Converting WAV Files to MP3 Files On iMAC

[StevieB]

I just got my first Apple computer three days ago . . . an iMAC.

My question is: I need a recommendation for a 3rd party file conversion software program that will enable me to convert WAV (song) files (that I will export into the iMAC) . . . into MP3 files.

On my PC I used "dBPoweramp" but it is only a windows-based program.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Drumjim85]

i like the program "max"

http://sbooth.org/Max/

 

[John.B]

iTunes will do this for you, just go into the advanced settings and set it to rip to MP3s (though AAC is technically better) and pick a decent bitrate (I'd start at 192k or better, 256k is a good sweetspot of size vs. quality if you aren't playing it through some serious audiophile equipment).

Is there a reason you need a separate program?

 

[barkmonster]

Use iTunes!

go to File > New Playlist

Drag all the .wav files to this new playlist

Add all the ID3 Tags etc... to the original .WAVs

Go to iTunes > Preferences > Import Settings > MP3 Encoder

Choose the settings you want, there's a few presets already there.

select every item in the playlist you created by going to File > Edit > Select All

go to Advanced > Create Mp3 Version

Wait a while

Problem solved!

 

[spacepower7]

I second the vote for Max, its so versatile. You can batch mp3 with different bit rates, like make 192 and 256, while also making FLAC and AAC.

 

[GSMiller]

Audacity

 

[John.B]

Add all the ID3 Tags etc... to the original .WAVs

I'd let iTunes take first crack at the ID3 tags and fix the ones I wasn't happy with. Far less work.

 

[barkmonster]

I'd let iTunes take first crack at the ID3 tags and fix the ones I wasn't happy with. Far less work.

That's why I suggested adding all the .WAV to an iTunes playlist. So the ID3 tags can be created as a batch in iTunes before encoding the files.



I always mix down from Pro Tools LE to a stereo WAV and do exactly the same thing before I convert them to go on my iPod. It saves having to look for the files I just encoded in the "recently added" playlist.

 

[John.B]

That's why I suggested adding all the .WAV to an iTunes playlist. So the ID3 tags can be created as a batch in iTunes before encoding the files.

Aaaaah. I missed that. Sorry!

 

[StevieB]

Thanks for the responses, but I need some clarification.

The WAV files are original songs that I need to convert to MP3 format before I upload them to my Soundclick music site.

So I will try iTunes first and if that does not work for me I'll try MAX, but what the heck are ID3 tags? I did not deal with that when I used dbPoweramp. Is it an Apple thing? Hey I'm an artist, not a producer . . . lol.

 

[John.B]

So I will try iTunes first and if that does not work for me I'll try MAX, but what the heck are ID3 tags? I did not deal with that when I used dbPoweramp. Is it an Apple thing? Hey I'm an artist, not a producer LOL.

ID3 tags are where the artist, song name, genre, etc. information is stored. You've probably been using them all along, but just didn't know they had a fancy, schmancy name.

 

[StevieB]

ID3 tags are where the artist, song name, genre, etc. information is stored. You've probably been using them all along, but just didn't know they had a fancy, schmancy name.

Got it . . . thanks John B

go to File > New Playlist

Drag all the .wav files to this new playlist

Add all the ID3 Tags etc... to the original .WAVs

Go to iTunes > Preferences > Import Settings > MP3 Encoder

Choose the settings you want, there's a few presets already there.

select every item in the playlist you created by going to File > Edit > Select All

go to Advanced > Create Mp3 Version

Wait a while

Problem solved!

OK, I just exported a WAV file from my Tascam DP-02 PortaStudio and imported it into my IMAC "via USB".

When I opened the WAV file it "automatically" opened up in iTunes (as a WAV file).

Now I am still unclear as to how to convert that WAV file to an MP3 file because I am not seeing the same menu steps that barkmonster indicates.

When I have my imported WAV file in iTunes highlighted, I see the following:

iTunes / Preferences / General / (but then the only Import Options are associated with "When You Insert a CD". I then can set it for AAC Encode or MP3 Encode and set the bit rate @ 128 or 256. But again I am importing the file via USB and not on a CD.

