Monkey's Audio 12.09

Why Audiophiles Choose APE Format

The APE format created by Monkey's Audio achieves some of the best compression ratios among lossless codecs.

Where FLAC typically reduces files by 40-50%, Monkey's Audio often pushes beyond 50% compression on certain recordings.

Unlike lossy formats such as MP3 (encoded with LAME MP3 Encoder) or AAC, APE files decompress to bit-perfect copies of your original audio.

Nothing gets discarded during compression - what goes in comes out identical.

Compatible Media Players

Major audio players support APE files natively or through plugins:

• foobar2000 - Full APE support with advanced library management.
• VLC Media Player - Plays APE files without additional configuration.
• Winamp - Classic player with APE plugin support.
• MediaMonkey - Excellent for large APE libraries.
• MPC-BE - Lightweight player with native APE decoding.

For system-wide APE playback in Windows, install K-Lite Codec Pack or MPC Audio Splitter to enable APE support in any DirectShow-based application.

Converting and Editing APE Files

Need to convert APE files to other formats? Several tools handle APE conversion seamlessly:

• dBpoweramp Music Converter - Professional-grade batch conversion with APE support.
• LameXP - Free converter supporting APE to MP3, FLAC, OGG, and more.
• MediaHuman Audio Converter - Simple drag-and-drop APE conversion.
• foobar2000 Free Encoder Pack - Convert APE files directly within foobar2000.

For audio editing, Audacity imports APE files directly for trimming, normalizing, and processing.

APE vs Other Lossless Formats

Choose APE for maximum compression on Windows systems where file size matters most.

Choose FLAC for broader device compatibility and streaming applications. Both formats preserve identical audio quality.

CD Ripping to APE Format

Building a lossless music archive? Rip your CDs directly to APE format using:

• Exact Audio Copy - Bit-perfect ripping with Monkey's Audio encoder integration.
• CDex - Free CD ripper with lossless output options.
• CUETools - Advanced CUE sheet management for APE albums.

For step-by-step instructions, check the CD Ripping Guide which covers best practices for lossless archiving.

Compression Levels Explained

Monkey's Audio offers multiple compression presets:

• Fast - Quickest encoding, slightly larger files.
• Normal - Balanced speed and compression (recommended).
• High - Better compression, slower encoding.
• Extra High - Maximum compression for archival storage.
• Insane - Smallest files, longest encoding time.

For most users, Normal compression provides the best balance. Reserve higher settings for archival purposes where encoding time is not a concern.

System Requirements

Monkey's Audio runs on all modern Windows versions with minimal resources.

The installer weighs under 2MB and the application uses negligible CPU during playback. Encoding speed depends on compression level and CPU power.

Quick Start

1. Download and install Monkey's Audio.
2. Launch the application and drag audio files into the window.
3. Select your preferred compression level.
4. Click Compress.

Your original files remain untouched. APE files can be decompressed back to identical WAV files anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monkey's Audio completely free?
Yes - Monkey's Audio is 100% free for personal and commercial use with no restrictions.

What is the .APE file extension?
APE files contain lossless compressed audio created by Monkey's Audio. They preserve complete audio fidelity unlike lossy MP3 or AAC formats.

Can I convert APE to MP3 for portable devices?
Yes - use LameXP or foobar2000 with the Free Encoder Pack for high-quality APE to MP3 conversion.

Does Monkey's Audio work on Mac or Linux?
Monkey's Audio is Windows-only. Mac and Linux users should consider FLAC which offers similar quality with cross-platform support.

How do I play APE files on my phone?
Most Android music players support APE natively. For iOS, convert APE files to ALAC (Apple Lossless) using dBpoweramp.

Download Monkey's Audio and preserve your music collection with zero quality loss!