Need help with WMA -> MP3

CraKaJaX

Lifer
Dec 26, 2004
11,905
148
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If I wanted to change my whole music folder so that every song is in MP3 format, what's the best way to do it? I tried it with Nero express, then got some error how the Microsoft License does not allow you to change WMA format to anything else. I want all my songs in Mp3 format because whenever I burn a MP3 CD, about half the songs I put on only work, because whatever didn't work are a different format. Anyone know what I can do to fix this?
 

BlueWeasel

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
15,944
475
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You probably know this, but conversion from one lossy format (WMA) to another (MP3) is generally frowned upon because you're "losing" data everytime you convert between formats. The best option is to always use the uncompressed original, as then you're not sacrificing as much data during the conversion.

Having said that, I convert many of my 192+ kbps MP3 to lower bitrate WMAs for use in my flash MP3 player. It's only 128mb and I can fit significantly more 128k WMAs on there versus 192 or 256k MP3s...I only use it at the gym or while running, so sound quality isn't a concern.

What bitrate are the WMAs?

Also, I've never had a problem with WMAs when using Nero to create an audio CD. What program are you using to burn the audio CD?
 

CraKaJaX

Lifer
Dec 26, 2004
11,905
148
101
It's not an audio CD, it's an MP3 CD, so I can put about 70-80+ songs on it instead of 15 or 20.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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I do it all the time - have a big library of MP3 CDs for the car - anything lossy is not noticed in that environment.

I use a 2 step process - I rip from the audio CD using AudioGrabber ver. 1.83 (freeware.) Then I take the resulting files and encode them to MP3 using RazorLAME - LAME with a Windows interface. Works perfectly. a CD with 80 to 100 tunes is good for an all day drive - a long trip - like from Tucson to L.A. :)
 

Doh!

Platinum Member
Jan 21, 2000
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If you juts want to convert, dBpowerAmp is a nice freeware. For coverting wma files, just add the wma plugin from the site.
 

Medea

Golden Member
Dec 5, 2000
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This topic caught my eye because I'm getting ready to do the same thing. Thanks for the info, guys! :thumbsup: