I lost the ability to choose a bit rate for AAC converter, how do I get it back?

Question

Level 1

8 points

I lost the ability to choose a bit rate for AAC converter, how do I get it back?

I have been importing music for years, know all the ins and outs. 3 days ago, my import settings did not allow me the option to choose a bit rate for AAC files. (usually import at 192 kps, decided to change to 320kps) The converter allows me to choose the bit rates and any other options for mp3, wav, applelossless, etc, but will not offer options for AAC. it has the 3 presets, but for custom it is locked at 256kps. I hit the custom drop down window and nothing happens, this is where the choices were and now the system does not open the AAC converter window to chose. This was working fine for years and now it won't allow me the option. I have re-installed several times, nothing. Used disk utility to repair permissions, nothing. What is going on with something so simple? please help!

imac duo core, Mac OS X (10.7.1), 3.06 g proc, 4g ram

Posted on Nov 19, 2018 10:41 PM

Reply

Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,590 points

Nov 21, 2018 3:02 PM in response to TheBigMoe

Moe, I agree it looks like a bug. Here are suggestions:

There was an old thread where checking or unchecking the VBR box or the HE box made a difference in the availability in the Custom settings. Pls give it a try.

If no joy, rip as Apple Lossless. You will have good lossless copies in your library, and in a future release when the Custom settings are functional, you can create AAC/320 copies from the Apple Lossless versions.

Reply

Answer 2

ed2345

Level 9

63,590 points

Nov 23, 2018 1:10 PM in response to TheBigMoe

TheBigMoe wrote:

Hey jasonmac,

Quick question for you:

if I use the AAC converter (import 320kbps on SNOW LEOPARD, 10.6) with current 2017/2018 remasters (Beatles, Eagles, Kate Bush, etc., yes, I'm an audiophile) and then add these files to my current library ( EL CAPITAN 10.11.6, iTunes 12.8.0.150) what difference, if any, would there in quality because it is an older program, ergo, more improvements in digital technology, etc. etc.?

Thank you for your time!

Moe

Hello Moe,

AFAIK, the AAC coding specs haven't changed in quite a few years. But the remastering does make a difference that many people notice and appreciate, so a rip starting from the remastered album should be better.

If you want to go full audiophile, look online for a better-than-CD version, which are sold with names such as "hi-res" or "hi def" or "master quality." For example:

http://www.hdtracks.com/the-beatles-white-album-deluxe

Reply

Answer 3

TheBigMoe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 20, 2018 8:05 PM in response to ed2345

Hey Ed,

Thank you for the reply.

That AAC converter window does not open, it has left me locked at 256kbps. I think it is more of a bug than anything else. I prefer AAC files to mp3 and there is no reason that I need to change other than the program not doing what it is supposed to do. How can I "reset" iTunes? reinstalling has had no affect on fixing/correcting the problem. I am about to do a clean install of the entire OS but that seems a bit extreme to repair "an option." And its possible that the bug won't go away with that....any other suggestions?

Moe

Reply

Answer 4

TheBigMoe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 21, 2018 3:02 PM in response to ed2345

jasonmac,

Thank you for your input and for agreeing it is a bug.

I have since tried an install AND a clean install (if its any matter, my recover drive was nonfunctional so the install repaired that...) and the bug is still there.

I am bummed that mac software has been so buggy as of late, I will have to use another system to customize my music, I have too many files to start changing now because of a bug...what a drag...

I will have to anticipate the next update to iTunes may correct my issue.

Thank you for your time.

Reply

Answer 5

TheBigMoe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 23, 2018 12:37 PM in response to TheBigMoe

Hey jasonmac,

Quick question for you:

if I use the AAC converter (import 320kbps on SNOW LEOPARD, 10.6) with current 2017/2018 remasters (Beatles, Eagles, Kate Bush, etc., yes, I'm an audiophile) and then add these files to my current library ( EL CAPITAN 10.11.6, iTunes 12.8.0.150) what difference, if any, would there in quality because it is an older program, ergo, more improvements in digital technology, etc. etc.?

Thank you for your time!

Moe

Reply

Answer 6

TheBigMoe Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 23, 2018 1:31 PM in response to ed2345

Thank you jasonmac!

I have the good, remastered CDs, it was the AAC files I was concerned about. I will just import them from my 10.6 system as 320kbps and dump them into my current library running in 10.11.6. Life will be fine, just slightly more tedious.

Thank you again!

The Moe

Reply

Answer 7

ed2345

Level 9

63,590 points

Nov 24, 2018 6:25 AM in response to TheBigMoe

I have the good, remastered CDs, it was the AAC files I was concerned about. I will just import them from my 10.6 system as 320kbps and dump them into my current library running in 10.11.6. Life will be fine, just slightly more tedious.

Thank you again!

The Moe

Moe - Enjoy the music! 🙂

Reply

Answer 8

ed2345

Level 9

63,590 points

Nov 21, 2018 3:02 PM in response to TheBigMoe

I hit the custom drop down window and nothing happens, this is where the choices were and now the system does not open the AAC converter window to chose.

Moe,

I am using iTunes 12.9.0, and the AAC custom menu is offering the usual choices of bitrates (see below), up to 320.

Not sure why you are not seeing the same. If in a pinch, use MP3/320, which has similar performance to AAC/320.

Reply

Answer 9

Nov 21, 2018 4:43 AM in response to ed2345

Reply

I lost the ability to choose a bit rate for AAC converter, how do I get it back?

Similar questions