What am I missing? On my windows machine . . . when I imported the WAV file I had the option of where I wanted to put it. I would typically put it in My Music (not iTunes at first). Then I would open up dBPoweramp choose the WAV file in My Music, click on it and wallah! . . it was created as an MP3 file also.

I don't know if I am explaining this well and I am sorry this is so long.

Maybe I should try the MAX program . . but I would love some additional advice around using iTunes. Thanks again!!!

 

[John.B]

Now I am still unclear as to how to convert that WAV file to an MP3 file because I am not seeing the same menu steps that barkmonster indicates.

When I have my imported WAV file in iTunes highlighted, I see the following:

iTunes / Preferences / General / (but then the only Import Options are associated with "When You Insert a CD". I then can set it for AAC Encode or MP3 Encode and set the bit rate @ 128 or 256. But again I am importing the file via USB and not on a CD.

In iTunes, if you right click the song in .wav format, one of the options should be "Create MP3 Version". Select that, and you'll get an additional .mp3 copy of your .wav file.

If it says "Create AAC Version" instead, you just need to change the import settings in iTunes (I'm using 8.0.2):

• From the menu select iTunes, Preferences... (or hit Command+,)
• Click the "General" pref pane (looks like a light switch) if its not already selected
• Next to the When you insert a CD pop-up menu, click the Import Settings... button.
• Change the Import Using: pop-up menu to MP3 Encoder
• While you are there, change the Setting: to Custom..., then click the Custom... option again and set the Stereo bit rate: pop-up menu to 256 kbps (leave VBR unchecked)
• Click OK, then OK again.

What's not obvious is that, what looks like the import settings for CDs also sets the conversion settings between different file formats in the main iTunes window.

One other thing, if you convert a file from inside a regular playlist, it'll create the newly converted file in the same playlist. If that's not what you wanted, do the conversion from "Music" (under Library).

Once you have the .mp3 file in your library, you can right click and select Get Info, and from the various tab you can create the ID3 tags, add lyrics, add artwork, etc. which will look more professional if people download your song instead of just playing through the Soundclick web player.

Edit: I can't remember if Soundclick enforces a max bitrate or max filesize...

 

[StevieB]

In iTunes, if you right click the song in .wav format, one of the options should be "Create MP3 Version". Select that, and you'll get an additional .mp3 copy of your .wav file.

John.B . . . The mouse will not "right-click" when I have my song (.WAV file) highlighted in iTunes.

Am I misunderstanding your instructions?

 

[StevieB]

OK . . . I got it!

John.B . . . I probably was not clear that I was now on an iMAC (which is why the right click did not work.)

Anyway . . . I was able to figure it out and I can use iTunes to convert and encode my imported WAV files to either AAC (m4A) or MP3 files of various bit rates and then able to upload the MPe file into my Soundclick site.

Thanks to all for your input!

 

[John.B]

OK . . . I got it!

John.B . . . I probably was not clear that I was now on an iMAC (which is why the right click did not work.)

Yeah, I came late to the Mac and have always the right mouse click enabled (as well as the two finger right mouse click on the trackpad of my blackbook)... I should've told you to Ctrl-click, which does the exact same thing.

From one musician to another, glad you are on your way.

 

[courtfortdavis]

how to open a exec file?

Hi I really need help on how to open a exec file. I just imported them from a digital recorder and i dont know which program to use or how to open it.

thanks

 

[GustavPicora]

Use Terminal

I like to do it via terminal when I need to convert some sound files to use in my apps.

use afconvert -h to see the help, also afconvert -hf to see the file formats..
I have realize that iTunes sometimes screw up the sound during conversion dunno why.

 

[300D]

iTunes.

Select your files, right click, select "Create MP3 Version". Done.

 

[spinnerlys]

Hi I really need help on how to open a exec file. I just imported them from a digital recorder and i dont know which program to use or how to open it.

thanks

What exact digital recorder do you use? Didn't come any software with that device?