All-in-one $15 MarkAble for PC Shareware (link) merges, converts and renames mp3, audio CDs (with a super-easy audio CD wizard), wav, into bookmarking m4b or mp3 iPod files, adding the resulting file(s) to your iTunes Library. With minimal user involvment, MarkAble selects appropriate iTunes encoder settings (resetting upon conversion completion) and place bookmarking files in iTunes Library. It totally relieves the user of necessary renaming and file management functions. MarkAble makes it easy by controlling the iTunes CD import, joining tracks, converting, merging files, renaming files, and deleting iTunes library temporary files. MarkAble's merger capability avoids having one file per CD for each audio book. Only .m4b and .aa put files into iPod Audiobooks category or allow faster/slower playback. The full-function version of MarkAble shareware is available for a free five-day download and evaluation.
Audio CD books. MarkAble Audio CD Wizard converts Audio book cda files into far fewer bookmarking files with little operator intervention. For step-by-step instructions with MarkAble screen shots and for a quick look at how very simple MarkAble is to use, See Complete Tutorial.
Sample screen shot -- see how easy the CD Wizard is -- set preferences (tutorial link below), click Audio CD Wizard Button, and follow the step-by-step instructions in windows (Tutorial links show all the screen shots with detailed instructions for each):
See also
MarkAble Preferences and Options Settings Tutorial (link) for settings instructions and screen shots.
Mp3 Files. MarkAble merges selected mp3 files or entire folders containing mp3 files from CD, DVD, download, etc., into files with a targeted size of 120 MB, directs iTunes to convert the files to AAC m4a files, renames the files to m4b, and places the now bookmarking files into your iTunes Library. All the merged MP3 files must have the same sampling and bit rate to perform correctly.
Wav files. MarkAble does not merge wav files, but directs iTunes to perform an AAC conversion on a wav file, renames the file, and adds the converted file to the iTunes Library. Creates one bookmarking file for each wav source file. If converting wav files to AAC, the file lengths should be kept to a max of 5 (may tet away with 13.5) hours and 300 mb in length.
MarkAble will not split files; it will only merge files. Some applications unavoidably create files in excess of the 5 hour (maybe 13.5) or 300 MB limit and must be processed manually.
MP3 and wav files which exceed maximum recommended length or size require a manual add to iTunes library. See reducing large files with multiple partial AAC Conversions (link).
iTunes recent 'Quick Convert' (link) function for later model iPods dispenses with the necessity for an AAC conversion and is now two types of conversion - 'Podcast' and 'Manual'. Pocast conversion files show the Artist as 'Podcast' in browse mode. Manual conversion manually sets the new bookmarking flag. 'Full Convert' to bookmarking AAC/rename to m4b is still there. Neither of the quick convert options created files will list in iPod Audiobooks category, play faster, or skip in main menu shuffle. MarkAble permits user choice of conversion mode. MarkAble v1.2+ offers for clickwheel iPods the option of modifying mp3 files to bookmarking mp3 files much faster than converting to AAC. Mp3 files are approx 20% larger than AAC files.
Homemade Mono Lockup. iPod m4b files created with iTunes v prior to 4.7.1.30 need conversion to stereo See avoid 4G & Mini Lockup & keep iTrip out of 4G+ Shuffle.
MarkAble CD Input Wizard Quick Guide. All-you-will-ever-need to convert multiple audio CDs into fewer bookmarkable iPod files. With very little operator intervention, MarkAble CD Wizard rips CDs, converts CD tracks to mp3, merges them, converts merged mp3 files to AAC, renames the files, places the resulting bookmarking file into iTunes Library and deletes extraneous files from iTunes. See Markable CD Wizard Tutorial (link). Includes step-by-step instructions with MarkAble screen shots.
Optional When certain conversion is complete and playing properly:
- Locate (Default = My Documents\MarkAble\*.mp3) and delete the Book Name Merge 04_01.mp3, etc. files. Do not forget to empty recycle bin. Change iTunes importing preferences back to default Stereo, AAC encoder, 128 kpbs for ripping music CDs.
- Create or use a specific genre for newly created files (right click>get info>select info tab, key in or select genre)
- Create a SmartPlaylist (link) to manage audiobooks and listened-to files.
Quick Guide for converting mp3 or wav files to bookmarking iPod files. See above for link to CD Wizard Tutorial.
Ten easy steps to convert mp3, or wav files to bookmarkable file(s) (See following post for detailed guide):
1. Download and install MarkAble for PC Shareware (link). Pay and register before five-day trial ends.
2. Open MarkAble and set MarkAble preferences and options according to instructions at
MarkAble Preferences and Options Settings Tutorial (link). When the conversion is complete, MarkAble will return iTunes to its previous settings.
A MUST: iTunes preferences, click on the Importing tab and make sure that "Play songs while importing" is OFF, OFF, OFF
MarkAble Window:
Step 3 is no longer necessary.
