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Converting .aa files to mp3's
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dhartson
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11. January 2007 @ 10:53 |
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I have been working on a project to convert my 225+ unabridged books to a friendlier file format for quite some time. The product that I have settled on to convert the files is dBpowerAMP Music Converter? ("dMC"):
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/
They also run a forum which has a number of threads that deal with problems converting *.aa files and what codecs and settings to use.
I suggest a quick review of the following threads:
http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?p=44575#post44575
http://forum.dbpoweramp.com/showthread.php?t=11714&page=2
I test converted a book back in June, but since then I had to update Audible Manager v5 in order to download any more files. The new version prevented dMC from using Audible's codec. This is similar to problems noted in this thread. What was necessary was to change back to AudibleManager v.4, but I had difficulty in finding a source to download it. I found it from a dMC forum thread; download it here:
http://download.audible.com/AMself/audible.exe
I suggest archiving this file because there is no telling how much longer it will be available. Also, please note that, when uninstalling AudibleManager v5, you SHOULD DEACTIVATE any players, including your desktop player first. You may or may not have to download and install "Audible Download Manager for Windows Media Player 11" from:
http://download.audible.com/AM50/AudibleDM_WMPSetup.exe
I believe I had to do this to enable Windows MediaPlayer v11 to play the Audible files as part of getting dMC to be able to access the Audible codec. However, another user claims he had to unistall this file in order to get dMC to work, so good luck. One final cautionary note, the Audible "system" keeps track of where you are in the playback of your file, or at least what "section" you are in, and when you go to transcode your Audible book, it may start in the middle someplace because that is where the "marker" has placed you, and the Audible "system" evidently thinks you are playing the book on your desktop when you are using dMC to transcode the file.
Now, I have to uninstall AudibleManager v4 and install v5 to download any book from my library, and then reverse the process to transcode to another process.
Also, you may be pleased to note that dMC has a utility codec available to split your resulting file into whatever sizes (by time) that you select. The overall process for a 10 hr book once you are set up and able to perform the conversion is under 30 minutes. I used a two-step process to transcode to WAV and then to WMA, resulting in a good quality audio file of about 90MB for a 10 hr book.
Good luck!
zDav
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chatteris
Newbie
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11. January 2007 @ 11:54 |
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Quote:
Now, I have to uninstall AudibleManager v4 and install v5 to download any book from my library, and then reverse the process to transcode to another process.
Why? I uninstalled v5 and reinstalled v4 (from thecAudible .com) site and can download any book from their .uk.co site without problem and then convert with dBpowerAMP.
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dhartson
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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11. January 2007 @ 14:28 |
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I can't tell you why, except that I am unable to download using v.4. I was using v.4 and had upgraded to MediaPlayer (MP) v.11 and sometime afterwards tried to download a book and received an error message suggesting that I needed to delete my temp folders. I can not promise you that MP caused the problem, but nothing I could think of doing worked. I was on hold for Audible's tech support and was searching their online knowledge base, or whatever they call their previously answered questions, and found an item on point that indicated the only way to correct the error message was by updating to AudibleManager v5, which I do not like as much. Why ask why? If you are OK, be happy!
zDav
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chatteris
Newbie
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11. January 2007 @ 22:58 |
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Quote:
Why ask why?
Curiosity!! I do remember difficulty with WMP11 and reverting to WMP10 but forgotten quite why. Now use WMP11 but I don't play my audible files on the computer. I suppose the day will come when v4 will be incompatible. Of course, one can always play them in real-time and capture them using Replay AV or some such software.
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WinstonWo
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13. January 2007 @ 02:57 |
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dhartson has it!
I tried using the same process as dhartson (Had to buy DBPowerAmp because my trial is long since over) but so far I have all of my books in MP3.
Audible V4
DBPowerAmp 11.5 w/ the Direct Show addon.
Found that the only way it would work to convert was to use 32k CBR @ 22050 Hz if I tried VBR or any other setting on CBR it would pitch a fit.
WW
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jadoglio
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13. January 2007 @ 05:17 |
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I use the latest Audible v 5.1 (i downloaded it and did a webinstall so I am sure it is the latest version), WMP 11.0, and Goldwave 5.17. I have no problems downloading or converting.
JADO
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dad2007
Newbie
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18. January 2007 @ 03:35 |
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Originally posted by jadoglio:
I use the latest Audible v 5.1 (i downloaded it and did a webinstall so I am sure it is the latest version), WMP 11.0, and Goldwave 5.17. I have no problems downloading or converting.
Can you please elaborate. What is the setup required, what is the procedure steps to successfully transcode, how long does it take to convert a book...?
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noushina
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18. January 2007 @ 06:01 |
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I was gonna suggest that dad2007 back up a page or two and read a little, but it only took a little longer to do it for him.
