Unable to increase bitrate from 128kbps using MP3 Conversion

[vestan_pance]

Hi, I'm trying to convert a bunch of flac files to mp3's using the MP3 conversion chain but I can't seem to change the bit rate from 128kbps to a higher quality.

I've tried to edit the standard MP3 Conversion chain, in particular the ExportMp3 command, but there appear to be no edit parameters / options like there are in the Export function (where through options I can select VBR 0, 220-260 kbps).

I'm using 1.3.12-beta with LAME 3.98.2

Any pointers / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

VP.

[billw58]

The only time you get a chance to edit parameters in Chains is when you are applying an effect. All the Export chain items are fixed, unfortunately.

A google search turns up no free batch audio converters for Mac.

-- Bill

[steve]

When using MP3 export in a chain command, Audacity uses whatever encoding options were used last.

If you wish to force a particular bit rate (for example "Preset = Insane"), generate a short tone and export it as MP3 with the setting that you require.
Delete the "dummy" track that you created, then use the chain effect on your files.

(I think it would be much better if the settings could be selected in the chain command, but at least there is this workaround)

[billw58]

Thanks, Steve. I was unaware of that workaround.

-- Bill

[bgravato]

The only time you get a chance to edit parameters in Chains is when you are applying an effect. All the Export chain items are fixed, unfortunately.

A google search turns up no free batch audio converters for Mac.

-- Bill

You probably have command line tools for decoding/encoding flac/mp3 in the command line, but that would require a bit of shell scripting skills...

It's also possible to install some of the linux apps through fink or macports, but that would probably be a bit cumbersome too for non-techie users.

[bgravato]

After a little google I found this thread on macrumors: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=263934

Apparently there are some free native mac apps that will do the job, namely xACT, Max and XLD. I think I have used one of those in the past to convert from WAV to MP3, but I don't remember which one...

Audacity is a great audio editor, but honestly I wouldn't recommend it as a tool for audio format conversion... That's a bit like driving a ferrari on off-road trails

[billw58]

Great job, bgravato!

I've downloaded and tried out Max and XLD. Both work fine on my G5 with 10.5.8. I'd try xACT, but it requires 10.6 (and Intel, apparently).

-- Bill

[bgravato]

When I need to convert formats I usually do it on my linux computer, but some time ago I needed to do it on the laptop (mac) and I searched for apps for that and I think I downloaded two of them. I think one was Max and the other was either xACT or some other which I can't remember the name. I know I had some issues with xACT either downloading or installing, so it was probably Max that I used, though I can't find any of those apps installed on my mac... (I probably ran it from within the dmg)

Either way I remember it worked so I knew it was possible

I have 10.6 on Intel.

[vestan_pance]

Thanks for all the prompt responses.

@steve - I tried that but I didn't get as far as exporting the MP3 and then trying the chain again, so I will certainly check that out.

@bgravato - yes, I have got xACT which will convert Flac but only to AIFF or WAV. Even though iTunes will convert AIFF and WAV on the fly to Mp3 it tends to strip out the majority of tags so this isn't an option for me. I need these to be retained in any conversion. I'm not sure I agree with your analogy because using audacity in this way is a great way for a novice like me to start getting to grips with the app.

In the end I opted to fork out £30 on a Amadeus Pro licence - this has a nice simple batch process which converts my flacs into Mp3 whilst retaining all my tags and album artwork perfectly I'm currently ripping all my CDs (again) into Flac (to save for longevity) while converting seperatey for my iTunes library.

Thanks again everyone.
VP.