Converting Audible to mp3

[Inaudible]

Hi...

I found some posts about how dbPowerAmp music converter could convert audible files to mp3, so I got a trial copy. I was able to convert a couple of files but one thing I noticed was that the Audible files are incredibly compressed compared to the mp3.

The audible files come in mono, 22050 mhz frequency and 32 kbps (according to iTunes info) but they still sound pretty good. I tried converting them to mp3 several times over, but unless I was doing at least 80kbps (usually 96) on the lame encoder the result was noticably lower quality. The 32kbps lame setting was almost unlistenable.

The converted output, as a result, ends up being about 3x the size. Does audible have a kick-ass compression algorithm, is something lost in the conversion, or is the lame encoder not doing as well as it might?

Just curious.

Thanks
_Mark

[ChristinaS]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

The mp3 format isn't as good at lower bitrates as would be the wma format.
I dont' know how that stacks up again audible though.

I know wma at 32kbps, unless you need hi-fi, is quite decent, and comparable to mp3 at 64kbps.

I suspect though you need to manage the frquency as well.

At low bitrate a lower frquency is better. If you converted to mp3 at 44.1KHz and low bitrate that would sound worse than if you kept the frequency at 22Khz for instance.

[bowenaero]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

im having problems converting my audible book to mp3 or wma. i select a file & click convert and i get an error message "The CODEC required to decompress 'D:\books\audible\ShadowDiversUnabridgedPart1_mp33 2_bowenaero.aa' could not be opened.
DirectShow filter for '.aa' not installed, or Audio File Corrupt.". ive checked dmc config under decoders tab and it has directshow .aa files. am i missing a .dll or something??

thanx

ps ive tried dragging from audible manager with the same results.

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

Did you follow the instructions here: http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?t=8981

[goldbugs]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

I am having the same problem after wiping out my pc and reinstalling the operating system. I did not save an older version of audibles software. I think that this is the problem. I did not get this error with the older version of the software. Does anybody have the old software that I could have?

thanks!

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

Did you find a Win98 version of the software that is the old version?

[goldbugs]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

i have not found audible manager before 5.1. it is this version that is the problem, i believe.

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

You tried the Win98/ME version and it was the wrong version?

[goldbugs]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

from audible? the only version they have is 5.1. maybe i don't understand what you mean.

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

The Windows 98/ME version of the Audible Manager is 4.0 Did you try downloading and installing it?

[Tomb]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

The 98/ME version of the manager has been removed from the UK site. Has anyone got a copy?

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

Why not just try the US site: http://www.audible.com/software/

[goldbugs]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

you can only get the newest software from audible.com/software

[LtData]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

Under Audible Manager, click the "Windows 98/ME" button, NOT the "Windows 2000/XP button. In fact, just download this: http://download.audible.com/AM36/ActiveSetupDelGp.exe

[Tomb]

Re: Converting Audible to mp3

Thanks but sadly no longer available. If someone has a copy can I have it and I will host somewhere.

EDIT: It's back up now but is only a web install package. There used to be a full file but I sadly no longer have it.