4. Drag and drop files or folders to the MarkAble window or
Click on + button to browse to individual mp3, wav, cda (audio CD) file to be converted, highlighting files and clicking OK. Or, click on ++ button to browse to an audio CD or DVD source drive, or to Folders containing mp3, wav, or cda files. Clicking on ++ and highlighting a folder or CD or DVD drive icon will add all of the files of the folder or CD/DVD to MarkAble. Or,
If CD is source, use MarkAble's CD wizard which combines CD's into fewer files.
5. Select and highlight the files, folder, or CD and click Open. MarkAble automatically sorts the mp3 files into proper sequence. If you need to alter this sequence for some reason, use the up and down buttons.
6. Enter or edit
-Book Name (see note above about iTunes not coping with real long book titles)
-Author
-Genre, if you wish to change from the default value entered in MarkAble preferences and options.
-Determine use of input values or tag values by darkening appropriate dot.
7. Click on the appropriate button (see screen shot above):
a. Merge All to merge mp3 files into appropriate number of files for conversion.
b. Rip All to initiate the two-step conversion that converts Audio CD tracks into mp3 files, merges them, and converts into one file per CD.
i. Click OK When MarkAble indicates mp3 conversion is completed
ii. Merge All. Click after completion of mp3 conversion.
iii. Disk Number. Increment disk number with each successive disc ripped. The number in the Disc Number/Start Track display should equal the disc number of the merged file about to be converted.
iv. Convert All. Click after merge is completed
c. Convert All for one-step process that converts each mp3, wav file or CD track into one bookmarking file. Note that MarkAble does not merge wav files. Wav files are converted one-for-one into individual m4b files.
8. Select Merge All Options:
a. Choose to have MarkAble automatically continue from merge to conversion or click on Convert All button after a merge is completed.
b. Accept or change the number of resulting files.
c. Check Delete source file if you wish. Recommend not doing so until after you are certain files are successfully converted.
d. Check start conversion process after mp3 merge unless you wish to delay the conversion (say, until you go to bed or otherwise leave computer for extended time. It will take up to 45 minutes per file.)
e. Select Method of conversion -- Full AAC, MP3 or Podcast conversion. Only AAC will show in iPod Audiobook category and play faster.
f. Check Delete merged files after convert if you wish. Again, recommend against.
MarkAble merges, opens iTunes to convert, renames, and imports converted file(s) into iTunes.
9. MarkAble will tell you when files are converted and placed into iTunes Library. You may want to rename the books as described here.
10. Optional. Locate and delete the source file(s) if you did not elect delete options. Remember to empty from recycle bin. The files are frequently very large. Better to be safe by retaining files until final files are created.
10. Drag and drop or synch converted book files onto iPod.
Optional MarkAble uses:
Audio Cassettes, LPs, WMA files or other audio sound -- play on computer & save w Audacity, TotalRecorder as mp3 files. Use MarkAble to convert to bookmarkable. See ANY SOUND Guide in signature below.
____________________________________________
VV Posts for One time Steps and Set Up, Detailed Operating Guide, and FAQ in Posts following VV
Audio CD books. MarkAble Audio CD Wizard converts Audio book cda files into far fewer bookmarking files with little operator intervention. For step-by-step instructions with MarkAble screen shots and for a quick look at how very simple MarkAble is to use, See Complete Tutorial.
Sample screen shot -- see how easy the CD Wizard is -- set preferences (tutorial link below), click Audio CD Wizard Button, and follow the step-by-step instructions in windows (Tutorial links show all the screen shots with detailed instructions for each):
See also
MarkAble Preferences and Options Settings Tutorial (link) for settings instructions and screen shots.
Mp3 Files. MarkAble merges selected mp3 files or entire folders containing mp3 files from CD, DVD, download, etc., into files with a targeted size of 120 MB, directs iTunes to convert the files to AAC m4a files, renames the files to m4b, and places the now bookmarking files into your iTunes Library. All the merged MP3 files must have the same sampling and bit rate to perform correctly.
Wav files. MarkAble does not merge wav files, but directs iTunes to perform an AAC conversion on a wav file, renames the file, and adds the converted file to the iTunes Library. Creates one bookmarking file for each wav source file. If converting wav files to AAC, the file lengths should be kept to a max of 5 (may tet away with 13.5) hours and 300 mb in length.
MarkAble will not split files; it will only merge files. Some applications unavoidably create files in excess of the 5 hour (maybe 13.5) or 300 MB limit and must be processed manually.
MP3 and wav files which exceed maximum recommended length or size require a manual add to iTunes library. See reducing large files with multiple partial AAC Conversions (link).
iTunes recent 'Quick Convert' (link) function for later model iPods dispenses with the necessity for an AAC conversion and is now two types of conversion - 'Podcast' and 'Manual'. Pocast conversion files show the Artist as 'Podcast' in browse mode. Manual conversion manually sets the new bookmarking flag. 'Full Convert' to bookmarking AAC/rename to m4b is still there. Neither of the quick convert options created files will list in iPod Audiobooks category, play faster, or skip in main menu shuffle. MarkAble permits user choice of conversion mode. MarkAble v1.2+ offers for clickwheel iPods the option of modifying mp3 files to bookmarking mp3 files much faster than converting to AAC. Mp3 files are approx 20% larger than AAC files.
