FreeAmp is an Open Source effort to build the best digital audio player available. It currently features the Xing MPEG Decoder, giving it the ability to handle Layer 1, 2, and 3 MPEG audio streams. Its modular application architecture allows for future extensions to its supported audio formats and output devices, and even allows for entirely new user interface plugins. FreeAmp is available for Linux and Windows 95, 98, and NT. It is in the process of being ported to the Mac, BeOS and Solaris platforms. www.freeamp.org.
Additional Audio Players
Windows OS ‡ Mac OS ‡ Linux/Unix ‡ BeOS
RealJukebox lets you play all MP3s and other digital music, and encodes MP3s at up to 320 kbps. You can also record CDs at near CD-quality (up to 96 kbps). RealJukebox includes a Graphic EQ to maximize High-Fidelity and tools to manage your music library. www.real.com
Sonique is arguably one of the most visually stunning audio players. Sonique comes equipped with all the features users have grown to expect from a media player application. A full-featured playlist editor, 20-band graphic equalizer, and standard CD-Player-like controls are some of the audio features included. www.sonique.com
Winamp for Windows plays all Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPEG audio streams and files, and combines the core functionality found in most MPEG audio players with a good graphical user interface. www.winamp.com
MusicMatch Jukebox is the original personal jukebox software. Record, download, and organize all of your digital audio in a sophisticated music library. Use AutoDJ to create custom playlists or drag-and-drop. www.musicmatch.com
SoundJam MP is the first full-featured, all-in-one, MP3 player and encoder for Macs. SoundJam MP converts music quickly into high quality MP3's from CD, AIFF, QuickTime, and WAV formats. SoundJam MP allows you to easily create customizable play-lists, and organize your music by artist, track, song, and music style. www.soundjam.com
MacAMP is the premier audio player for Macs. It supports many audio formats, including MP3 and Shoutcast streams, and has a gorgeous, customizable user interface through the use of skins. MacAMP also supports Visual plugins, and has a 10 band equalizer. www.macamp.net
Xmms is a project that brings the Winamp interface to X Windows under the Unix operating system. For
now, Linux x86 is the only Unix supported, but they have plans to release the source code to allow porting. www.xmms.org
SoundPlay is an audio player for the BeOS that can play MPEG as well as IFF, 8SVX, and MS-ADPCM files. As far as we know, SoundPlay is the only application in the world that can play MPEG audio backwards. www.soundplay.com