mp3 files that won't convert to AIFF

I recently purchased some backing tracks (kareoke) as mp3 file downloads and tried to use them in a Logic Express 7.0 project. I opened an audio window and tried to "add audio file". It allowed me to select the file but when I clicked "Done" it would not appear in the audio window and therefore I could not "add it" to the arrange window. I've tried everything I can to "pre-convert" the file in iTunes, unlock the file, etc. but it doesn't appear in the audio window. The "Get Info" says it is an .mp3 file generated with v2.3 as joint stereo. Can anyone out there help me? I thought it was automatically supposed to convert to AIFF and appear in the Audio Window...

Many thanks in advance,

Bruce

Mac G4, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Jun 21, 2009 10:06 PM

21 replies

Jun 25, 2009 7:19 PM in response to Caramby

Well, still no luck. First, opened Logic Express (7.0.1) and with the new file a new tried to find and turn on the universal track mode as you suggested (pref>audio>devices>core>universal track mode) - couldn't find it - got as far as pref>audio but there was no "devices" tab or window - looked everywhere...maybe a difference between LE 7.0.1 and what you are using?

Anyway, had tried previously to "drag and drop", but tried again: same error message as before - it sets up a little window which looks like it's trying to load but immediately a second window pops up that says: "A#A9FDD.aif - what kind of file is this?" - and there is a single button on it that says (abort) - when nothing seems to be happening after a minute or two, what can you due but hit abort and it all returns to "normal" -nothing having happened.

At least my software/system is still misbehaving, so either it's a software difference orsomething magically happened to the file when I compressed it and sent it to you and you uncompressed it at your end...any last thoughts before I "strike and key to continue" (i.e. the frustrated end used with a sledge hammer standing over his computer...) - other than the "Wiretap" suggestion? (I've loaded similar files before and the demo tracks, so I am assuming the software is working as it should and that its something in the file it doesn't like -

Anyway, you've been extraordinarily kind and generous - your last thoughts about this code would be appreciated if you know how to find out what it means - maybe there is a solution - otherwise, I promise to end this suffering!

With best regards,

Bruce

Jun 25, 2009 7:47 PM in response to neophyte112358

Just to be absolutely accurate - the Error message reads: "Simon & Garfunkel - A#A9FDD.aif - what kind of file is this?" and if I try it with other files from the same collection the message is the same but the code number is different but always the same kind of string something like: #___D
Just thought it might mean something to you (e.g. that there is a file name or something this version of the software doesn't like - )

Thanks again for all your help,

Bruce

Caramby

Level 4

1,523 points

Jun 26, 2009 3:51 AM in response to neophyte112358

+"Simon & Garfunkel - A#A9FDD.aif - what kind of file is this?"+

This is the same filename that I got after I imported your MP3 into Logic; it refers not to the MP3 itself, but the converted AIFF.

IOW, Logic has converted the MP3 into an AIFF, but then it is throwing a wobbler. This means the problem is slightly different from what we were expecting, but we are a bit further along.

The new problem could be stated like this:

*Why do you get the "what kind of file is this?" error message after Logic has converted your MP3?*

Since I've waffled on for ages taking you down the wrong route, this discussion has got quite long now so although I don't think you should give up by any means, it might be better to start afresh with a new question.

_A quick review:_

• You purchased some MP3s which are not DRM protected
• They have been imported & edited successfully into someone else's copy of Logic Pro 8
• When you try to do the same in Logic Express 7, the file appears to be automatically converted to AIFF (as expected), but presumably not properly — because you get the above error message.

It sounds like the conversion process may be dodgy.

You could send me all the files & I could convert them for you & return the AIFFs, but that would not solve the long-term issue of there being 'something wrong' with your application. That is the problem which needs to be resolved.

Caramby

Level 4

1,523 points

Jun 26, 2009 3:54 AM in response to Caramby

One quick possibility: perhaps Logic Express is choking on the filename. It is either using an algorithm to generate its own names for converted files, or it is trying to read the name from the tags in the MP3. You could try changing the name of the MP3 in the Finder, or even better, edit the tags (in iTunes, e.g.) to prevent this happening. Then try importing the renamed, re-tagged MP3.

Jun 26, 2009 12:10 PM in response to Caramby

Tom,

That was it - you're a genius! I shortened the title and it imported just fine. Must be that LE 7 can only handle so many characters in the name whereas Logic 8 is capable of handling more. We can consider it solved. To make it easier for anyone else to follow the question/answer is it possible to "trim" the in between exchanges and jump to the "finale" - if so feel free. Thanks so much for your unswerving commitment to solving my problem! Best regards, Bruce

Jun 26, 2009 12:11 PM in response to neophyte112358

Tom,

Again many thanks for all your help and time!

Bruce

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mp3 files that won't convert to AIFF