AIFF files change to MP3

Keycomps

I have created a FULL SET of around 25 songs which is now over 20GB as its using AIFF files exported from LOGIC X.

I wanted to replace these files with 320bps MP3 files to reduce the overall size of the ST3 backup and folder etc. My question is do I just go into ST3 and replace the existing files per song OR will the ST3 Multitrack Files still contain all the AIFF files also I don't want to just delete all and start again as I have done lots of work on the lyrics and Midi codes etc

Hope the question makes sense as wanted to check before I do all the MP3 conversions etc which will take some time of course

peter

As you changed the file format, you will have to replace the existing files with new files. Open the multitrack configuration page in Stage Traxx and tap on the file name. Then point it to the new file. All settings like track volume and certainly your lyrics and midi code will not be changed.

Keycomps

Hi Peter,

Yes I understand I'll have to change the files to the new MP3 but my question was will the original AIFF files still exist in the Storage of ST3 as tgis will defeat the object of me trying to reduce the BACKUP sizes etc.

Hope that makes sense appreciated your rompt reply.

AnthonyB

Keycomps The unused AIFF files will be removed and thus the size of your installation, and backup, will reduce accordingly.

You can go check the contents of your Stage Traxx 3\Multitrack-Files folder after you've replaced a set of AIFF files with MP3 on a song. I'm not sure how quickly ST3 does the house keeping for 'unlinked files', but I use unique file names (they include date stamps) with my multitrack songs and I've only ever found the currently linked files in the Multitrack-Files folder.

Out of curiosity, what triggered the desire to switch from AIFF to MP3? Was Scott Uhl's recent video on the topic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw_NwsMZnmY) involved?
Genuinely interested as I've been using 16-bit 48kHz WAV files from the outset. As my catalog of songs has grown, the overall size of the files is becoming unweildy on my iPad, moreso from a backup perspective, but eventually local storage will become an issue, and my backup iPad will be unusable. Definitely got me thinking about converting to 320kbps MP3.

@peter from a CPU performance perspective, have you been able to test/validate any performance differences between compressed and uncompressed files on an iPad with ST3, or ST4 dev (given it will support more tracks)? I imagine it will make little difference on a Mac given the CPUs in use there, so more interested in iPad performance impact.

peter

AnthonyB from a CPU performance perspective, have you been able to test/validate any performance differences between compressed and uncompressed files on an iPad with ST3, or ST4 dev (given it will support more tracks)? I imagine it will make little difference on a Mac given the CPUs in use there, so more interested in iPad performance impact.

The little bit more cpu that is needed to decode compressed audio is more than compensated by the fact that the data size needed to read is much smaller.

Keycomps Are you suggesting their maybe issues with MP3 files on iPad?

No, there are no issues related to compressed audio.

And regarding the old files: They are automatically deleted when you replace them the way I described.

Keycomps

Anthony

Thank you for your detailed reply thats very helpful.

Interestingly YES I'm looking at doing this because of storage on iPad etc and transfering backups etc its getting pretty large backup files over 20GB. I did indeed watch SCOTTs video but after I'd thought about converting due to size. I love Scotts videos and have bought various wireless iem transmitters etc hes reviewed and suggested.

@Peter : Are you suggesting their maybe issues with MP3 files on iPad? I obvioously dont want to spend hours converting the files to MP3 if issues on playback later?

AnthonyB

I had to update some of my backing tracks yesterday and so I decided to export both in 16bit 48kHz WAV and 320kbs MP3 to see if I could perceive any difference.

I couldn't (for reference, I'm using KRK Classic 5 monitors)

...and the MP3 files were on average 20% of the size of the WAV files, so I've made the decision to switch to MP3s from now on!

Keycomps

So yesterday I replaced ALL of my song files with 320kbs MP3 files HOWEVER at rehearsals last night a couple times the music just stopped ? I stop restart track nothing looked like it was playing but no sound coming out??

I have a WING RACK and only way to fix was to switch from 44KHZ to 48KHZ and back again so resetting the USB.

No sure if this was a STAGE TRAXX issue or what but didnt happen before so not sure.

I will run another test over weekend and update here if It happens again or I can isolate the issue.

AnthonyB

Keycomps As a starting point, you will need to make sure you are consistent with:

ALL your audio files, AND
The ST3 Internal Sample Rate (https://stagetraxx.com/user-guide/settings/#internal-sample-rate), AND
The sample rate setting in your Behringer WING
...having the same sample rate, i.e. either 44.1kHz or 48kHz

If there are any variations or inconsistencies (e.g. some audio files at 44.1kHz when ST3 is at 48kHz) then you can get symptoms like what you have encountered.

My DAW (Cakewalk Sonar) let's me select the sample rate when doing audio export on any format EXCEPT MP3 (it uses LAME Encoder with it's own setting UI), where it is just taking the DAW's default sample rate, which I have set at 48kHz. That way, my MP3s are 48kHz 320kbs (my Behringer X32 rack mixer and ST3 are also set to 48kHz)

peter

Keycomps So yesterday I replaced ALL of my song files with 320kbs MP3 files HOWEVER at rehearsals last night a couple times the music just stopped ? I stop restart track nothing looked like it was playing but no sound coming out??

So you are saying the music stopped in the middle of playback?

That usually happens when the audio output changes. I could validate this assumption if you send me your logfiles via Settings > Create Support Email. But I am pretty sure your USB connection is not stable. I don't think the problem is caused by mismatched sample rates although you should make sure that the whole audio chain is running with the same sample rate that your files are in.

So my suggestion: Try another usb adapter or another usb cable.