Transcoding audio files on Linux is straightforward with ffmpeg, but typing out the command every time gets old. Wanted a simple GUI, especially for batch jobs.

After a bit of searching, found SoundConverter. Simple enough to be worth trying.

Here’s how to set it up on Ubuntu or Debian:

# Update the package list (recommended)
sudo apt update

# Install SoundConverter
sudo apt install soundconverter

# Launch SoundConverter (from terminal or app menu)
soundconverter

Once installed, here’s how I use it:

  1. Open SoundConverter and add the audio files or folders you want to convert.

    SoundConverter main window with options to add files or folders for conversion

  2. Configure the output format and quality settings in the preferences window.

    SoundConverter main window showing the preferences (gear) icon

    SoundConverter preferences window with format and quality options for audio conversion

  3. Start the conversion and monitor the progress. Check the output files in the destination folder once done.

    SoundConverter main window highlighting the Convert button and showing progress

SoundConverter has handled everything thrown at it so far. Batch conversions are much less painful than wrangling ffmpeg commands by hand.