MP3 file plays fine on EVERYTHING except when imported..

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

Hi All,

First timer with question and it’s super basic.

I need to import a file recorded on an iphone audio recorder app (one that was recommended) and outputs MP3. I send it to my computer as an MP3(plays fine), then I import into AUD and it just gives me a “SSSHHHPP” sound. The 5:02 file is now .05 seconds. I did a test 30 second file and it’s the same thing.

What did I click / not click? Tried to import as RAW and it does not work either, longer file but just noise.

Excited to start podcasting but hard with no audio!!!
THANK YOU

2

Do you have any known-good MP3s?

I need to import a file recorded on an iphone audio recorder app (one that was recommended) and outputs MP3.

I’d guess it’s not really an MP3.

Check your file with [u]MediaInfo[/u]. If it’s actually an MP3 you should see :
MPEG Audio
Version 1
Layer 3

If it’s something else, Audacity can probably open it but you’ll probably have to install the optional FFmpeg Import/Export Library, and it will probably help to correct the filename extension.

Tried to import as RAW and it does not work either, longer file but just noise.

Right… Compression is similar to encryption and the raw (still compressed) data is just noise or garbage.

3

outputs MP3.

Probably not. That’s one of the problems I had with a portable iDevice when I tried to make it record my voice.

Check the sound file with the on-line format checker.

https://mediaarea.net/MediaInfoOnline

Then, when it (probably) tells you it’s a CAF (Core Audio File), you can install the FFMpeg software into Audacity and hopefully open the file.

Scroll down to FFMpeg add-on.

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/windows/

Did that help? Did I miss any steps? In any event, you should not be doing live production in MP3. MP3 is a compressed format and demands you set a sound quality when you make the first one. The problem is the quality goes down every time you edit or change an MP3. Use WAV (Microsoft) 16-bit for all the production work and then export the final edit for posting and sharing.

Koz

4

OK, it seems the later versions of Audacity and FFMpeg have no trouble with Apple CAF files (Yay!)
This was a raw voice test I shot. It passes ACX Audiobook conformance although nobody in their right mind would OK it for publication.


Koz

5

You are all right! I was at an event and wanted to grab a quick comment and used my phone… said its .MP3 thats even the file extension but Mediainfo says not!

General
Complete name : V_2019-09-27+12_31_16=2_56.mp3
Format : ADTS
Format/Info : Audio Data Transport Stream

so I’ll go the FFMpeg route and not use my phone anymore. I just got a ZOOM 4Hn so that will take care of that!!!

This was SO helpful, I’m sure I’ll be back!

tr