Ripper makes the task of converting vinyl LPs, tapes and cassettes to MP3 files or CDs much easier. Record your LP as a single WAV file on your computer. LP Ripper automatically splits the file into a separate WAV file for each track.

Pros: LP Ripper makes the task of converting vinyl LPs, tapes and cassettes to MP3 files or CDs much easier. The application converts one complete side of a LP or a cassette into one WAV file. The same can be split into individual files for each track by detecting the silence gaps between individual tracks. The gaps can be trimmed and fad in fade out effects at the beginning and the end of the tracks. By working with command line MP3 converters that are available (such as FastEnc) one could encode the tracks in a batch to MP3 files. Recording options are to create a Audio CD from the wav files or a MP3 CD after MP3 tracks have been created. WMA files also can be created with similar encoders available. One can listen to previews of the tracks and visually edit the silence periods through the split screen graphical display. Preset parameters for the MP3 and the WMA encoders have been built in into application already. Optionally store MP3 album title, track name etc. (ID3 Tags) with the MP3 file. Control MP3 or WMA Encoder quality with a slider control. This is a trade off between amount of compression and the quality of the audio.

Cons: A built in MP3 encoder would have made this application into a highly desirable piece. As is, you need a separate command line MP3 encoder like the FastEnc or the WMA encoder.

Overall: A simple enough application works for the stated purpose. A 3 star rating is appropriate.