iTunesEncode.NET

iTunesEncode.NET is an application that enables you to convert FLAC and APE audio tracks into ALAC and M4A format. It supports batch processing and can be easily used.

Setup, requirements, and interface

It gets unpacked quickly and effortlessly. However, although this isn't mentioned before or during the setup phase, it requires .NET Framework and iTunes to work properly.
The program adopts a standard .NET Framework form as the interface that reveals all options put at your disposal. A file browser and folder view are provided for locating and adding files or entire folders to the task list, while subfolders can be included or excluded.
Once the output directory is established, you can proceed with the conversion operation with one click. As soon as it's over, iTunesEncode.NET automatically opens iTunes to play the audio tracks.

A couple of observations

Using the file browser to find and open songs is slightly inconvenient because the utility doesn't have filters listed for each audio format; these can be typed in the search filter area. However, this minor issue doesn't apply to the tree view, since the tool adds to the task list only the supported files from the specified directory.
If iTunes is not installed, it displays an error message halfway through the decoding job and stops without creating the ALAC/M4A files. Instead, the auxiliary files are kept in the output directory, which have the WAV extension, and they are fully functional.

Evaluation and conclusion

The interface looks rudimentary and there are no advanced options implemented, such as configuring audio settings (e.g. bit rate, sample rate) or editing tags to prepare audio tracks for playback on MP3 players or other media devices. Plus, the app cannot work without iTunes. Otherwise, iTunesEncode.NET finishes decoding jobs rapidly and delivers quality audio tracks.