need format help!!!

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 03:54 (GMT) Post subject: need format help!!!

As a newbie to this type of media, but not new to acting, modeling, etc., I REALLY would appreciate the help. Just got new laptop with Windows Vista, and up & running with my new microphone and just answered a lead, and actually think it sounds really good, but when I tried to submit it, it said it had a problem uploading my demo. I am not sure how to convert my .wma or .wav file to an mp3 file. PLEASE PLEASE help! So anxious to get started!!!
Thanks! Annie

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 04:13 (GMT) Post subject: Annie Get Your Converter

This, Annie, is not my strength. It borders on techno-stuff, which makes my eyes go crossed and gives me headaches.
But methinks you need software to convert the WAV to MP3.
You'll need that anyway to answer leads.
There are free demo uploads on the web.
Let Google be your friend tonight....
Convert On!

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 04:56 (GMT) Post subject: will convert on!

Thank you so much for the reply! ME thinks this night will be spent in techno / geek wantabe land! Wish me luck!
Annie

Annie Rosenblatt

Okay, so far, I have figured out that I have to purchase/download a converter program to convert my wma/wav files to mp3 which seems to be the most preferred format for submission. Does anyone have a quick suggestion as to a product compatible with my new Windows Vista program so I don't have to spend ALL my time trying to find out online since at this time (10:40 pm Vegas time), getting an answer is going to be almost impossible, and I really don't want to wait! PLEASE help. I fear downloading/purchasing one that says compatible to Windows XP might not mean all will be okay. At this point, I have waited ONE YEAR to start working due to all kinds of obstacles, and now that I am sitting here, actually recording my voice on my new system, I am NOT picky, and will download any program anyone with any knowledge recommends. AGAIN, THANK YOU SOO MUCH! Annie (a.k.a. anxious in Vegas) Embarassed

WOW ROBERT WHAT A VOICE YOU HAVE!!

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 13:03 (GMT) Post subject:

OK, OK...this lifevest is late.
But even voicers sleep.
There's a host of programs...an avalanche.
Just check that its compatible with Vista and download.
I use Xilisoft, which is simple and effective. I believe there's a free sample trial download. Try their WMA Converter 2.158.0811.
Viva Vegas On!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 18:07 (GMT) Post subject:

To get you going for free, download CDEX.

http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/

A better but more technical solution is the Lame encoder...

http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~raa110/audacity/lame.html

The best solution for free is to download Audacity AND the Lame encoder to go with it...

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

If you doiwnload Audacity and the Lame encoder, I can walk you through getting them to work together. And... it's all free stuff.

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 18:41 (GMT) Post subject: format help

Wow, Colin, Thank you so much. Okay, I am at the Audacity download site, and due to the extreme warnings about the new 1.3.2 Beta instability of the current download, I am downloading the 1.2.6 and also the LAME as per your recommendations. What would be the best time and the best way to get in touch to take you up on your offer of assistance to show me how they work together? Soooo appreciated! Annie

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 18:59 (GMT) Post subject:

I thnk we can do it here. It might help others. Download and install Audacity, that's pretty straight forward. Just follow the prompts and take the defaults.

Next, download LAME and REMEMBER WHERE YOU PUT IT! If I remember right it is a .zip file so you will have to extract the files to a folder. Make a special folder for it so you KNOW where you extracted it to.

I made a folder for Lame here... C:\Program Files\Audacity\Lame

Let's get that far and we'll continue.

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 19:53 (GMT) Post subject:

Okay Colin.....
All seems to be loaded, but we'll see. As Audacity will not import my wma or wav audio file from Windows Media Player to then change into an MP3 format (which WAS the whole point anyway), I will re-record my audition and submit it using just audacity and see if it goes through that way. There's always room for improvement!! Thank you again so much for the advice!! Wish me luck, 'cause God knows I'll need it! It's been so nice, being the newbie and all, to experience such nice people willing to help, unlike other acting/singing/etc auditions where everybody IS truly out for themselves. I only hope I can start to get some work. I am going to have to find out how to get some good demos made up like those I've listened to of people on this site, WOW, they are awesome.
Annie

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 19:58 (GMT) Post subject:

You CAN load a .wav file into Audacity just fine. Then go to FILE - EXPORT AS .MP3. The first time you do this, Audacity will ask where the Lame encoder files are, that's why I wanted you to remember where you put them. You have to tell Audacity where to find Lame. Once it knows, it won't bother you again about it.

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 20:05 (GMT) Post subject:

Yes, it found the lame file just fine, but when I tried to import a wav file to convert to an mp3 file, it said due to patent restrictions, Audacity could not open a Windows Media Player file. Don't know if this is because I am using the newer, higher safety version of Windows VISTA or not, but that's okay. As long as I can now record my voice as MP3, upload and submit my auditions, I am happy. And again, thank you so much!
Annie

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 20:30 (GMT) Post subject:

Ah.... that's silly DRM in the Windows stuff. YES, just record with Audacity and the EXPORT AS .MP3 from now on and you'll be fine.

Freddie Molina · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007, 23:20 (GMT) Post subject: Re: need format help!!!

Annie Rosenblatt · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007, 00:40 (GMT) Post subject: AArrgh

Please Help. I've tried so many times, and the only place I keep getting stuck is when It asks me to save the LAME file into Audacity and then you go into Audacity into Edit, Preferences, File Format, Find Library, and then it is supposed to find the lame_enc.dll file, but it cannot, even though that is where I saved it when downloading. I have done and re-done this at least a dozen times to no avail. I am beat and so deflated. What am I doing wrong????? Please help, and again, Thank you so much.
Annie

Freddie Molina · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007, 15:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Annie,

Let´s try it from the beginning: The file you need to download is below.

Save the file on to your hard drive (an easy to find folder), open the audacity and record a few seconds.
Go to file and export as Mp3, save the file, the program will request to locate the lame encoder, browse and select the file: lame_enc.dll

That should work.