How to: get a file converted from RealAudio to MP3 format?

[Ansi]

Hi, all!

Here's one particular problem that's been bugging me for a while now...I have a mini-collection of a half-dozen or so music files in the RealAudio format on my computer that I really like. I would love to be able to take them 'on the road' with me via my MP3 player. However, this means that I must first convert the files to MP3 format before I can load them into my player's memory.

Now, the problem is that, despite multiple 'Net searches, I have been completely unable to find a program that can convert between RealAudio and MP3 (or indeed, RealAudio and ANY other format).

I *have* been able to find a variety of programs that can "re-record" my RealAudio files into other formats...playing the files and recording the output into another file type. However, ALL of these programs have one problem: they're all shareware. Every such program I've found won't allow recordings longer than 30 seconds to a minute long without a registration payment. Naturally, this is very annoying...I have no intention of paying for a program I plan to use ONCE. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find ANY free alternative.

Can any of you other computer-savvy folks help me find a way to get this done without me having to waste money?

 

[Quoll]

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/codec-central.htm

Haven`t tested it, a lot of the progs designed to convert RA have been stopped because of legal reasons.

You could also try some of the open source sites

 

[Ansi]

Gee, thanks!





Oh, BTW...that is one bitchin' avatar.

 

[ReadyOne]

{snip}
However, ALL of these programs have one problem: they're all shareware. Every such program I've found won't allow recordings longer than 30 seconds to a minute long without a registration payment. Naturally, this is very annoying...I have no intention of paying for a program I plan to use ONCE. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find ANY free alternative.

Can any of you other computer-savvy folks help me find a way to get this done without me having to waste money?

Not a good attitude. Tell the doctor that you won't pay him because he's only gong to treat you once. Doing so is disrespect for the years he spent in medical school, etc.

I don't know your profession, but I'm sure I could come up with an example that would hit home where you live.

If you only have a few, why not contact an author and see if he will run his program a few times for a fixed rate.

Or buy the tracks in MP3 format at $1 a piece or so.

But don't try and screw the shareware programmer out of part of his living!