|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75 |
Just updated to PT 2013 where one of the new features stated as "added support for audio formats like .MP3, .MP4, M4A, and .WMA files".
I was hoping this would include the ability to import M4A files into PT. I've tried to do this in the same way that I would import a wav file (from Import in the File menu) but keep getting an error message saying "cannot convert file".
Please can anyone tell me if this is possible and if so what I should doing.
Many Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540 |
Pt will do the conversion if the Operating System can do the conversion. What you need is a codec for M4A installed on the system. PT doesn't include any codecs but does use them if they are available. Thus the use of the term 'support' for audio formats ... This site tests safe with siteadvisor.com http://www.mediacodec.org/ Can never be too careful when installing codecs .. as they are OS level components. Lots of freebies are virus ridden. Use at your own risk. I assume Apple iTunes would also install this codec.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75 |
Thank you for this.
Based on what you say I'm thinking that in view of the few M4A files I want to import and having had problems with stability in the past, the best thing to do is leave well alone.
What I've been doing is converting the tracks in Goldwave using 'what-u-hear' and then importing to PT.
This gives rise to another question that I'm sure you will be able to answer - can you record 'what-u-hear' directly into PT?
Many thanks again for your help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi GodfreyY, Re-recording using an internal soundcard setting such as "what u hear" (which is the Creative soundcard nomenclature for it) is one way to go. You may or may not get a full digital exact copy by doing it that way, though. There will likely be translations of the bit stream and maybe small timing issues as well, depending. I use the free Audacity.exe program for this and quite a few other purposes, you must install the base program and then install their "FFmpeg" library as well in order to open up m4a as well as quite a few other formats. Just read up on how to install and use on their website and follow their directions as to downloading and installations. Audacity will then open mp4A directly, once it is inside Audacity and displayed on the timeline, you can simply go to the file menu and select Export and export the entire track as a .wav file, saved to disk somewhere, and then open that in any standard Audio DAW such as PT, BB, or the likes and continue on. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq_i18n?s=files&i=wma-proprietary It is also a bit faster than recording from end-to-end, you won't change the overall levels inadvertently nor mess with the all-important gain-staging of the original file as well. --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75 |
Hi Mac
Many thanks for this - I'll certainly give it a try.
I get some M4A files sent by people I'm doing internet collaboration with. They are usually just guide tracks for me to create a bass track so the quality issue is not such a problem but timing problems would be. I've not noticed any yet but it's probably going to happen sooner or later so the Audacity route sounds like a good option.
Thanks again
G
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
When doing online collaborations using ANY file format, I have found that it is a good idea to get everyone to insert a Marker on the audio timeline of some sort at a preset timing before the actual music starts. I use the two-sconds-exactly-before tried and true "twobeep" from radio broadcasting for such, which is just a 1KHz sinewave BEEP inserted on the timeline exactly two measured seconds before that critical first waveform rise.
One could also use a handclap, or a kick drum or any other short and recognizable sound, as well.
Even when there are countins involved, this can be critical stuff, for example, different mp3 codecs insert differing amounts of ID data in front of the audio and different playback devices and softwares may handle that differently, which can SHIFT the track a bit further down the timeline, losing certain things like feel, whether or not the track performance was intentionally played or sund on the beat, ahead of the beat, or laid back "behind the beat" etc.
It also can lead to a track gradually losing sync as the song progresses.
With the use of the same prearranged Marker by all, it is a simple matter to visually align all tracks in whatever DAW progrm in use, visually, by simply sliding the tracks until all markers are lined up.
Audacity is great for measuring the timeline and inserting this kind of marker, BTW.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,055
Posts799,497
Members40,023
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean