Hey Col, based on your recommendation, especially the word "free", I just installed Goldwave, but it tells me I'm only running a trial version with a maximum number of commands built in.
 
In your experience, does this unlicensed version ever really time out, or did you have to pay for it eventually?
 
For wav to mp3 conversions, I already have three programs I use - Shuangs, which is extremely simply but very quick, CDex, which is quite a sophisticated bit of kit (and offers superb variable bit-rate conversions), and for the best quality conversions I've so far come across, I use an ancient version of Steinberg's My Mp3 Pro, which has a genuine Fraunhofer converter.
 
I'm just wondering if Goldwave brings anything extra to the party, especially if I have to shell out thirty quid for it?

**double post deleted**

cclarry
I was just going to chime it that if you're using the Lame Encoder, it does wreak some havoc on
material.  When I used it, the sound changed far too much, so I stopped using it altogether.

Well,... it is called "Lame"!
 
I've never used the Sonar mp3 conversion. I've always exported to WAV and then used a stand alone converter. Creative had one with their SoundBlaster stuff that worked well for 16 bit. It didn't like 24 or 32 at all which didn't make sense since the card was capable of 192.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Uh Oh. I said "soundblaster" on a Cakewalk forum. RUN!

Export your project to 16 bit 44.1 khz wavefile then use this:

http://www.mediahuman.com/audio-converter/ 

Steve, I've never had to pay for Goldwave, all I get is a nag screen which is easily dismissed

 
Cool, thanks Col.

based on all the above I have begun mixing down to wave then importing this into an empty song and exporting to mp3 using Sonar's mp3 exporter.  Works great and removes the thread/core overload which sometimes occurs when I'm going direct from song to mp3. 
 
Thanks.  

That's a decent enough workflow Dana - all that matters is that it works for YOU