As I understand it, and I could be wrong, Apple's AAC format -- not the DRM-wrapped version used for 
tunes bought at iTunes, we're talking the default encode format of iTunes -- is either MP4 or a very 
close varient. SoundForge won't do it, correct. I know there are some alleged advantages to AAC, 
such as allegedly better sound quality at same file size, but I set all my iTunes software to rip to 
MP3 from the get-go. 256kbps MP3, although I had it set early for 192 (I can hear a little bit less 
digi-deadening at 256K if the iPod is played back over decent sized speakers with a big amp, cannot 
tell a bit of difference in the car or over earbuds).

If you're ripping to WAV, you can save a bit of disc space using Apple Lossless Format (ALF), but 
you're again stuck with an Apple-proprietary format.

I have been surprised that SoundForge, Sony Acid and Sony Vegas did not embrace the Apple audio 
formats since so much raw material, especially for Acid and Vegas, is liable to come from the Apple 
world. Sony is pretty dysfunctional so I guess this shouldn't surprise me too much, but then again 
Sony and Apple used to have a very close relationship back in ye dayes.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Tyler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 10:59 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] MP3 player for public


> iTunes software is the best song management software I've encountered.  On my desktop machine I 
> have the default set to .wav.  If I fip songs from a CD, that's the format they'll be converted 
> to.  I've loaded mp3s, iPod proprietary files and other file formats into iTunes.  They stay as 
> they are, unless I right click and ask iTunes to convert them to the default.  But I don't have an 
> iPod connected my desktop.
>
> I do have an iPod, that I use a lot in teaching.  It's synched with the iTunes on my laptop.  The 
> default there is set for the iPod proprietary format.  It's easy for me to the move a folder from 
> my desktop iTunes to my laptop and convert in to a smaller format.  I don't like moving in the 
> other direction, but if I plan well, I don't have to.
>
> I'm thinking of changing all my iPod files over to .mp3, so that I can load them into Sound Ford 
> for editing.  The proprietary format is untouchable.
>
> Paul
>
> "Steven C. Barr(x)" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tom Fine"
>> Well, there is a reason the iPod is far and away the best selling digital
> music player -- ease of
>> use and user-friendly interface. You'd be hard pressed to find a better
> interface, although someone
>> probably makes a specialized player of some sort for institutional purposes.
> I've seen specialized
>> CD players in museums -- the covers are locked and they are ruggedized and
> offer only play and stop
>> buttons, covered in rubber so slimy little fingers can't break them. Someone
> must make a similar MP3
>> player.
>>
>> Another idea -- seek out an Apple refurb or recycling place in Europe. You
> might find a load of iPod
>> Mini or even an early Nano for very cheap. A Nano might be your ideal choice
> because it's got
>> solid-state memory, not a hard drive, and will thus last longer under constant
> jarring.
>>
> The problem with genuine Apple iPods is that they use a proprietary sound-file
> format. I don't kmow if they can convert other more common formats (i.e.
> CD, .wav, .mp3, usw.)...but I do know that material intended for the iPod
> can't be played by anything else (there may be Apple-built exceptions...?)
>
> One can also buy "MP3 players," which act much the same as iPods but use
> more accessible file format...
>
> Steven C. Barr
>