|
iTunes is an application that allows you to encode CD
tracks or audio files in .aif or .wav format into .mp3 files
(as well as other compressed audio file formats).
Depending on the MP3 settings you choose, the
finished files will have varying sizes. Before converting
your CD Tracks or audio files, check the instructions below
for changing the iTunes MP3 import settings to select settings
that optimize the mp3 file size.
Changing MP3 Import Settings
Converting CD Tracks
Converting Audio Files
To change iTunes 6 MP3 import settings:
- From the iTunes menu, select Preferences...
The Preferences window will open.
- Click on the Advanced button and choose Importing.
- From the Import Using pull-down menu select MP3
Encoder.
Click the appropriate link to continue with specific instructions:
stereo audio, mono audio after
1950, mono audio before 1950
For stereo
audio:
From the Setting pull-down menu, select Good
Quality (128 kbps).
Click OK to close the Preferences window.
For mono
audio after 1950:
Be sure you have selected MP3 Encoder from the Import
Using pull-down list.
From the Setting pull-down
menu, select Custom.
The MP3 Encoder window will open.
In the Stereo Bit Rate section, select 128 kbps.
For the Sample Rate, select 44.100 kHz.
In the Channels section, change it from Auto to Mono.
Click OK.
Click OK to close the Preferences window.
For
mono audio before 1950:
From the Setting pull-down menu, select Custom.
The MP3 Encoder window will open.
In the Bit Rate section, select 48 kbps.
For the Sample Rate, choose 22.050 kHz.
In the Channels section, select Mono.
Click OK. You will be informed that your
settings differ from the default settings and asked if
you would like to change them to the default.
Choose Don't Change.
Click OK to close the Preferences window.
Back to Top
To
convert a CD track into an MP3 file:
(adapted from the iTunes Help Pages)
- Insert an audio CD into your Mac. After a moment, the
songs on the CD will be listed in the iTunes window.
- Click to remove the checkmark next to any songs you do
not want to convert.
- Click on the Import button at the top right of
the iTunes window to convert the checked CD tracks into
MP3s.
To cancel the imports, click on the small X ( )
next to the progress bar.
iTunes may play the songs as they are being imported. Click
on the Pause button to stop it from playing; the
import will continue.
- When all the songs have been imported, you can eject the
CD.
- By default, the MP3s are saved in the Macintosh HD>Users>Current
User indicated by the 'house' icon >Music> iTunes>iTunes
Music folder.
Back to Top
To convert
an aiff or wav file into an MP3 file:
You can also use iTunes to convert audio files on your hard
disk from AIFF or WAV format to the MP3 format.
- Under the Source menu on your iTunes
window, select Library.
- Drag the audio file into the song list window. It will
be copied there. Click on the filename once to highlight
it.
- From the Advanced menu, choose Convert.
- By default, the MP3s are saved in the Macintosh HD>Users>Current
User indicated by the 'house' icon >Music> iTunes>iTunes
Music folder.
Back to Top |
