Can't import WAV, AIFF files

[doughmiller]

Hi,

I'm new to Pro Tools Free. I'm using a Mac G3 with 256 RAM and 350mhz processor running on OS 9.2. I cannot import WAV, AIFF files. The sample files which come with PT import fine. However, any drum file — which is what I'm trying to import— will not work. These are WAV and AIFF files which I've downloaded for free from the internet. I've tried GrooveMonkey and SmartLoops files, just to name a few, and nothing is happening. I've tried converting AIFF to WAV and vice versa using iTunes. I've tried converting using the Pro Tools conversion feature, but the files either do not show up in the window or if they do, they don't import into the audio track. Can anyone tell me what I need to do or what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Doug

[M.Brane]

Strange. If the files show up in the region bin you should be able to drag 'em onto an audio track.

Have you tried the "Import audio from other movie..." command from the movie menu? Sometimes that works when convert & import from the region bin menu doesn't.

[stef73]

Hi!!!
I have pretty much the same problem!
I can't (or don't know how to) import any files(drum loops from the net WAV,AIFF)

[doughmiller]

Thanks for the help! Recently, I discovered that my problem was in converting them in itunes. My itunes settings were set for 16 bit quality. My Pro Tools audio file was set to 24 bit. Once the quality was consistent, I was able to use "Import audio from other movie." Worked great!!

Stef73 — Make sure your WAV, AIFF files are 24 bit quality. If not, convert them using itunes. But, be sure your itunes import settings are set to 24 bit before converting them.

Thanks!
Doug

[M.Brane]

I've imported 16bit AIFFs in to 24bit sessions before with the convert & import command. Maybe these are wav files that have the issues though I've imported those too. To tell the truth it's been so long since I've done that I may have used another app to convert 'em to SDII or AIFF first.

I used to use Coaster, and SoundApp a lot too back in OS 9 days. It's been over a year now since I used 9 on a regular basis. It's getting hazy.............

[stef73]

Thanks guys!!!

But how do we convert files with itunes and how do we set the settings in 16 or 24 bit ?

[John Link]

I used to use Coaster, and SoundApp a lot too back in OS 9 days. It's been over a year now since I used 9 on a regular basis. It's getting hazy.............

It is obviously time for an OS 9 fix.

John Link

[M.Brane]

Thanks guys!!!

But how do we convert files with itunes and how do we set the settings in 16 or 24 bit ?

I tunes will convert AIFF to mp3 or visa-versa. It won't convert or import SDII. SoundApp will convert almost anything to anything else though sometimes it chokes a bit on the beginning of the file if there's little or no silence at the beginning.

You set the bitrate for your PTF session when you create it. I always use 24 bit even when working with 16 bit source files for the higher resolution in processing. When you bounce to disk if you're bouncing to 16bit you'll need to insert the dither plug-in as your last insert on the master fader, and make the appropriate setting in the bounce dialog box. Lately for mp3 I've been bouncing as 24/48 in PTLE as AIFF, then converting to mp3 with iTunes. Sounds fine to me that way.

It is obviously time for an OS 9 fix.

John Link

I got it over the weekend, but not with PTF. Did a marathon Unreal Tournament session with a few friends online. It freakin' rocks on this G4 dual 1.6!

[doughmiller]

Open iTunes, go to "Preferences" and click the "Advance" button. Click the "Import" tab and you will then see "Import using." This is where you will see your encoding options. Then, go to "Setting" and scroll down to "Custom." Here you will see the Sample Rate, Sample Size and Channel. I'm not sure why, but iTunes 6 doesn't have a 24 bit option. My old iTunes (v 4 or 5) allows me to select 24 bit. Once you have your desired settings, click okay, then import your file by going under "File" > "Import." Good Luck!

[M.Brane]

I'm not sure why, but iTunes 6 doesn't have a 24 bit option. My old iTunes (v 4 or 5) allows me to select 24 bit.

This is called "progress" aka "new, and improved".