Originally posted by brandizzl:
OK. This is a short and simple guide to convert Audible .aa format to MP3. I guarantee it works.
1. Deactivate your current Audible Desktop Manager in the options menu and uninstall it.
2. Download Audible destop manager version 4.0 from this URL.(AKA Audible for Windows 98 *WILL work on Windows XP*)http://download.audible.com/AM36/ActiveSetupDelGp.exe
3. Install. You will have to import any currently stored audible downloads one by one with the "add audio files" option of the toolbar to listen to them.
4. Activate your new Audible Desktop Manager
5. Download and install 'Goldwave' audio editor from goldwave.com (any version will work, 5.14 is current)
6. Run Goldwave. Open an Audible download. Will take a minute to decompress.(when u open u will need to change the file type option to "All" to see your Audible files.)
7. Click "File", "Save as". Change the default .wav format to mp3. Then choose a bitrate. I recommend 44100 Hz 56k mono for a good compromise between file size and quality.
I'm sure other stated audio editors will work. Goldwave is easy and the one I use. Plus is free for quite a while before u will need to buy it.
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dad2007
Newbie
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19. January 2007 @ 10:12 |
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Thanks for that but jadoglio's post says that he uses 5.1 not 4.0 which is why I asked for details. I wish to stay with 5.1 if it is possible so Jadoglio, if you could please respond?
Quote:
I was gonna suggest that dad2007 back up a page or two and read a little, but it only took a little longer to do it for him.
Originally posted by brandizzl:
OK. This is a short and simple guide to convert Audible .aa format to MP3. I guarantee it works.
1. Deactivate your current Audible Desktop Manager in the options menu and uninstall it.
2. Download Audible destop manager version 4.0 from this URL.(AKA Audible for Windows 98 *WILL work on Windows XP*)http://download.audible.com/AM36/ActiveSetupDelGp.exe
3. Install. You will have to import any currently stored audible downloads one by one with the "add audio files" option of the toolbar to listen to them.
4. Activate your new Audible Desktop Manager
5. Download and install 'Goldwave' audio editor from goldwave.com (any version will work, 5.14 is current)
6. Run Goldwave. Open an Audible download. Will take a minute to decompress.(when u open u will need to change the file type option to "All" to see your Audible files.)
7. Click "File", "Save as". Change the default .wav format to mp3. Then choose a bitrate. I recommend 44100 Hz 56k mono for a good compromise between file size and quality.
I'm sure other stated audio editors will work. Goldwave is easy and the one I use. Plus is free for quite a while before u will need to buy it.
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999ghosts
Newbie
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22. January 2007 @ 09:30 |
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I know this isn't the right place to post this but I can't find the information anywhere and I figured with so many audible.com users someone might know. Has anyone figured out what geographic area you have to be in to be able to download the lord of the rings series from audible? thanks for your help.
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KatNap
Newbie
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23. January 2007 @ 11:55 |
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Lord of the Rings = UK
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impresa
Suspended permanently
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8. February 2007 @ 02:43 |
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spam removed
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 15. September 2007 @ 05:31
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BluLenin
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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17. February 2007 @ 04:27 |
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Hi, I have spent most of the morning reading and playing with many of the suggestions in this thread. Having done so, I would agree with the last contributor that Sound Taxi is really easy to use and makes the conversion effortlessly. Just a bit of patience required for some of those large 7+ hour Audible files. Having done that then on to Goldwave to create the cue points. Many thanks to TimeKills back on page 12 for the clear Goldwave instructions.
However, for something new. The reason I have spent so long on this thread (By far the best I have found scattered over the web) is that I had discovered a limitation in my previous method of really rapid mp3 conversions by using a program called Noteburner http://www.noteburner.com/
This program adds a virtual CD to your computer and therefore Audible Manager (v4) then sees it as an alternative destination when you attempt to burn a file to CD within it. The result is that you have a complete and very fast mp3 conversion plus the added benefit of it already being split into 78 minute chunks as Disc 001, Disc 002, etc and then cued, courtesy of Audible Manager, exactly as if you had really burnt it onto a CD. Then as mp3 files they can be played where you want & how you want.
The problem I experienced with NoteBurner which caused me to go searching is the Audible block controlling how many times you can burn to CD, virtual or otherwise. Does anyone know of anyway to clear this restriction? It clearly is part of Audible's paranoia since if I have already burnt it once and I wanted to make multiple copies for distribution (which I don't) then all I would have to do is make direct CD to CD copies and I wouldn't be using Audible Manager again.
Cheers, and happy listening
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krury
Newbie
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17. February 2007 @ 08:41 |
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I took a chance and bought Sound Taxi. It took about 2 hours to convert the unabridged "DaVinci Code"
I then used Neros Waveditor and manually inputed tracks every ten minutes. I then told waveditor to save tracks as seperate mp3 files. It auto names track 1, track 2, etc.
