There are several formats used for sound files. Some of the most common formats are WAV or AIFF.
These are uncompressed files. Uncompressed files take up large amounts of space on a computer or CD but
they also offer the highest quality of sound. But downloading or uploading these files is very time
consuming due to their size. A compromise between file size and quality is the MP3 format. MP3 is much
smaller in size with very little compromise in sound. This is the preferred format for iPods and other
like devices commonly known as "MP3 players."
If your file is already saved as an MP3, you're done. It will have a tag at the end ".mp3"
or you can look up information on the file. (With a Mac, click it once, then go to File > Get Info.)
(On a PC, click it once, then go to File > Properties). If your file is anything but MP3, you will need to
convert to an MP3.
Convert Files to MP3
There are dozens of free applications for Mac and for PC that will convert any sound file to MP3. The following
programs are available on both platforms.
iTunes (Instructions on converting files):
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1550
Audio Convert (Free online service):
http://audio.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp3
Switch MP3 Converter (Free download):
http://www.nch.com.au/switch/mp3.html
If you would like to find more choices, just google "audio converter." Both online converters as well
as applications will be offered for PC and Mac.
The ".mp3" tag at the end of the file should be present after the conversion. However, simply typing
".mp3" at the end of the file does not change the file format to mp3 and the Online Auditioner will not
accept it if it has not been converted properly. If the conversion application asks if the tag should be changed
to mp3, reply "Yes." That is all that is needed. Most application do this automatically.
If you have any questions or difficulty with converting a file, contact your building tech person or the
administrator of this festival.