so i'm using nokia multimedia converter, and i realize i can convert audio file. I tried the a AMR file format and the sound quality is pretty bad. So i switch it over to the WB AMR format and try to play it but it comes up with an error. So, short of going with mp3's, does anyone know of a file format playable on the n-gage that is much smaller than mp3's but doesn't lose that much sound quality?
interesting question with nokia multimedia converter
Try RealAudio (.ra) format. You can encode with RealProducer Plus or Helix Producer Plus and play it on RealOne player in N-Gage.
For the sound quality, amazing! I can say that RealAudio format is better than mp3 format. Compare them on PC and you'll see.
If you need encoding instructions or settings, I can help ya out.
I forgot to mention a few thing above.
You can't play WB AMR files on N-Gage because there is no built-in codec installed.
You can play WB AMR files only with Helix Player for Symbian Phones (still on beta state, only preview release avaliable). But it is not easy to download the file. You have to register and accept licences etc.
MP3 Player on N-Gage uses STEREO CIRCUITS to play mp3 files. I've never seen a program that uses these circuits yet. That means you can only play files in MONO. No matter how you encode it. Third party mp3 players are the same. They play MONO.
Finally Helix Producer or RealProducer cost almost 200$. So be aware.
What about .ogg?There is an .ogg player for Series 60.Its called OggPlay,you can get it here: http://www.geocities.com/p800tools/
All formats basically are "lossy" no matter what you choose to encode your music to. .OGG is effective if you are converting music straight from an original Audio CD. A 128kbps .ogg music is about 1/2 the size of a 128kbps mp3 music.
In my n-gage i encode my music to 112kbps mp3 using Musicmatch Jukebox. I never liked any other formats because I use the built-in player which plays so far the BEST. I am able to store 40 songs in my 128MB MMC card and as an audiophile myself, I am very much contented on their quality.
DireStrife, just use AAC format, it's better than MP3, you can make 112 kbps files with better quality. And it's still supported by the internal player. I can store up to 40 songs on a 128MB MMC like that.
So it doesnt makes any difference then. 😃 Using the Mp3 format is a my personal choice.
I use diet mp3 myself. Its not freware but you can download a trial version. It allows you to compress 3mb files to around 800kb, and it still has decent enuf sound quality by my standards. I think its 64-92kbps each mp3.
ewwww... 64 kbps. 😉
Any tools for for encoding/converting .AAC?
-Edit-
Here is a small guide on converting any audio format to .aac : http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=159981#post159981
www.apple.com just download iTunes for Windows or Mac and you can convert to either AAC or MP3 format
AAC files converted/encoded with iTunes don't work on the N-Gage,at least for me.
Try AAC Encoder comes with Nero Burning ROM. But you must select the option to extract ISO compliant AAC tracks. It's in the encoding options screen. Something like "Export ISO ????? track". It generates 2 files. One with .aac extension and one with .mp4 extension. Use .aac file. I've tried it and it worked just fine.
I use WinLAME or LAME with RazorLame to re-encode my mp3s before I copy them to my phone.
I use VBR min92 max256 bitrate and Joint-Stereo. The above mentioned programs are all open source. You can get them from SourceForge.org.
I get up to 60 songs on my 128mb card and they sound good. Not as good as te original 256 kbps files but good enough for me.
The best AAC encoder i found so far is Easy CD-DA Convertor.