Although not lightning fast certainly faster than streaming the book for 18 hours and inserting tracks.
I can now listen to my Audible books on my PSP!
I would give SoundTaxi a thumbs up!
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Uranus1
Newbie
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21. February 2007 @ 07:03 |
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I have read every page of this thread (which I must say is very informative)because I was faced with putting about 43 hours of the Forsyte Saga on CD.
Following the posts by Impresa & Krury, I have just bought a copy of Sound Taxi - it works well (.aa to MP3) and I am very pleased.
Thank you everyone
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phil6254
Newbie
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28. February 2007 @ 02:04 |
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Hi
Having read the whole of this thread and being a bit backward about this stuff (for backward read old). I downloaded sound taxi. So simple a even 45 year old like could use it. Then downloaded "Slice Audio File Splitter" from NCH Swift Sound Software. This spilt the MP3 files into convenient 10 minute (adjustablke as you require) tracks.
Can't wait to lie on a beach next week listenning to my books.
Thanks guys
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playlist
Newbie
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2. March 2007 @ 16:55 |
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I downloaded sound taxi. So simple a even 45 year old like could use it.
I tried SoundTaxi, but it's having problems knowing when to stop. With most .aa files it counts up to 100% then keeps going. The status stops at 100%, but the output file grows to fill the hard drive unless I stop it sooner. I'll email the developers to see if there is a fix.
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knipknup
Newbie
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2. March 2007 @ 17:12 |
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Hmm, soundtaxi didn't do this for me, it just converted the files. I am impressed. NCH sound is awesome too, I've used their dictation stuff for several years now with no problems - free too! They rock!
who dat?
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KatNap
Newbie
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6. March 2007 @ 12:47 |
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Originally posted by dhartson:
I can't tell you why, except that I am unable to download using v.4. I was using v.4 and had upgraded to MediaPlayer (MP) v.11 and sometime afterwards tried to download a book and received an error message suggesting that I needed to delete my temp folders. I can not promise you that MP caused the problem, but nothing I could think of doing worked. I was on hold for Audible's tech support and was searching their online knowledge base, or whatever they call their previously answered questions, and found an item on point that indicated the only way to correct the error message was by updating to AudibleManager v5, which I do not like as much. Why ask why? If you are OK, be happy!
The message to delete the Temp folders was probably because you upgraded to IE7 - all you needed to do was re-install the audible download manager, not update to the new version of audible manager. The previous download manager was not compatible with IE7.
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smhaynes
Newbie
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10. March 2007 @ 15:47 |
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Well good news.
I've been watching this thread for a year now trying to see if someone can find an easy way to be able to take what you've legaly paid for and listen to it wherever you want.
Follow the steps posted in the below link and in 30 seconds you'll bypass DRM with perfect quality and be able to do whatever you want with what you leglly own!
http://julioangelortiz.net/?p=412
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kjohn73
Newbie
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15. March 2007 @ 17:31 |
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After having purchased WMAConvert and having it not work, as well as reading through these 19 or so pages, then buying SoundTaxi and having it not work, I am at the end of the rope. I e-mailed SoundTaxi's help line and didn't get any help. All they did was to suggest I re-download and re-install etc, then they asked if Windows Media player would play the .aa files. It will. The trial version worked like a charm, but - of course - only for 30 seconds. Can anybody help me out here?? I will also be sending Audible.com a note to explain that I won't likely be purchasing any more of their books as I can't use any of my three MP3 players to listen to their protected files. I tried to download the Audible driver for my Creative MUVO 100 1GB and it stopped working altogether!! I was fortunate that BestBuy gave me a new one.
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kjohn73
Newbie
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15. March 2007 @ 18:25 |
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I am trying to use the suggested method on at "julioangeloritz.net/?=412. I downloaded the older version of Audible Manager, but when I call for My Library, I get a message saying "Request cannot be fulfilled because there is no default browser". Can somebody help me out with this?? Thanks in advance. Ken Johnston
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playlist
Newbie
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16. March 2007 @ 04:02 |
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Quote:
I tried SoundTaxi, but it's having problems knowing when to stop. With most .aa files it counts up to 100% then keeps going. The status stops at 100%, but the output file grows to fill the hard drive unless I stop it sooner. I'll email the developers to see if there is a fix.
I reinstalled the Audible.com drivers for Windows Media Player and that seems to have fixed the problem with SoundTaxi.
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smhaynes
Newbie
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16. March 2007 @ 05:32 |
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If you're trying to locate your book files they are in Program files, and under audible, then downloads.
You should be able to find your files by doing a search in the new audible as well.
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smhaynes
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16. March 2007 @ 05:37 |
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Sorry, above I said in the new audible. Not to confuse you I mean the older version you just downloaded you should be able to search for your book files to create a new library.
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