Question on converting mp3 to aiff file format

carternj · Post by **carternj** » Mon May 07, 2007 3:21 am

I currently have all music that I use in Ableton in mp3 format. I would now like to convert these files to aiff format. How do I do this? Can this be done in Ableton?

Secondly I don't want to have to re-warp all my tracks again so is there a way of keeping the warp-markers in place.

Thanks in advance

Neil

longjohns · Post by **longjohns** » Mon May 07, 2007 2:41 pm

For starters, have a look in the decoding cache. Live converts all mp3's to .aiff / .wav whenever it plays one. I assume you could copy them out of there.

But it would be easy to convert the whole mess in some other program - itunes etc...

You could try loading an mp3 into live, finding the corresponding .aiff in the cache, copying it to a permanent location, and using the file manager to replace the original mp3 with the .aiff, in order to keep the markers.

One question is why do you want to do this?? Since they are all being decoded anyway, another way to go would be to increase your cache size until it can hold your entire collection. Same HD space either way, I'd think. (for the .aiff's - I know you'd have the mp3's on top of that too!)

How many files are you talking about?

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Mon May 07, 2007 3:05 pm

Also, I've found that when doing this, not all of the ASD files will transfer correctly, so you might need to rewarp (some of) them.

I'd say a good way to try this would be to:

- Open the MP3 file as usual in Live. In the clip properties, replace the file with the decoded wav version in the decoding cache.

- Save the clip with the clip save button, as this will make it reference the wav in the decoding cache.

- COPY both the wav file and ASD file from the decoding cache to somewhere else on your HD, then try and reopen those from live's browser.

- double check the warp markers are correct. You might need to shift them all forward or back slightly.

Long winded, but it's the best option I can think of if you don't want to rewarp.

nebulae · Post by **nebulae** » Mon May 07, 2007 3:12 pm

+1 for Tarekith's process.

xXxEVILxXx · Post by **xXxEVILxXx** » Mon May 07, 2007 8:10 pm

hey i got a question that can fit in here...

i have a bunch of mp3s that i really want to play with and cut up while playing live with some of my stuff...

so my questions is:

should i just drop those mp3s into live and just start cuttin it up, warping, etc.?, or...

should i convert it to an .aiff, BEFORE i drop it into live?

i know i can convert mp3s to .aiffs using peak, i'm just wondering if it's worth the effort. especially if i'm going to be playing on a big PA...