Finale Forum

Hi everyone, I'd appreciate help with the best method for converting Finale scores to an Mp3 format. It seems to me that with earlier versions of Finale, one could convert directly to it, but now there are only two options, WAV and AIFF. I'm using iTunes on an iMac. I'm wondering if there's a good 3rd party program that works well enough to be recommended? I'll add that I absolutely need my files to end up in the Mp3 format. For extra credit, batch processing instructions would be welcome. Thanks!

P.S. I just found the option in iTunes to choose Mp3 Encoder from the Import Settings, but would still be interested in comments if someone else has a different, preferred method.

Choose Custom, and set it to the highest setting.
Then you retrieve them in the iTunes Folder in the Music Folder.
Works and sounds as good as it can, and they are easily e-mailed.

Al Fine wrote:… It seems to me that with earlier versions of Finale, one could convert directly to it, but now there are only two options, WAV and AIFF …

Actually it is not a matter of earlier versions of Finale, but rather a matter of your {playback device} choice:

If you in the MIDI/Audio menu choose “Play Finale Through MIDI”, then you will get the MP3 audio file option.

If you in the MIDI/Audio menu choose “Play Finale Through Audio Units”, then you will get the WAV and AIFF audio file options.

Is you start with a Aiff or Wav file, there are (besides iTunes) programs which can convert to .mp3, such a AlltoMp3, Switch (not free), etc...

I believe that Audacity can do it, as well.

Thank you for all your replies. Oldmkvi, where is the Custom/highest quality option to which you referred, and at which part of the process is it?

I wrote one paragraph, and got a message that the File was too big!!!!!!
Start at iTunes Prefs, in the Drop Down Menu.

Audacity with the add-on Lame is a good way to create mp3s from wav (or any other format almost) file. One can also analyze or change the file.

Both are free.

You can use DumpMedia. It can guarantee the quality of the files. It won't cause any quality loss.
To convert your files, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Download and Install DumpMedia
Of course, we need to ensure that DumpMedia has been downloaded and installed on the personal computer. Once installed, open and launch the program.
Step 2: Add files
Under the “Library” menu, tick “Music” if you wanted to copy the songs you have. Once done, you will now be seeing all the songs and playlists stored on your iTunes library.
Step 3: Perform Adjustments On the Settings Of The Resulting Output
The next step that should be done is to perform the adjustments on the settings of the resulting output. You can choose any format from those that would be listed. The application supports many DRM-free formats including MP3.
This as well supports those in AC3, M4A, M4R, AIFF, FLAC, AU, and even MKA format. Selecting any of those formats you prefer will do.
Step 4: Tick The Convert Button to Begin The Process
Upon completing all the adjustments wanted for personalization or customization, the final step would now be the conversion process. You can just hit the “Convert” button which is located at the bottom right corner of the screen.

On the Mac, Switch does a good job at converting any audio format to any other audio format (even in batches and different mp3 qualities).

michelp wrote: ↑

Mon May 24, 2021 12:14 pm

On the Mac, Switch does a good job at converting any audio format to any other audio format (even in batches and different mp3 qualities).

FWIW I obtained Switch about a year ago, when the only way I could buy a particular recording of some Schumann songs was as a download, as there was no CD available.

The best quality download was in a format unrecognized on a Mac, but Switch enabled me to convert it to Apple ‘lossless’ (or maybe it was to .aiff). I was then able to ‘burn’ that to CD. I'm ancient fuddy-duddy enough to like to have a physical object when I buy a recording.

Maybe using a converter will be more convenient. You can use AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter. It can help you convert the files.

But of course, there's no reason why Finale shouldn't export MP3, even if you're using VST/AUs. It's not the 90s anymore.

I, too, use the free version of Audacity. Easy, and converts to MP3 flawlessly. The nice part is that you can determine the "Project Rate" which determines, among other things, the file size. I set it to a lower number so that I can email a sound sample of an arrangement to a client.