AC3 Decoder

AC3 Decoder is a simple-to-use program that allows you to convert AC3 audio tracks to WMA, WAV, OGG and MP3. But it can also extract the audio stream from VOB files and turn it into the aforementioned formats.

The interface of the tool is plain and easy to work with. Media files can be imported into the list by using only the file browser because the "drag and drop" functionality is not included. Handling multiple items at the same time is possible.

In the file queue you can find out the name, output type, bit rate, sample rate, channel mode, ID3 tag status and output directory of each file. If you prefer the default settings, then all you have to do is establish the output directory and file type, in order to proceed with the conversion task.

Experienced users can fiddle with the audio settings when it comes to the bit rate, sample rate, channel mode, compression level and number of passes. Plus, you can edit ID3 tags and set AC3 Decoder to delete the source files when the tasks are done, as well as customize the columns and save the file list for further use.

The audio processing program finishes a task briefly while using a moderate amount of CPU and system memory. It has a good response time and includes a help file. AC3 Decoder did not freeze, crash or pop up errors.

However, you cannot specify the thread priority or set the tool to turn off the computer or to open the output directory after encoding. The app ruined the sound quality after VOB-to-MP3 conversions on several occasions during our tests. The interface needs some major improvements as well but we must keep in mind that AC3 Decoder has not been updated for a very long time.