Sonicstage Won't Convert Mp3s

[cookie365]

Hi all

I'm using SonicStage 2.1 with a Network Walkman E-99 (not minidisc).

I'm converting mp3s but every now and then SonicStage refuses to convert an mp3. It gives an error message:

Cannot convert the specified track.

SonicStage does not support the file format of the track.

But the file is an mp3, SS has no problem actually playing it. There are no DRM issues; if I right click and choose properties there's proper track info, the rights info panel shows playback restrictions as none, remaining playback count unlimited, remaining transfer count unlimited.

I can transfer it through the separate mp3 manager software, but this is a pain as you can't have both MP3M and SS running at the same time. I can also convert through SS if I re-encode through someithing like dBpowerAMP, but that can't be good for the sound quality! They're not variable bit rate files or anything fancy like that, just oridinary mp3s which, as I say, SS understands enough to be able to play if not convert !

Edit: I tried to upgrade to 2.3 (this seems to be the highest version for net walkmans) but got the same problem and 2.3 wasn't as stable so I've dropped back to 2.1

Can anyone explain what the problem is?

Thanks

Edited April 9, 2005 by cookie365

[Syrius]

It sounds like these are Variable Bitrate MP3. Try converting them into CBR and then import. Also make sure they aren't higher than 320Kbps.

[cookie365]

It sounds like these are Variable Bitrate MP3. Try converting them into CBR and then import. Also make sure they aren't higher than 320Kbps.

←

Thanks Syrius; I'll do that. It's a bit frustrating that SS can understand what's in the files enough to play them but not enough to convert them to ATRAC !!!

Typical Sony: gorgeous hardware, dismal software .................. !!

[spuzy]

i have the same problem but with the new ss 3 (with the mp3 plugin installed)

Any tips because i really don't know what to do ....

[cookie365]

i have the same problem but with the new ss 3 (with the mp3 plugin installed)

Any tips because i really don't know what to do ....

←

I use dBpowerAMP Music Converter for converting between various mp3 formats, wma, ogg, wav, that kind of thing.

You can encode mp3s for a month then you need to buy the $14 powerpack or download an alternative free encoder from Codec Central.

[dex Otaku]

This might not be a VBR issue.

There are some MP3 files that, regardless of what system codec I've had installed, and regardless of the fact that SS can -play- them on te computer, SS converts as nothing but silence.

There appears to be no consistency to it whatsoever. I have had 320kbps CBR files made by the same encoder both work and not work when converting with SS.

The usual way I use around this is to make a CD layout in Nero, write it to a disc image, mount the image, and then copy it using Simple Burner.

This may seem like a lot of work, but in fact only takes a couple of minutes.

I always do this with whole albums, too, which means SB finds the tags on CDDB without and difficulty. It doesn't maintain gapless playback though, as the source were MP3 files.

[cookie365]

This might not be a VBR issue.

There are some MP3 files that, regardless of what system codec I've had installed, and regardless of the fact that SS can -play- them on te computer, SS converts as nothing but silence.

There appears to be no consistency to it whatsoever.  I have had 320kbps CBR files made by the same encoder both work and not work when converting with SS.

The usual way I use around this is to make a CD layout in Nero, write it to a disc image, mount the image, and then copy it using Simple Burner.

This may seem like a lot of work, but in fact only takes a couple of minutes.

I always do this with whole albums, too, which means SB finds the tags on CDDB without and difficulty.  It doesn't maintain gapless playback though, as the source were MP3 files.

←

thanks dex otaku; sounds more hassle than just making a note of them then closing SS and importing via MP3 Manager though !!