Topic: Music Files

[WeaveP]

Hello

Can you briefly explain the different types of music file ( mp3, WAC, AAC etc ), why i can't transfer some music downloaded from the itunes website onto my phone, and recommend a basic piece of software to convert music formats and edit them ?

Many Thanks

Paul

[Rik]

There are essentially two types of music format, the compressed, like MP3 and the uncompressed, like WAV.

In music all compressions (that I can think of, anyway) are lossy. An MP3 file will not sound as good as its source, given ears and equipment which can distinguish, however, for most purposes, MP3 files are adequate. (They actually are better in some circumstances, eg for use in a car, as the compression is not just about file size, but also includes some audio compression - which makes the quiet sounds louder and the loud sounds quieter - ideal in a noisy environment.)

The files you cannot copy to your phone will have digital right management enabled on them, I think all iTunes downloads have DRM, but this isn't the case from other sites or for files you rip yourself.

I'll leave others to recommend software for you, I don't really do much in the way of editing and conversion.

[Simon]

There's hundreds of MP3 converters around, from freeware to bloody-expensive-ware.  This site might help you choose something to try:

http://www.mp3-converter.com/

For editing, and file conversion, I use Sony Soundforge and Adobe Audition, neither of which are free, I'm afraid, but if you have Nero, I believe it has a basic editing tool.

[Reno]

Most torrent sites recommend dBpowerAMP for converting and ripping audio. It creates detailed log files for sharing and has filters for detecting transcoding.

http://www.download.com/dBpoweramp-Music-Converter/3000-2140_4-10730314.html

EAC exact audio copy is more hands on and more precise. It's made for creating audio with out any defects AKA lossless audio.

http://www.digital-world.de/downloads/audio/exact_audio_copy_v_095_beta_4_international/1253089/exact_audio_copy_v_095_beta_4_international.html

[WeaveP]

Excellent - thanks for your help.

Paul