MusicMatch Jukebox 5.1

It's hard to talk about encoding, storing, organizing, or playing digital music without mentioning MusicMatch. It's as close to perfect as a free MP3 jukebox can be. Version 5.1 offers CD-quality MP3 encoding, up to 320 Kbps, the maximum level of MP3 quality, for nothing — not a dime. In addition, MusicMatch 5.1 adds trippy visualizations that gyrate to the beat of the music, as well as music recommendations and a library of free downloads to an already stacked feature set. We give it five out of five stars.

MusicMatch JukeBox 5.1 is a 7.37MB download, which may take a while over a 56K modem connection. Our installation was a snap. We did stop to consider whether we'd let it "Personalize Net Music." This offers, ahem, "the best free music recommendations" on the Web. MusicMatch promises that your listening habits "will never be sold or shared." Nevertheless, keep in mind that the program constantly communicates with the CDDB database, automatically updating track and artist info.

If you allow it, MusicMatch servers match your favorite tunes with the listening habits of millions of other folks who listen to the same albums. So, unlike the buying habits from an online retailer, you find all the stuff people actually listen to. It's a cool concept that other jukebox programs such as Microsoft's Windows Media Player are employing.

The MusicMatch interface isn't likely to win awards for its beauty, but the functionality of the tri-window design is first-rate. The top window represents the player (MP3s, WMA, and streaming) and jukebox interface, which includes a small video and visualizations box. Double-click the box to get a full-screen visualization. Mind-bending visual plug-ins have come of age and are now being incorporated by the MusicMatch team. The download includes two — WhiteCap and G-Force — and future plug-ins will be available as downloads.

The second window lists your library of tracks, and the last represents the excellent encoder interface. MusicMatch's best trait may be the fact that it offers 320 Kbps ripping for free as well as user-defined variable bit rates (VBR). It's fast, too, although paying for the "Plus" version improves encoding speed, burning speed, and the EQ setup.

Throw in the fact that the software integrates CD-burning and you've got a complete digital music system.

In any case, MusicMatch isn't really complete if you aren't online. You've got to have a Web connection in order to access the CDDB database and automatically title the tracks you encode. You'll also want to take advantage of the MusicMatch community that offers everything from a gargantuan database of free downloads, instant community recommendations based on personal taste, and an easy pathway to purchasing CDs online.

Honestly, even without all the extra features, the free, full-quality, MP3 encoding makes MusicMatch JukeBox 5.1 a five-star product. Given all the built-in features, we wonder if you really need to spend $29.99 for the Plus version. Those who use this software daily might well consider paying for the full version just to give MusicMatch the props it deserves.

Summary: Even without all the extra features, the free, full-quality MP3 encoding makes MusicMatch 5.1 a five-star product. But it doesn't stop there. This MP3 jukebox offers encoding, playback management, artist info, an intricate recommendations system, integrated burning software, and plug-in style visualizations. The free version of MusicMatch 5.1 is a no-brainer. Download it!

See our Download Page to get a copy now!