup.
- Choose your format: MP3, FLAC, WAV, or AAC
- If you want to change quality, bitrate, or compression, click Edit under the selected format.
For example:
- Use FLAC for lossless quality.
- MP3 (320kbps) will give you a balance.
- Use WAV if you need lossless, uncompressed audio.
Step 5: Set Destination Folder
- Under Destination, select where you want the new files to save.
- Here, you can store it either in the source location or a custom directory of your choice.
- Also, store dynamically named files based on metadata, such as album or artist, in Foobar2000.
- This step guarantees you have well-classified audio files after conversion.
Step 6: Processing Options configuration
Before conversion, Foobar2000 lets you do some extra processing:
- ReplayGain – Normalises track volume.
- DSP settings – Apply effects such as resampling, crossfading
- Tagging — To Keep or Change the metadata like track name, album, or artist.
All of these features take it further from just a basic converter.
Step 7: Start Conversion
- Once you have set everything up, click on Convert button.
- If an encoder is not present (for instance, MP3 requires LAME), Foobar2000 will prompt for one.
- After that, the conversion starts as soon as it is confirmed, and you will be able to see the progress on the screen.
- Hence, this can take a few seconds to several minutes depending on the number of files and their sizes.
Now, you can say that you learned the ways on how to use foobar2000 to convert audio files.
Automated Alternative for Swift Audio File Conversion
No doubt, Foobar2000 gives you absolute control and extensive customization, but it might be more than a bit daunting for beginners. On the other hand, SysTools Audio Converter is the tool to go if you want a solution that is simple and automated.
Here are some of its features;
- Easy to Use – You do not need any complicated setup or any additional encoders.
- Batch Processing – Convert several files at once faster.
- Supports Various File Types — Export as MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, etc.
- Maintains Quality & MetaData – Preserves your source audio quality
Moreover, this tool simplifies the process of specifying Audio settings as well as ensures the quality of Audio export as a high-quality converter.
Final Takeaway
Foobar2000 is a great option for music lovers and advanced users seeking full control over their audio conversions. By following the above steps, you will learn how to use foobar2000 to convert audio files. Foobar2000 has everything you need to store lossless quality for archival or compressed files for on-the-go or portable use.
But, if you want to do it fast and automatically, you can use the above alternative as well, which will export the data hassle-free with good quality. Depending on your preference for customization, either one of these tools could be used to bring your music library under control.