How to convert stereo to mono?

Question

Level 1

4 points

How to convert stereo to mono?

First of all, I'm sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place, but I couldn't find any other sub-forum that was more appropriated.

I have a bunch of mp3 stereo files that I want to downsize. I'd like to make them mono and maybe lower their bitrate.

I'd like to know if there is a way to do that inside mac os X or if I have to use a specific software. If so, what soft do that better?

Thanks
Adriano

iMac 2.66 GHz 2 GB, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Jun 14, 2009 7:20 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 14, 2009 7:42 AM in response to cowpox

You can do it with iTunes. In its "General" preference, click "Import Settings", set "Import Using" to MP3 Encoder", set "Setting" to "Custom", set "Channels" to "Mono", and set the desired bit rate or quality.

Hold down Option and use "Convert to MP3" from the "Advanced" menu to select the files to convert. You can select multiple files using the Shift or Command keys.

The resulting files will be in the iTunes library. You can right-click and use
"Get Info" to find their location on the hard drive if you want to move them.

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Answer 2

cowpox Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 14, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks for your reply. But assuming my files are already in iTunes Library (only a reference, cause I keep my files in another directory and don't use the option to copy the files to the library), how can I do that without messing up with my file structure?

Thanks again
Adriano

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Answer 3

Jun 14, 2009 2:18 PM in response to cowpox

If the file is already in the iTunes library, it will create a new file, in the same folder, with " 1" appended to the name. i.e. a stereo file "a.mp3" will generate "a 1.mp3". The original file is unchanged.

For files already in iTunes, you don't need to press Option when using the "Advanced" menu. Just select the files in iTunes (using the Command or Shift keys to select multiple files) and use "Create MP3 Version" from the "Advanced" menu.

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Answer 4

Jun 15, 2009 12:07 AM in response to cowpox

When you change "Input Settings" to "MP3", that will change to "Create MP3 Version". It doesn't make any difference what format the files are in currently.

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Answer 5

cowpox Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 14, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

As my files are already in mp3 format I can't get the "Create MP3 Version"...only the "Create AAC Version"...any suggestions?

thanks
Adriano

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Answer 6

cowpox Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 15, 2009 8:09 AM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

It worked like a charm. Thanks for your help. Now I can do my converting job without any additional software. Thanks again.

Adriano

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