How to Reduce Audio File Size

Discussion in 'Audio' started by katydidit, Apr 30, 2008.

  1. katydidit

    katydidit Member

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    Hi Forum Members:

    I have several large radio show files, e.g. 77 MB (128 kbps and about 1 1/2 hours) in mp3 format (some are in wma or m4a).

    How can I reduce the size without losing quality. Is there a program that would reduce the size or cut the program into smaller parts?

    If I need another program to do this, it would be nice if it had other features, e.g. converting formats, etc.

    Appreciate the help, katydidit
     
    katydidit, Apr 30, 2008
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  2. olyteddy

    olyteddy Regular member

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    You can use MP3 DirectCut on the MP3 files. It can chop them up without reencoding. IDK about the other formats.
     
    olyteddy, May 1, 2008
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  3. katydidit

    katydidit Member

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    Hi Olyteddy:

    Thanks for the input re mp3DirectCut. I've downloaded the software and it looks straightforward, however, I can't figure out how to chop my files.

    I can bring a file into the main menu. Next, I've tried using the scroll where you drag across the file and highlight in blue-green (I can't seem to drag it across the sections I want)... then what do you do? I should be able to highlight the sections I want and then just "save as".

    May be I'm missing something here.
    The manual is basically a map of terms and not actual instructions on how to use it.

    The forum is in German.

    Appreciate the help,
     
    katydidit, May 2, 2008
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  4. Mez

    Mez Active member

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    You can convert to a vbr mp3. That has the most compression of the lossy formats. Did you tape these from the radio? If so what kind AM/FM/HD FM? HD FM is only 90 BR, AM is only 50. You should not hear the difference between 70 VBR and 90 BR becuase the routine is much more sophisticated in what it saves. You used a way too high bit rate. If you record 70 BR FM radio at 320 BR it is still only 70 BR but takes up the space of 320 BR. If it is mostly voice you can easily go to 50 VBR and not hear the difference.
     
    Mez, May 9, 2008
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  5. olyteddy

    olyteddy Regular member

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    My version has a help file and Tutorial with it. Click on the '?' on the menu bar. If yours doesn't, several ways you can do it.
    1) Highlight the selection you want to get rid of and hit the 'Delete' key. Repeat if needed and then File -> Save All.
    2) Highlight the section you want to keep and File -> Save Selection.
    3) For multiple segments, move the cursor to the split point; click on 'Set begin', 'Set end' and 'Cut' buttons (in that order); move to next cut point and repeat the three clicks...(Repeat until you've marked all the sections you want to cut it into)..., File -> Save Split and it'll save all the cuts as different files.
     
    olyteddy, May 9, 2008
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  6. katydidit

    katydidit Member

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    Hi Mez and Olyteddy:

    Thanks for the help. Originals are usually from tape reels then to mp3s. Most of the programs, if done properly, are in quite good shape. You will get the odd one that has a lot hissing and popping. I haven't tried to clean those up as yet. That's next on the list to learn.

    Thanks for the instructions with mp3 directcut. I was not doing it in the correct order and that's why I was having problems.

    thanks so much for the direction,

    katydidit
     
    katydidit, May 9, 2008
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