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Alternatives to Windows Media Player

#44
VLC was great, but I haven't been able to figure out how to slow things down without destroying the audio. AIMP seems to do all the same as VLC, but with a few bags of raw almonds and a wheat grass juice.

Going to check out Audacity, just to see what's up with that, but I'm pretty sure I've found what I was looking for.
 
#45
Joe Nerve said:
Still willing to pay for something better though, if it exists.
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SaxBass said:
Transcribe, by Seventh String software. Transcribe! - software to help transcribe recorded music

Slow down, speed up in increments. EQ options. Terrific software. Check it out. 30 day free eval period, then $39 to buy. I've used it for years- wouldn't be without it. Definitely worth the money.
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I can also recommend Transcribe! I do also use Windows Media Player, VLC, and Audacity depending on what I'm doing. But for serious transcription I prefer Transcribe! because of the waveform (pitch) analysis and the onscreen piano keyboard that lets you quickly verify the pitch you think you're hearing.

(Yes, I know you could transcribe bass in hand or next to a piano, but it's just easier with the keyboard onscreen.)
 
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#46
Audacity is overkill. Plus you have open the songs within the program which is an added hassle. I use Cubase for recording, and could have used that to do what Audacity does...

Just wanted a simple player. I think I'm done here. Going to use AIMP. It's super simple, does everything I need, excellently, and I especially like that you can keep the various windows open while tweaking EQ and stuff. WMP had become a pain in the butt with that. Anytime I wanted to re-EQ or adjust the tempo, I had to open the menu again. This is all right there at your fingertips.

Only thing I'm bummed about is that the cool looking skin is mircroscopic :). Couldn't use it. Default skin works excellently.

Thanks everyone for the input.
 
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#49
Joe Nerve said:
Musiciansfriend is better that Sweetwater :).

AIMP is better than VLC :).

For my purposes.
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Ok, maybe I should qualify my comment a little bit more. The reason I love VLC is because in addition to being a great general all purpose media player, it has the most integrated file conversion options of anything I've ever used. I would download it even if it won't be your go to, just to take advantage of the ability to convert any type of file into any other type of file. It also supports an absurd number of plugins to add any feature you want it to have.
 
#50
Bass'd on a true story said:
Ok, maybe I should qualify my comment a little bit more. The reason I love VLC is because in addition to being a great general all purpose media player, it has the most integrated file conversion options of anything I've ever used. I would download it even if it won't be your go to, just to take advantage of the ability to convert any type of file into any other type of file. It also supports an absurd number of plugins to add any feature you want it to have.
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Yeah, I'm keeping it as when I first checked it out I was wowwed. Much better than MP except for the speeding up. I have a feeling that can be fixed though within the program. I might actually look into it.
 
#53
I'm really concerned for the future of Windows, in general, and have been a Win 7 hold-out for the last year. I've turned off all upgrades and have managed well, but I'm not sure where to go if 7 becomes unusable in the future for whatever reason. I can't go to apple, I gave them a go a decade ago and regretted it immediately (bad hardware issues).

I think the interface for Win 10 is disempowering, and let's face it, phones are a really weak for someone who wants to get stuff done.
 
#55
I've found that usually when you get free you get free quality. Except many years ago Windows Media Player behaved well. You mentioned you now have Windows 10. Microsot forgot to tell people that their new operating system is doodoo. I can't stand it. It's invasive and insulting. It treats me like an adolescent who never used Windows before. Then throw on top of that its constant effort to sell you something. Anyway enough whining. Point is: Windows 10 doesn't run a lot very well. I'm an IT guy and we have not even allowed our staff to put Windows 10 machines on our network. I do a lot of repair work on the side and most of it has been downgrading computers from Windows 10 to Windows 7.

First choice I would try if you don't like your computer the way it its- go to eBay and buy a Windows 7 license. You will need the COA sticker with the long number on it to install on your computer. Then drivers on your particular computer. There. You got back your old Media Player. Warning Will Robinson! If Media Player tries to change to a "newer version" say no.

If this is too drastic try an old favorite of mine. It's been around since Windows XP. Bunch of good guys over at Acoustic. It's called Acoustica Mixcraft. You may pay $39 but you will get tech support and a lifetime license. There is a learning curve but the program is actually pretty intuitive. Here's a screen shot:

mixcraft.JPG


Best of luck, Joe, and let us know what you end up using! :thumbsup:
 
#56
It seems to me no one's stuff gets along with the other guy anymore. Put a different player on and Windows will be forever trying to get it's media player back. Making your life $@#@ for using something else.
 
#57
Here's another vote for VLC.

In fact, when using any type of software, I always look for FOSS alternatives (free and open-source software). As a part-time dev, I believe it's very important to support the Open Source community.

I would encourage everyone to always look for open-source options, especially to things like Windows Media Player and other software created by companies like Microsoft. You'd be surprised what's out there.
 
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#60
Joe Nerve said:
I think we have a winner right out of the gate :). Quick download, and does the same job as WMP but seemingly, so far, even better. More EQ options, and lots more you can do with the speed. Going to go play with it a bit now, see what else it can do. I want the skin in the pic, too...

Thanks.
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Hey Joe, Any updates in this software? How do you like it?
 

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