doug.knecht - Posted - 02/11/2011:  06:24:56

I record in 44.1kHz/24 bit. I use WaveLab Essential 6 to burn the CD into 16 bit. Now I used to take this physical CD and import it into iTunes as a mp3 file, and then browse for the mp3 when I post here. That got to be burdensome, and used a lot of CD's and put songs on my itunes I didn't necessarily want there. Plus it took time.

I wonder what other people do with converting to mp3 and posting here. I ended up buying the MP3 Option in Pro Tools Store for $19.95. Then I could simply bounce my project straight to MP3. Then I'd browse for it and post here.

But I'm curious what kind of programs people use to do this, how much the "codec" costs, etc... It may encourage other pickers who get the recording done but do not know how to get it into MP3 format.

pearcemusic - Posted - 02/11/2011:  06:36:51

hey Doug ... I use mp3 option a lot but sometimes I already have files in another form ... .wav ... or .wma etc.
there is a cool freebie program called "format factory" that does batch conversions.

formatoz.com/download.html

for those who like audacity or audition, "reaper" is a cool protools like program that has built in mp3 conversion as well.

reaper.fm/download.php

5-Picker Tim - Posted - 02/11/2011:  07:18:20

Doug,

I'm assuming when you say you record in 44.1/24 that the end result is a .wav file?

There are lots of programs (free & otherwise) that will convert .wav files directly to .mp3 without going through the process you mentioned. (although some of them, especially the freebies, may have problems with the 24 bit part)
A quick Google search of .wav to .mp3 converters listed hundreds of results.
I have several including Media Monkey, Audacity, (the LAME encoder has to be loaded) PYRO, Koyote & Switch. Heck... even the latest Windoz Media Player 11 will convert .wav to .mp3

If you are simply recording files to post here on the HO, I might also suggest setting your recording software to 44.1/16.
It's pretty unlikely anyone will hear the difference over the 'net and the conversion to .mp3 becomes pretty simple then for just about any converter.

Certainly, if your end goal with the recorded files is to make a studio type audio recording for production purposes the 44.1/24 bit rate (or even higher) is the way to go.

tom elder - Posted - 02/11/2011:  07:19:26

Windows media player does mine.

JoeDownes - Posted - 02/11/2011:  07:48:01

I use razorlame. It's a front end for the open source Lame encoder, the same that Audacity uses. Supposedly it's the best mp3 encoder around, plus it's free and open source.

dors.de/razorlame/index.php
lame.sourceforge.net/

Edited by - JoeDownes on 02/11/2011 07:49:19

Erbus - Posted - 02/11/2011:  08:06:18

I downloaded Audacity, then downloaded the "lame" file did as I was told and it works great for converting wav. to mp3 and easy too.
For some reason you have to get the "lame" file from another site, copyright or something???

Terry

ELWOOD - Posted - 02/14/2011:  09:19:55

I record thru Tascam 2488 at 24 bits. My mix sounds great thru Beyerdynamic closed 770's. I audition tru a standard sony CD player and generic ear buds . All is good until i convert to mp3 in audasity.......the sites play back compressed and jittery sounding audio with little bass. Help please!...............................Micks are imx condensor .............Audio technica Cardioid

Edited by - ELWOOD on 02/14/2011 09:32:32

Vapor - Posted - 02/14/2011:  09:31:08

What compression level/bit rate are you using.

Try and stay at 128 or higher.

Roll Player - Posted - 02/14/2011:  10:02:38

I've used iTunes on Macs to directly convert uncompressed digital sound files to mp3, but I forget whether they had to be aiff files or if they could be wav files. This was on older Macs - really ancient, I suppose - a beige G3 and an iBook G3. I found the converted quality a bit better than using Audacity and Lame.

Boog - Posted - 02/14/2011:  13:00:20

I use Goldwave and simply save as an mp3.

minstrelmike - Posted - 02/14/2011:  13:18:13

I use Audacity and the Lame Encoder (lame_enc.dll)

ELWOOD - Posted - 02/14/2011:  18:17:25

Thanks guys. I will try all of these solutions until the Bass line sounds good . I'll just go from there... that mp3 can sound good Iam sure. Its just that the wav. Sounds right the mp3 sounds not !

Banjophobic - Posted - 02/15/2011:  06:43:47

Smart Audio pro software for me.

Vapor - Posted - 02/15/2011:  13:11:46

One area I have not seen addressed which does affect the tonal range is the compression setting you choose in an mp3. Check this and try different settings to get the sound you want. I have seen this set at a very high level/low number, and it really kills the tonal range. I use 128 or 256kbps, depending on the quality I want. There is not much difference here, but if you go lower, it becomes more noticeable. Years ago when file sharing was common, and dial-up connections were the norm, 128kbps files were huge, so it was common to see a lot of compression, and very tinny sounding results.

Vapor - Posted - 02/15/2011:  13:17:22

I just want to add, if the sound is there in your original file, and not in the mp3, then it is a setting in your conversion process that is causing this change. Also make sure you do not have any eq functioning during this process.

ELWOOD - Posted - 02/16/2011:  10:33:23

Ahh thats starting to sound like whats happening.... At one time i used rapsody to convert to mp3 from wav. they updated and i had to go to audasity to convert .That's when this low bass twitchy thing began..... I wasnt too irritating until i began collaborations with other musicians via in/net...... Thanks Vapor. I am beginning to see light.........Steve

seanray - Posted - 02/18/2011:  08:43:48

Free:
iTunes will convert to mp3 in a pinch if you're lacking DAW software (mac & pc).

Not so free:
Quicktime Pro is a great tool for transcoding all sorts of formats. $29 (mac & pc).
apple.com/quicktime/extending/

I personally use Logic or Compressor depending if it's audio only or audio and video (mac only).

Edited by - seanray on 02/18/2011 08:48:45