Built in Lame CODEC problem

[Joe Aiken]

I'm trying to convert 128kb MP3 files ripped by Winamp to a 40kb quality for storage and playback on my PDA.

When converting the files a 'The Codec required to compress the file could not be opened' error mesage appears.

Is this problem due to the conversion from and to the same format uses the same Codec? Would using a CLI codec for one of reading/writing work?

[xoas]

Re: Built in Lame CODEC problem

Lame controls allow you to request compression levels that the codec and/or your computer cannot handle and this seems very likely the cause for your error message. To compress in an mp3 format at a level as low as 40 kbs. you should use mp3pro. You can compress in mp3 pro in dBpowerAMP Music Converter using the mp3pro encoder codec (I would download the decoder as well) and you will need to download the (free) Thompson mp3pro Music Player. These xan be found in codec central.

I have to confess that I don't know whether or not you will be able to get decent playback of mp3pro files on your PDA. Perhaps another user has some experience or insight to offer here. As alternatives, you might try WMA or try mp3 at 64 kbs.

Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Bill Mikkelsen

[xoas]

Re: Built in Lame CODEC problem

Well the situation may be different than I had thought since I found I was able to convert to mp3 40 kbs (not that the results are what I look for in audio, but that's a separate issue). I'm using dMC r11 beta (probably beta 4, perhaps beta 5, but not the current beta-5a).

What you ,ight try instead is to convert your 128 kbs mp3 files to wav and then to 40 kbs. mp3. If this works as a trial, then I would recommend considering switching to the beta version of dMC.
Best wishes,
Bill Mikkelsen

[Joe Aiken]

Re: Built in Lame CODEC problem

I found that I was also reducing the sampling frequency and keeping that the same allowed the conversion to work perfectly.

Thanks for your help.

PS The 48 kbp quality (averaged) sounds fine on my PDA when I'm out walking the dog.

[xoas]

Re: Built in Lame CODEC problem

I found that I was also reducing the sampling frequency and keeping that the same allowed the conversion to work perfectly

Good eyes!!! Your solution is perfectly ok and kudos for figuring it out.
If you go to dMC Configuration (Start>All Programs>dBpowerAMP Music Converter>Configuration>dMC Configuration) and check the box towards the bottom right hand side of that window that reads "Professional Frequency Conversion", you should find that this will allow you to convert 128 kbs, 48 khz mp3 files to 40 (or whatever) kbs, 44.1 khz mp3 should you have a need to do so.
Professional Frequency Conversion is helpful when converting to a different frequency than the original but it is turned off by default because it slows down conversions when it is not needed.

PS The 48 kbp quality (averaged) sounds fine on my PDA when I'm out walking the dog

Good point. The type of quality you need for audio files does depend in part on both the equipment and the audio environment, as well as your own tastes.

Anyway, congratulations and best wishes,
Bill Mikkelsen