Wav Converter

http://audacity.sourceforge.net is what I use, but it may be a bit much for what you want.

I downloaded this but don't know how to convert to mp3

Menu... File, Export... pick MP3.

Ughhh...this is my fault.

I forgot that in order to write to MP3 using Audacity, the LAME encoder must be downloaded and the lame_enc.dll file copied to Audacity's directory.

Detailed Information From Audacity's Manual On LAME
Lame 3.98.4.zip

cnet has a list of a bunch of freebes for doing just that. Have a look here:
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6138_102-253074.html

Oldie but goodie. If it can read it, it can export it as '.mp3'. I have even used it to change bit rates on .mp3 files I already had.

I like one called Total Audio Converter available for free download trial or $19.90 to buy at CoolUtils.com: www.coolutils.com/TotalAudioConverter This one will convert to and from many different types.

For just plain format conversions I use Windows Sound Recorder (Start > Accessories > Entertainment).

I have Win XP sp3 and a bunch of audio codecs installed, so I don't know what options you might get with a plain vanilla XP setup but I have 'MPEG Layer-3' as one of the options.

Otherwise load the file, pick Save As, change 'Save as type' to 'All Files (*.*)', select the Change Format button, select the type & compression then 'OK', change the filename extension (it's stupid like that), click 'Save'.

If you want the Best for Free?...

http://www.pcfreetime.com/

Evidently I don't have codecs where Sound Recorder can recognize them, because it didn't work for me on my XP system.

I use format factory all the time to change .jpg. to .tif, for instance.

Had never thought about using it for .wav files but it works great. Audacity gave me a slightly smaller .mp3 file. However, Format factory will let you do multiple files at one time, so I guess my vote goes to Format Factory.

Thanks for the tip.

Right click - Scripts - Convert audio File - select your preferences and you're done.

In one word: Built-in !

And they say Linux is for geeks ? Sheesh...

PS: and let's not start a flame on me, shall we ?

I can't imagine why anyone would pay for this. The free ones are consistently ranked as sounding better for the same bit rate audio. And Audacity will do all of the converting (with lame if you want mp3).

I use Any Audio Converter or Cdex. Cdex will also rip CDs and resample mp3 files. You can get Cdex at:

http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/

This program works well and it's free

http://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html

will do it too, but you need to download and install a codec to write MP3

what is it and where do you get it

Is shorthand for 'COder-DECoder'. Every program that plays with audio needs one. Depending on the software you're using, it may require a custom one. Let's hear what you're trying to use. Maybe someone out there is currently using it and can help you source a CODEC for your program.

Look under the advance tab and you also get a SOUND and VIDEO JOINER FOR FREE. Instead of just a POI alert, use the sound joiner to add a tone or something to the start of the file to really get your attention. Possibilities are endless so try it.

Example: When I approach a Weigh station... My dog barks twice,, then I get a lady who says - Caution, Weigh Station ahead,,,.... then the lady asks -- Are your logs, license, endorsements and long form physical all current? Are there any defects to your equipment?
Not just another boring POI alert!
All of my alerts are made just for my needs... What about you?

I found the codec for writing MP3 for Windows Media Player just by doing a Googl search on "Windows Media Player Codec for MP3" The first hit was free download which enabled WMP to rip CDs into MP3. I have not tried but I would be amazed if you could not convert WAV to MP3 with WMP (Windows Media Player)

While I recommended Audacity and LAME to the OP, that was because I believe he was looking for a free option. However, for my own conversions, I use dbpoweramp with plugins, especially mp3 (which you have to pay for. Bad bad Franhofer.)

The K-Lite codec pack is free. I have it installed so that WMP can play some other video formats.

Read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-Lite_Codec_Pack

I've tried K-Lite, and I found that the CCCP (http://www.cccp-project.net) is far better and far more comprehensive.

any-audio-converter is free and does a good job.

http://www.any-audio-converter.com/