MakeItOne MP3 Album Maker is a free app that can merge multiple MP3s while maintaining full reversibility (the ability to unpack/split the file into its original constituents at any later point).
Merged files can be played on any player and MakeItOne and can preserve and edit the audio file tags and add album art as well. It can also unpack audio files packed by the Albumwrap shareware app which are commonly found on the net.
Possible uses are up to your imagination, and include merging disparate chapters or parts of an audiobook into a single file, archiving and organizing albums, and creating a single file for easier publishing or sharing on the net.
Ir ecently downloaded an audiobook that was dispersed over 36 or so separate MP3 files. As I started listening I realized that it was quite difficult to keep track of where I last left off and which of the numbered files I had already listened to. Also, it was impossible to get an overall mental picture of how many minutes I had listened to and how many still remain.
This is when I started looking for free programs that can merge audio files into one, and MakeItOne MP3 Album Maker is one of the best that I found. Here’s what I like about it:
- The merging process is reversible: MakeItOne seems to store the information needed for this within the audio file itself.
- Preserves audio tags: with the ability to edit this data before combining.
- Ability to add album art: within the MP3 file itself, from a locally saved image file. Will not fetch from the internet.
- Nice Interface: with drag and drop functionality
- Command line interface/scripting option: is available
- Can split Albumwrap-merged files: which you may occasionally encounter on the internet.
- Supports VBR: in some fashion. MP3s that are between 96-320Kbps 44KHz 16bit Stereo should play fine, but the duration of the album will be misreporeted. However, to quote the developer’s site, the program’s “support for VBR is no worse currently than any other Album Maker/Joiner/Wrapper Mp3 application.” Go here for more info.
The verdict: if you need to merge MP3 files this is one of the best options around. If I could ask for one feature, however, it would be the option to save CUE files, which some related programs utilize. Aside from that I can report this program does exactly what it promises and does it well. Recommended.
Version Tested: 3.4
Compatibility: WinAll. Requires MS .NET Framework 1.1 or higher for XP.
Go to the program home page to download the latest version (approx 432K).