Homemade Mono Lockup. iPod m4b files created with iTunes v prior to 4.7.1.30 need conversion to stereo See avoid 4G & Mini Lockup & keep iTrip out of 4G+ Shuffle.
MarkAble CD Input Wizard Quick Guide. All-you-will-ever-need to convert multiple audio CDs into fewer bookmarkable iPod files. With very little operator intervention, MarkAble CD Wizard rips CDs, converts CD tracks to mp3, merges them, converts merged mp3 files to AAC, renames the files, places the resulting bookmarking file into iTunes Library and deletes extraneous files from iTunes. See Markable CD Wizard Tutorial (link). Includes step-by-step instructions with MarkAble screen shots.
Optional When certain conversion is complete and playing properly:
- Locate (Default = My Documents\MarkAble\*.mp3) and delete the Book Name Merge 04_01.mp3, etc. files. Do not forget to empty recycle bin. Change iTunes importing preferences back to default Stereo, AAC encoder, 128 kpbs for ripping music CDs.
- Create or use a specific genre for newly created files (right click>get info>select info tab, key in or select genre)
- Create a SmartPlaylist (link) to manage audiobooks and listened-to files.
Quick Guide for converting mp3 or wav files to bookmarking iPod files. See above for link to CD Wizard Tutorial.
Ten easy steps to convert mp3, or wav files to bookmarkable file(s) (See following post for detailed guide):
1. Download and install MarkAble for PC Shareware (link). Pay and register before five-day trial ends.
2. Open MarkAble and set MarkAble preferences and options according to instructions at
MarkAble Preferences and Options Settings Tutorial (link). When the conversion is complete, MarkAble will return iTunes to its previous settings.
A MUST: iTunes preferences, click on the Importing tab and make sure that "Play songs while importing" is OFF, OFF, OFF
MarkAble Window:
Step 3 is no longer necessary.
4. Drag and drop files or folders to the MarkAble window or
Click on + button to browse to individual mp3, wav, cda (audio CD) file to be converted, highlighting files and clicking OK. Or, click on ++ button to browse to an audio CD or DVD source drive, or to Folders containing mp3, wav, or cda files. Clicking on ++ and highlighting a folder or CD or DVD drive icon will add all of the files of the folder or CD/DVD to MarkAble. Or,
If CD is source, use MarkAble's CD wizard which combines CD's into fewer files.
5. Select and highlight the files, folder, or CD and click Open. MarkAble automatically sorts the mp3 files into proper sequence. If you need to alter this sequence for some reason, use the up and down buttons.
6. Enter or edit
-Book Name (see note above about iTunes not coping with real long book titles)
-Author
-Genre, if you wish to change from the default value entered in MarkAble preferences and options.
-Determine use of input values or tag values by darkening appropriate dot.
7. Click on the appropriate button (see screen shot above):
a. Merge All to merge mp3 files into appropriate number of files for conversion.
b. Rip All to initiate the two-step conversion that converts Audio CD tracks into mp3 files, merges them, and converts into one file per CD.
i. Click OK When MarkAble indicates mp3 conversion is completed
ii. Merge All. Click after completion of mp3 conversion.
iii. Disk Number. Increment disk number with each successive disc ripped. The number in the Disc Number/Start Track display should equal the disc number of the merged file about to be converted.
iv. Convert All. Click after merge is completed
c. Convert All for one-step process that converts each mp3, wav file or CD track into one bookmarking file. Note that MarkAble does not merge wav files. Wav files are converted one-for-one into individual m4b files.
8. Select Merge All Options:
a. Choose to have MarkAble automatically continue from merge to conversion or click on Convert All button after a merge is completed.
b. Accept or change the number of resulting files.
c. Check Delete source file if you wish. Recommend not doing so until after you are certain files are successfully converted.
d. Check start conversion process after mp3 merge unless you wish to delay the conversion (say, until you go to bed or otherwise leave computer for extended time. It will take up to 45 minutes per file.)
e. Select Method of conversion -- Full AAC, MP3 or Podcast conversion. Only AAC will show in iPod Audiobook category and play faster.
f. Check Delete merged files after convert if you wish. Again, recommend against.
MarkAble merges, opens iTunes to convert, renames, and imports converted file(s) into iTunes.
9. MarkAble will tell you when files are converted and placed into iTunes Library. You may want to rename the books as described here.
10. Optional. Locate and delete the source file(s) if you did not elect delete options. Remember to empty from recycle bin. The files are frequently very large. Better to be safe by retaining files until final files are created.
10. Drag and drop or synch converted book files onto iPod.
Optional MarkAble uses:
Audio Cassettes, LPs, WMA files or other audio sound -- play on computer & save w Audacity, TotalRecorder as mp3 files. Use MarkAble to convert to bookmarkable. See ANY SOUND Guide in signature below.
____________________________________________
VV Posts for One time Steps and Set Up, Detailed Operating Guide, and FAQ in Posts following VV
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