After a long hiatus of 16 years, the CD ripping tool CD2WAV32 has emerged from dormancy with the release of version 4.00jp. Developer Moroboshi Ramu has taken this opportunity to ensure the software is fully compatible with Windows 11 24H2, marking a significant evolution from the earlier 3.X versions.
Significant Updates and Compatibility
Ramu, who last updated CD2WAV32 while working on a Windows 7 machine, has now shifted focus entirely to Windows 11, stating that this will be the only operating system supported moving forward. Although casual tests have been conducted on Windows 10, the developer emphasizes a commitment to the latest platform.
In the broader landscape of CD ripping tools, Microsoft has also made strides with its Media Player App, which received an update in 2022 to facilitate music ripping. The app now supports MP3 format as of 2023, offering a user-friendly interface that, while easy to navigate, lacks the extensive configuration options that some users might desire.
- The Media Player App allows for audio format selection, including AAC, MP3, and FLAC, though WAV is notably absent.
- Users can adjust quality settings ranging from 96Kbps to 320Kbps for lossy formats.
To rip CDs using the built-in Media Player App on Windows 11, users simply need to insert an audio CD and navigate to the audio CD section on the left. The ‘Rip CD’ option appears next to the play button, with additional settings available to customize the ripping process and bit rate. Ripped files will automatically populate the music library, which can be configured in the app’s general settings.
While the developer’s page may predominantly feature dolls, the revival of CD2WAV32 signals a renewed interest in audio preservation tools, catering to users who seek a more customizable experience in the realm of digital music. As the landscape of audio software continues to evolve, both CD2WAV32 and Microsoft’s Media Player App offer distinct approaches to the age-old task of ripping CDs, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.
