Setting the default bitrate for the "Convert Format..." function

[Avrin]

The "Convert Format..." function in SonicStage is really useful. But I don't think that many of us are actually using the ATRAC3 132 kbit/s bitrate, which is always set by default when selecting this function. Turns out there is a registry parameter for the bitrate, but due to a bug in SonicStage, it is never written to (although always read from).

The parameter is called "Bitrate", is located in the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Sony Corporation\SonicStage\Import] key, and is a DWORD value, which specifies a bitrate in hexadecimal. If you go to this key, you'll see a hexadecimal number with a decimal number in brackets to the right of it. The decimal number shown is the actual bitrate with three trailing zeroes. Due to the bug, it is always set to 132000, which corresponds to ATRAC3 132 kbit/s.

With SonicStage closed, double click the "Bitrate" parameter name to open the edit window, set the Base radio button to the Decimal position, type the bitrate you need with three trailing zeroes (e.g., 256000 for ATRAC3plus 256 kbit/s), and press the OK button. Then start SonicStage and use the Convert Format... function. The bitrate you entered in the registry will now always be offered by default. To reset the parameter to the initial state (if you need to do so for any reason), enter 132000 decimal as the parameter value.

If you don't like to edit the registry directly, you may use the REG files from the two attached archives.

ATRAC3.zip

ATRAC3plus.zip

Edited July 30, 2008 by Avrin

[Strungup]

Avrin , you Russian you , it seems like you always have a cool inside tip on the MD front , good tip , keep it up . ( and I am on a Mac )

If you ever visit Japan look me up , We need a drink .

[sfbp]

The "Convert Format..." function in SonicStage is really useful. But I don't think that many of us are actually using the ATRAC3 132 kbit/s bitrate, which is always set by default when selecting this function.

LP2, right?

So you are saying that regardless of the dropdown box it always produces LP2?

If it's a bug, now I am interested. Seems like certain (other) operations in SS create LP2 when they shouldn't. I recall folks here saying that was a bug not a feature. Eg when transferring to SP via NetMD. "Fake SP" it has been referred to.

However maybe you just referred to the default which can be overridden by the dropdown menu, and the menu works provided that you set it every time. I'm not clear which....

[Avrin]

However maybe you just referred to the default which can be overridden by the dropdown menu, and the menu works provided that you set it every time.

This one. The menu works, but the last bitrate selection is not remembered due to the bug, so you have to select the required bitrate again each time you use this function. There shouldn't be any "default" setting actually. The program should remember the last selection, as it does for the "Import a CD" function.

And ATRAC3 132 kbit/s (LP2) in this case is just the initial value for the parameter, which is written to the registry during program installation and never changed since. Although the value in the registry should change each time you select a different bitrate.

Edited July 31, 2008 by Avrin