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General discussion

I need to convert audio file formats....

by Doug_San Diego Dec 28, 2007 1:14PM PST

i need to convert the file format of some audio files....


the files are music downloads from REAL.com, and these files are in a "Real audio" format, with file extension .rax

these "Real" audio files are NOT compatiable with iTunes or iPod.

thus, i need to convert them to MP3 or AAC format audio files, so i can load into iTunes.


Note:

i could burn the REAL files to a CD-R as MP3 files, and then import the MP3 files back into my PC by "ripping" the CD's. but this is a lot of manual work, and i have ~300 files (songs) that i need to convert file format.

i was hoping to just use some type of software to "convert" the digital files from .rax format, to MP3 or AAC format, all while the files stay on my hard drive.


TWO QUESTIONS:

1. is anyone familiar with these .rax format audio files from REAL, and do you know how they can be converted to MP3 or AAC format ?

2. is anyone familiar with any commercial softwares out there, that will convert various audio file formats ?


thx for all help and input.

Discussion is locked

2 Posts
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A possibility....
by John.Wilkinson Dec 30, 2007 1:13AM PST

.rax conversion can be problematic. Real's recommendation is the burn-and-rip method, but some have found success using dBpoweramp and the RealAudio Decoder codec. (Note: If the songs are encrypted it will fail.) Aside from that you're looking at an automated program that plays the music and records it as it passes your sound card. It does it at up to 5x and all songs are automatically queued, but it's still a slow process.

John

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THANKS JOHN W. !!!
by Doug_San Diego Dec 30, 2007 9:37PM PST

John W,

the codecs thing is exactly the info i needed. i read thru the DBpoweramp website, and the info about their conversion program, and various codecs, etc.

your other option of recording the music off the sound card, during playback of the music, is a good idea as well.

although both these two approaches, likley require a bit more computer expertise than i have.

thus, the "burn-n-rip" method looks like the best option for me, to actually "convert" these Real Audio files into AAC files for iTunes.

AS ANOTHER APPROACH: i researched the REAL Player service a bit more. i always knew they have a Premium REAL Player program/service, that enables REAL Player to decode their music into AAC (.m4p) files, and upload to iPod.

but i previously "thought" it cost $39.99 per MONTH fee. now i just learned it is only ONE-TIME fee of $39.99 for lifetime use of Premium REAL Player software.

so i can just use this Premium REAL service to manage & upload all of these REAL Audio (.rax) files that i currently have in my music library. and then continue to use iTunes to manage & upload all my other music files.

then, i won't have to convert the file format of all these ~300 Real Audio music files.

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