Mp3 Workshop

Mp3 Workshop is an application designed to help you modify the format of audio tracks (e.g. WAV, WMA) into MP3. But it can also extract the audio stream from videos (e.g. WMV, MPG, MOV) and save it to MP3, as well as rip audio CDs.

The tool is packed in a plain and simple interface. Items can be added to the file list by using either the file browser or "drag and drop" method. Processing multiple entries in batch mode is possible.

In the file queue you can check out the source name and format, target directory, size and audio properties of each media file. If you are satisfied with the default settings, then you can directly initialize the encoding procedure after selecting an output directory.

Skilled users can tinker with the audio preferences when it comes to the bit rate, variable bit rate, channel mode, sampling rate and flags (e.g. copyright, private, original). These values can be restored to default. Moreover, you can record sound, open the output folder and remove an item from the file list, as well as disable the toolbar and status bar.

Mp3 Workshop uses a low-to-moderate amount of CPU and system memory, in order to finish a task briefly. It did not freeze, crash or pop up errors throughout our testing. The tool supports keyboard shortcuts, has a good response time and manages to preserve a good sound quality.

On the downside, you cannot set the tool to turn off the computer or to open the output directory after encoding. Plus, you cannot select the thread priority level or minimize Mp3 Workshop to the system tray.