The software landscape for audio production and editing includes a variety of tools designed to handle digital samples. One such application is Extreme Sample Converter, a programme intended to assist users in previewing, editing, and converting audio samples. The software is described as having an intuitive interface composed of several panels, including Explorer, Files, Presets, Samples, Graphics, and a Virtual MIDI Keyboard. These components are designed to facilitate locating files, reviewing their information, and previewing their contents. While the interface is noted to have an appearance that may be considered outdated, the tool's primary strengths are reported to lie in its extensive format support and the quality of its output results.
A significant aspect of Extreme Sample Converter is its compatibility with a broad spectrum of audio formats. It supports well-known standards such as WAV, FLAC, and OGG Vorbis. Additionally, it accommodates a variety of less common formats, including Akai, SoundFont, GigaSampler, Sampletank, and Creamware, among others. The software also permits the importation of sounds directly from audio CDs. To streamline the conversion process, it offers batch conversion capabilities, allowing users to process multiple source files simultaneously. For enhanced file management, filters can be applied to view only specific file extensions.
Beyond conversion, the application provides audio editing functionalities. It allows for the separate editing of audio channels depending on the format, which can be used to create specific effects. It also supports the tuning of stereo samples by setting distinct loops for each channel. Users can select audio stretch parameters with precision, aided by a graphic representation of the sound waveform. The programme includes features for accurate loop editing, though it is noted that not all formats accept this type of modification; for instance, SampleTank and GigaSampler/Studio are mentioned as not supporting these loops. Loops can be displayed at sizes greater than 1:1 to assist in analysing and locating optimal start and end points. The software aims to eliminate crackling during loop displacement by adjusting loop points to ensure playback continuity.
For workflow efficiency, Extreme Sample Converter includes a virtual MIDI keyboard and supports real-time auditioning. Users can listen to sounds before final conversion using a DirectX Synthesizer module, which requires DirectX 8.0 or higher and supports low-latency playback at 16-bit/44.1kHz quality with up to 64 voices. An alternative auditioning method is available for Sound Blaster card users, which connects directly to the card's wavetable synthesizer, allowing immediate playback of patches from sources like EMU or Akai CDs before conversion. The software also integrates with external audio editors, enabling users to send samples for trimming, resampling, or filtering before saving the modified samples into a destination format.
The tool supports advanced looping techniques, such as X-Fade Perfect Looping, which allows for the creation of accurate loops in sample material and the ability to tune stereo samples together by setting different loops for left and right channels. Furthermore, it facilitates a wide range of patch-to-patch conversions, including support for instruments and formats such as Yamaha TYROS 2, Renoise XRNI, Dash Signature, VSTi, Hardware Sampling, SoundFont, GigaSampler, GigaStudio, DLS Levels 1 and 2, SampleFarm, DS-404, Creamware Pulsar STS, Akai S5000/S6000/Z4/Z8, Halion 1, 2, and 3 (with Steinberg Dongle required for Halion 3), Kontakt 1, 2, and 3, and Wusikstation 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The software is available as a free trial, which reportedly has minimal limitations aside from the insertion of a short noise burst periodically during use. The decompression of files is described as incredibly fast, with audio files held in RAM to avoid disturbances from the disk system during playback and visualisation. The programme utilises modern floating-point formats (IEEE 32-bit and 64-bit), facilitating playback on standard 16-bit multimedia sound cards. It is also capable of displaying and playing back loops, a feature noted as not typically found in non-media players, suggesting potential use as a professional file player. Users can select between different audio standards, such as MME or DirectSound, with the latter offering low latency and click-free sample selection.
File searching is a key component, allowing users to retrieve files in chosen formats from any directory, disk, or CD, including the scanning of nested directories. Batch conversion is supported, enabling users to find all files on a disk, mark them, and convert them into another format. The software is also noted to support work on two monitors.