How to Convert Files to MP3

While many compressed file formats are fighting for attention, MP3 is the reigning champion, and as such it is also the format that is most compatible with all personal music devices and computer based digital audio players. The main reason you will want to convert to MP3, however, is to save on space if storage space was unlimited, it would make more sense just to keep all files in an uncompressed format, because the quality would remain pristine. MP3 is "lossy" compression, so once the conversion is made you will not want to edit the audio file in any way, as this can increase otherwise imperceptible flaws brought about through the compression process.

There are many file converters available, with Apple's iTunes being a popular choice as it is freely downloadable, easy to use, and works on both Windows and Mac systems. In addition, iTunes is the intended software for use with iPods.

For audiophiles on a tight budget, CDex is a good choice for the Windows platform, and Audion works very well with all Mac versions. Both of these products are free, but remember, free software often does not come with technical support. While you can burn CDs from MP3 files, you will achieve better quality results if you use original WAV or AIFF files.

To convert files using iTunes, simply open the application and choose Edit then Preferences. Select the Advanced tab, and then select the Importing tab within the secondary window. Since you are converting to MP3, choose MP3 Encoder from the Import Using drop-down menu.

Select Custom from the Setting dropdown menu, the dialog box that appears will allow you to optimize settings in order to get the smallest files with the highest possible quality. The minimum Stereo Bit Rate you should consider for quality music files is 128kbps, this is just below CD quality and should be used when drive space is at a premium. 192kbps is a good setting for high quality MP3 files if storage is not as much of a consideration. Because the iTunes encoder allows Variable Bit Rate (VBR) encoding, 160kbps with VBR enabled is a good choice, this will ensure a minimum bitrate of 160kbps while VBR encoding will increase the bitrates slightly during more complex passages of music. As with bitrates, choose a VBR quality setting that corresponds to the amount of space you have available.

Auto settings for Sample Rate and Channels will suffice as long as your files were recorded properly, because this will duplicate the settings of the original file that should be stereo with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. Stereo Mode should remain at Normal, Joint Stereo is intended for lower quality files.

Deselect the Smart Encoding Adjustments checkbox unless you want iTunes to modify your settings based on your source audio. Filter Frequencies Below 10Hz can be checked, because this may eliminate some inaudible information from the audio file. When you are done, click OK.

Encoding will be faster if you do not play the songs while iTunes is importing them. Do not let iTunes create filenames on its own if you have already painstakingly devised a long, detailed filename for each track as they may be truncated, this can be a useful setting if you are importing directly from CD, however. Speaking of which, if you experience digital "pops" or glitches in the resulting MP3 files when converting directly from CD, enable Error Correction in this window. Click OK when you are done modifying your settings.

Next, create a new playlist by choosing File > New Playlist, normally you will want to name it after the artist name and the album title. Navigate to the folder containing your original audio files and select all of the files that you want to convert. If the playlist is selected, drag the files onto the empty iTunes window and to ensure that they end up in the correct playlist and drop them onto the playlist's title in the window on the left. Every file should now appear in your iTunes window. Select them all and choose Advanced > Convert Selection to MP3. The files will be converted and saved in the iTunes folder specified under Edit > Preferences > Advanced > General.