MP3 Files

[Mz Destiny]

I have an mp3 project that is 1:04 minutes too long that I need to shave down to fit onto a CD that I need to make. My software won't allow me to start burning the CD until I get the file size of the project down to fit an 80-minute CD.

Here is my question for the digital music experts out there...is there a way that I can "shave down" an mp3 file so I can finish my project?

If there is a way, what software can I use to accomplish this task? I currently have Windows Media Player, Musicmatch and Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic installed on my system to work with. Are there any other software programs out there that I can download that are specifically made to manipulate mp3 files?

Thanks for your help!!!

[jonsagara]

Assuming the current bitrate of your songs is greater than 128 kbps, you can rip the songs at a smaller bitrate if you have the original CDs. If you don't have the CDs, you can look on your favorite file-swapping program for 128 kbps versions of your songs.

If the bitrate of your songs is already 128 kbps, then you don't have many options. If you go any lower, the sound will start to suffer.

FYI:

Higher bitrate = better sound quality = bigger file size
Lower bitrate = lower sound quality = smaller file size

Both Winamp and Windows Media Player 9 display the bitrate whenever a song is playing.

[KSig RC]

actually, ripping to a lower bitrate will make the physical size of the song smaller, but the CD player is automatically converting the .wav format, which is sized essentially by length of the file.

You can most certianly 'shave away' part of the song - but you'll need to directly edit the audio. Programs like Sound Forge or Cool Edit can do this - just like a 10-page Word document, you can just delete the last 1:04 or whatever you need.

Also - check to see if your CD burner supports "overburning", and then check CD Creator's options and try to turn overburning on. Oftentimes, a CD can hold a little more than the advertised 80 min; in the 'olden days' this could be up to 3 min of extra space. Either way, though, it will allow you to burn to the end of the surface, and will cut off the rest for you. That would be the easiest way - I know older versions of Nero would allow this option, but I haven't tried it recently or on any other software.

Hope that helps.

[Mz Destiny]

Actually, I found a great FREE program download called MP3DirectCut. It allowed me to edit the MP3 file, and even add fade ins/fade outs. And the best thing is- no sound quality is sacrificed!