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Alternatives to Windows Media Player

Joe Nerve

Joe Nerve

Oct 7, 2000
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New York City
www.joenerve.com
Disclosures
Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
#1
I've been using Media Player for years, and love it. For some reason now it's crashing, every time, and I can't find a fix. Tried every fix I could google, to no avail, and after weeks of this BS I'm throwing the towel in. Need to learn songs. Need a replacement.

What Windows/PC based players can I download that have at least:
  • EQ options
  • Play speed options
Nothing else really matters to me, aside from the above, and ease of use.

Would like to find an alternative - ASAP as I have work I want to do tonight. Willing to drop a few bucks (under $20 preferably), but would of course prefer free.
 
#4
two fingers said:
Me too! All of this me too!

Hey Joe, which windows? I have a 10 machine and a 7 machine.
Click to expand...
I'm using whatever the latest Windows version is. I think 10.

I found VLC while waiting, and it's pretty awesome - only problem is that it sucks on slowing down and speeding up. Breaks the audio up too much. I also downloaded Foobar2000 but I've been trying to find speed settings. I think it's super outdated though, and hasn't been upgraded.

So far, best option does seem to be VLC, thanks @Hoochie Coochie Man - but I really want to find something that does it all, really well. About to remove Foobar.
 
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#7
Engle said:
+1^ VLC is what I usually install. It plays everything without fuss. Just not sure about the play speed capability.
Click to expand...
Yeah... been playing around with the settings. I like it a lot. I especially like how easy it is to loop parts. I thin it beats media player in every way except for the slowing down and speeding up. If anyone knows how to tweak that, it would be great. Still willing to pay for something better though, if it exists.
 
#11
ZenG said:
Thanks. I didn't know I had a play speed option in Windows Media Player.
Click to expand...
The older versions did. If you updated to Windows 8 and beyond, you would find the newer version lacked that capability. It went from a variable speed version to a 3 or 4 speed version to the latest that was free for a short time if you upgraded from 8.1 Windows 10. It had/has no speed variables. Microsoft is no longer offering any version now. I would express my displeasure with the situation but there are plenty of computer geek forums doing that for me. :mad::mad::mad:
 
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#12
Meghans Dad said:
The older versions did. If you updated to Windows 8 and beyond, you would find the newer version lacked that capability. It went from a variable speed version to a 3 or 4 speed version to the latest that was free for a short time if you upgraded from 8.1 Windows 10. It had/has no speed variables. Microsoft is no longer offering any version now. I would express my displeasure with the situation but there are plenty of computer geek forums doing that for me. :mad::mad::mad:
Click to expand...

I had up to the latest version, and every version in between. All mine had the play speed settings.
 
#16
I use Best Practice. It's a nice slow downer and all around solid practice tool. Easy to use and works with CD's & mp3. Can even change tunings via semi tones but no EQ (free)
Amazing Slow Downer is a full featured software w/EQ, etc. (small cost involved I believe)
I recommend get them from cnet.com for safe downloads.
Hope this helps.
 
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#17
Joe Nerve said:
I thin it beats media player in every way except for the slowing down and speeding up. If anyone knows how to tweak that, it would be great.
Click to expand...

Joe, Re: VLC. under Tools > Preferences > Hot Keys, look for Faster & Slower, also Faster (fine) & Slower (fine). These control the increments of speed IIRC. The user used to be able to define the speed increments in older versions. I don't know if that is still the case and can't recall off the top of my head where one makes those adjustments. I'll have to wait to get back to my computer and see if I can find where the adjustments are made. I've not had any issues with the audio breaking up when I slow it down, but I'm using a much older version. Maybe this will be of some help.
 
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#20
AIMP: AIMP
Awesome and free media player, been using it for years. It has 18 band EQ.
Here's how to adjust playback speed: AIMP ›  How can I change the playback speed of a file in AIMP? - answers.informer.com
aimp-9.jpg
 
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