PhatMac Help - Converting Files

It is important to note that iTunes supports several file-types that the PhatBox does not. Attempting to drag incompatible file-types into the PhatBox library will result in "incompatible file-type" error messages. This is a function of the PhatBox, not iTunes or PhatMac.

• MP3 files (file extensions: .mp3, .mpg, .mpeg and .mpe)
• Ogg Vorbis files (file extension: .ogg)
• Wave files (file extension: .wav)
• Flac files (file extensions: .flc and .flac)
• PhatNoise Audio Files (file extension: .pna)
• Apple (unprotected) AAC Files with PhatNoise AAC Plugin present (file extensions: .m4p and .aac)

Of these types, iTunes only supports Wave, MP3 and AAC files.

Users can rip their CDs as MP3 files, install the AAC plugin, or transcode (convert) the music files on the fly.

Upgrade or full purchase of the PhatNoise Music Manager 3.0 (for Windows) will entitle the user to license the AAC plugin. Please see the PhatNoise web-site for more information. With the plugin installed on the DMS, PhatMac will transfer (unprotected) AAC files to the DMS.

Users who have yet to import CDs onto their Mac, can be sure to import music in MP3 format:

• Start iTunes.
• Open the 'Preferences' window, and select the 'Importing' tab.
• Set 'Import Using' to 'MP3 Encoder'. (See screen-shot)
• Click 'OK' to close the 'Preferences' window with the new setting.

All music files (from imported CDs) will now be created as MP3 files.

For users who have already imported music using the "ACC Encoder" (and don't have the AAC plugin), the "AIFF Encoder" or the "Apple Lossless Encoder", PhatMac can convert those file-types to MP3. Converting music files from one format to another is also known as 'Transcoding'. This can be a slow process, and result in a reduction of sound quality - but this functionality is available to users who do not wish to (or cannot) re-import their entire music library as MP3.

The files will be converted as they are transferred from your Mac to the DMS Cartridge - which means that the original files will not be modified in any way.

Before using this feature it is necessary to download and install the MP3 Framework, and the MP3 Component for QuickTime; both of which are available here (note: you will need an active Internet connection in order to download the additional packages).

Once the framework and component have been correctly installed, you will be able to select Convert Incompatible Files (to MP3) along with a bit-rate, in PhatMac General Preferences. With this option selected, PhatMac will allow the following additional file types to be dragged into the PhatBox library:

• AIFF Files (file extensions: .aiff and .aif)
• ACC Files (file extension: .acc)
• Apple Lossless Encoder (file extension: .m4a)