By: Irina Hutanu,
19 January 2009 Windows Editor
Basic Converting
Nothing can be simpler than converting
When it comes to audio converting, most of us are looking for a small and easy to use tool that contains the
basic functions and does its job properly. Complicated applications that can be multifunctional bring hundreds
of settings and options on the table and are especially designed for professional users.
And because we don’t have time to waste understanding the functionality of such tools, we redirect
our attention towards apps like Tutu Audio Converter, a small utility with good converting capabilities. Not too
advanced, but the proper instrument for those that are not interested in professional audio quality output.
The app is available for download in demo mode and lets you convert only 20 files, enough to realize whether
it suites you or not. No special requirements are demanded as the software app is pretty basic and it will work
with almost any Windows OS.
Anyway, the tool promises good results and a really small amount of effort, that means almost zero
brainstorming and fast conversions, all thanks to a simple and intuitive interface that provides the user with a
basic menu. The tool displays a classic type toolbar that will enable you to access all the main functions and
options. Some of these are incorporated in the interface and can be directly activated from there.
After adding the file you want to convert, just customize the options under the video category, if your file has
video implementation, or under the audio if you want to convert a simple song. The app has incorporated
some presets so, in case you’re a rookie in this field, you'd better use the default choices available.
For those with a background in audio mixing, there is the possibility to adjust the bit rate or the channels.
Unfortunately, that’s all.
The possibility of creating your own personalized preset is out of the question; you are constrained to use the
already given values. However, you can choose from 14 different presets in the case of the audio bit rates;
sounds okay to us.
The application also allows you to customize the general info regarding your files, you can change or add, if
missing, the title, the author or a personal comment.
Once you've made your conversion settings, the process can begin by pressing on the “Convert
Selected” or “Convert All” buttons. If you’re planning a batch conversion, the
latter button should be used. We must add that this is a great feature, because plenty of other converters use
just one button for both single and batch conversion. Thus, if by mistake, you add more files, the tool will start
a batch conversion without prompting the user. So, this is one efficient way to avoid unpleasant situations.
A certainly rare feature among converters is the Multilanguage package encountered here under the View
menu. The setting really works and you can choose from English, Chinese, German, French or Spanish. The
interface will immediately change the display language after selecting the favorite idiom, as restart is not
required.
The View menu also has incorporated an Option Page that will allow you to change the default path and set
the CPU priority of the application's process. If the action needs more attention, simply select
“High” option; if not, you can choose Idle and the app will not use all the resources.
The app has a pretty interesting potential, allowing you to convert between the most popular audio formats,
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including WAV to MP3, WMA to MP3, Mp3 to FLAC, MP3 to OGG, APE or MP4. It also supports audio
extractions from video to all popular audio formats: MPEG to MP3, MP4 to MP3, MP4 to WMA, AVI to MP3.
As a conclusion we believe the app will be a very good companion to those who hate wasting time with
complicated tools that might lead to mass confusion, especially in the amateurs’ case. This tool will
guide you and you’ll just have to click a few times to get your files converted; it’s intuitive and
the conversion steps are a piece of cake.
If we bring into discussion the price issue, the tables turn and the initial enthusiasm suddenly disappears.
Why? Well, because the app costs “only” $25. The price is overestimated taking into account
the converter’s functionality.
The Good
Like we’ve said, it’s the perfect app for a fast and basic converting process. Nothing
complicated or confusing. A few clicks and the file is ready to go. A nice feature, worthy of being mentioned,
is the multiple conversion display; the batch conversion is separated from the single conversion, thus
simplifying things and avoiding confusion.
The Bad
The most unpleasant thing about this app here is its price. Although the $25 tag is something common
among these types of converters, we believe it’s overestimated and ridiculous, mainly because there
is an abundance of free or open source converters that have the same functionality and output quality. Some
of them are even more complex and innovative.
The Truth
For those interested in a simple and reliable converter with just a few options but good output quality, this app
is more than useful. It’s not a professional tool; it’s just a basic converter with a few interesting
features, especially designed for amateurs and beginners.
It’s pretty fast and has an intuitive interface that allows you to move rapidly. Overall, the app seems
worthy of being tried, but the issue that most troubles us and forces to step back a little and reconsider is the
tool’s price. In our opinion, the converter loses territory when the price issue is debated.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
 
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