Reducing song file size AFTER importing

Question

Level 2

411 points

Reducing song file size AFTER importing

I now realize that I should have used the iTunes preferences to set the import file type and the quality setting BEFORE importing songs. However, I now have over 170 songs in my iTunes library, and I would like to be able to reduce the file sizes for those songs. I will change the iTunes settings before importing any more songs, but I would like to be able to reduce the sizes of those files that I have already imported. Some of them are as large as 6 MB, while most of them are around 3 MB. Both are too big. Is there any way to take care of this problem? I am particularly concerned about those songs that I imported from the iTunes store after paying for them. Songs that I imported from my CDs can be done over, but I don't want lose the money that I have invested on those songs that I bought from iTunes.

iMac DV (Special Edition) Mac OS X (10.3.9)

iMac DV (Special Edition) Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Jun 2, 2006 12:22 AM

Reply

Answer 1

macmenno

Level 6

10,080 points

Jun 2, 2006 3:21 AM in response to Niku

Songs purchased at the iTMS come only in 128 kbps Protected AAC (file extension .m4p).
DRM (Digital Rights Management) prevents converting into another format.
128 kbps results in files taking up about 1 MB/minute.

If you are very restricted in HD-space, you could re-rip your CDs in 96 kbps AAC using VBR. This will result in smaller files with (probably) acceptable audio quality. Of course you can use even lower settings, but this will reduce the audio quality even more. If your only purpose is, to play back those songs on your computer, experiment with various settings and see (hear) what is acceptable for you.

M

Reply

Answer 2

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jun 2, 2006 6:39 AM in response to macmenno

Your answer reverses the usual order: it starts out with the bad news but then finishes with the good news...I think. I guess you're saying that nothing can be done with the songs I have purchased from iTunes. With them, I'm stuck with 3 MB for the usual 3-minute song. Well, so much for iTunes, then. I'll certainly never buy any more songs from them. That IS bad news. On the other hand, I think you're saying that I CAN convert songs I obtain from my CDs to smaller bundles. I used to do that quite routinely when I was in OS 9, but I'm not sure of how to do it now that I'm using OS 10.3.9. I hope it's not much more difficult, but I'll just have to see. Anyway, thanks for the information. Now I have to study OS 10 and the latest version of iTunes.

iMac DV (Special Edition) Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Reply

Answer 3

juhs10

Level 1

96 points

Jun 2, 2006 9:18 AM in response to Niku

If you go to your itunes preferences you can change the settings for importing. Lots of custom choices. If you want small file sizes I'd suggest the .mp3 format at 128 bitrate.

Reply

Answer 4

macmenno

Level 6

10,080 points

Jun 2, 2006 2:21 PM in response to Niku

Converting can be done quite easy with iTunes.
Select the encoder and desired bit rate in Preferences>Advanced>Importing, then select the songs to convert and choose 'Convert Selection to xxx' from the Advanced menu in the menubar.
iTunes will then create copies in the chosen format. After that, you can delete the originals.
I suggested 96 kbps AAC VBR, because it will retain a reasonable audio quality.
Of course you can go as low as 16 kbps, but the lower the bit rate, the lower the audio quality.
All 'lossy' compression techniques (MP3, AAC) throw away parts of the original audio information, which never can be get back on decompression.
You will notice this first by the lack of higher frequencies.

M

Reply

Answer 5

Niku Author

Level 2

411 points

Jun 2, 2006 2:43 PM in response to macmenno

macmenno,

That's the most positive thing I've read. Other places say that the files that iTunes downloads to its customers CAN'T be changed into other formats, and that the reason they do this is to protect the copyrights of the artists and the recording industry. I have no objection to this. Frankly, I think it's shameful and disgusting that the recording industry has been brought to its knees by widespread pirating. In any event, I am not planning to resell or even give away the songs I buy from iTunes. I just want to be able to reduce their size.

Reply