Absolute Audio Converter Review: Features, Performance, and Pricing

7 Tips to Get the Best Sound Quality with Absolute Audio ConverterAbsolute Audio Converter can make quick work of changing formats, normalizing levels, and preparing audio for devices or streaming. To get the best sound quality from your conversions, follow these seven practical tips—each focuses on settings and workflow choices that preserve fidelity and minimize artifacts.

1. Start with the highest-quality source files

Conversion can’t create detail that isn’t there. Always use the best available source (lossless formats like WAV, FLAC, or high-bitrate MP3/AAC) before converting. If you’re ripping from CDs, choose a secure-ripping mode and lossless output to retain the original dynamics and frequency content.

Why it matters:

• Lossy sources already discard audio data; converting them between lossy formats compounds quality loss.
• A clean, high-resolution source gives the encoder more information to work with, reducing audible artifacts.

2. Choose lossless or high-bitrate formats when possible

For archival or critical listening, prefer lossless formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV). When you must use lossy formats for size reasons, pick high bitrates: for MP3 use 256–320 kbps, for AAC use 192–256 kbps, and for OGG Vorbis use quality 7–10.

Quick guidance:

• Use FLAC for storage and WAV when you need raw PCM (editing).
• Use high-bitrate AAC or MP3 only for portable devices with strict space limits.

3. Configure encoder settings manually rather than relying on defaults

Absolute Audio Converter’s presets are convenient but may not be optimal. Open encoder options and set:

• Bitrate or quality level explicitly (e.g., VBR quality 0–2 for LAME MP3, VBR 4–5 for AAC depending on encoder).
• Sample rate conversion only when necessary; avoid upsampling (e.g., don’t convert 44.1 kHz to 48 kHz unless required).
• Channel settings—keep stereo if the source is stereo; avoid unnecessary downmixing.

Why manual settings help:

• Presets may favor speed or compatibility over quality.
• Precise control reduces accidental downsampling, excessive compression, or channel changes.

4. Disable unnecessary processing (normalization, crossfade, re-encoding)

Some automatic features can degrade quality if used indiscriminately. Turn off any processing you don’t need:

• Avoid automatic normalization if your goal is to preserve dynamics (use only when needed for consistent playback levels).
• Disable crossfade or gapless processing unless you’re creating mixes or want seamless tracks.
• Skip any re-encoding loops—convert once from the original source to the target format.

When to use processing:

• Use normalization for playlists with varying loudness.
• Use crossfade only for live/albums designed to flow continuously.

5. Use proper dithering when reducing bit depth

If you must go from 24-bit to 16-bit (common when preparing for CD or some players), apply dithering to minimize quantization noise and preserve low-level detail. Choose a noise-shaped dither if available; otherwise, use a high-quality triangular PDF dither.

Practical tip:

• Do dithering only at final output; do not dither multiple times across stages.

6. Preserve metadata and album art without re-encoding audio

Metadata doesn’t affect audio quality but keeps your library organized. Use the converter’s options to transfer ID3/FLAC tags and embedded cover art. Also ensure file naming/encoding settings (UTF-8) are correct to avoid corrupt characters.

Why it’s helpful:

• Proper metadata helps media players select appropriate renderers and maintain track order.
• Avoiding unnecessary re-encoding keeps output identical in audio content when only tags change.

7. Test with A/B comparisons and listen critically

After converting, perform A/B listening tests between the original and converted files using good headphones or monitors. Pay attention to:

• High-frequency detail (cymbals, air)
• Low-frequency tightness (bass clarity)
• Transient response (attack of drums, plucks)
• Stereo image and ambience

Testing approach:

• Use a reliable audio player that supports seamless switching or gapless A/B (some players offer ABX testing).
• Listen at moderate levels in a quiet environment; brief comparisons reveal compression or aliasing artifacts.

Conclusion Apply these seven tips—start with high-quality sources, choose appropriate formats and encoder settings, avoid needless processing, use dithering when reducing bit depth, preserve metadata, and validate results by listening. Following this workflow in Absolute Audio Converter will minimize loss and keep your audio sounding as close to the original as possible.