To upload tracks to your Live365 Library, your files must be in MP3, AAC or M4A formats. Other files of different types should not be uploaded.

The MP3 files should be encoded at a maximum of 320 kbps bitrate and 44.1 kHz sample rate. Lower bit rates are supported, but 320 kbps output is the maximum, depending on the package that your station is running with. Also, be sure the channel mode is "Joint Stereo" and the bit rate mode is "constant" (CBR), not "variable" (VBR).

The AAC and M4A files need to be encoded at a maximum of 320 kbps bitrate and 44.1 kHz sample rate.

You can utilize some audio player programs such as Winamp, Switch MP3 Convertor or iTunes to convert your audio CDs to MP3 format. With iTunes, for example, when you insert a CD into your computer and choose to import the songs into iTunes, you can set the default imported audio format to be MP3s, with no additional steps. (This is covered below). 

Alternatively, you can use various other programs such as dB Power Amp, fre:ac, Audiograbber, CDex, or Convertio to convert your tracks into MP3 format. Depending on the program you choose, you will be able to convert various types of non-MP3 audio files (WMA, OGG, RAM, etc) into MP3s. The ideal program for you will depend on your platform (Mac, Linux, Windows, etc.) and which audio formats you would like to convert to MP3s. The examples below on how to convert tracks to MP3s are from iTunes. Where possible, we noted the version.

How can I tell what the audio format is right now? (Mac version 12.8)

You can view the audio format by locating the file on your device, or in iTunes by selecting the track and then choosing the Song Info option. You will find the file format under the File tab of the Song Info window.

Converting existing files to MP3s with iTunes

iTunes is available for both Mac and Windows. While the interface will look different depending on your platform, the steps will be largely the same.

If you have the tracks already in iTunes, but they aren't in the correct format (MP3) you can convert a track to a different file format while keeping a copy of the original. 

To convert a track’s format in iTunes (version 12+):

In the Mac version, the option to convert media files can be found under File -> Convert. 

In the Windows version, you will also find the convert option under File -> Convert.

iTunes displays the audio conversion options based upon your default audio import format. The setting for this can still be found by going into iTunes Preferences, and selecting Import Settings from the General tab, as outlined below.

To set the default import format in iTunes (version 7-12):

1) Open iTunes.

2) Choose iTunes > Preferences.

3) Click the General tab, then click the Import Settings button near the bottom of the window.

 (Windows version)

 (Mac version)

4) From the Import Using drop-down menu, choose the MP3 encoding format, then click OK to save the settings.

Importing and converting in one step

If you haven't imported a track into iTunes yet, you can import and convert them to MP3 at the same time. To convert all the songs in a folder or on a disk, hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) to select multiple tracks at a time. The Import preference setting should match what you chose in step 4 above. iTunes will prompt you for the location of the folder or disk you want to import and convert.

NOTE:  Some purchased songs are encoded using a protected AAC format that prevents them from being converted. iTunes Plus purchases are not protected and can be converted.