Hello folks this forum is a font of Knowledge on just about everything musical .
I'm thinking of doing some recording do you folks use a proper Mp3 / Mp4 recorder or do you use software to convert to the Mp 3 and 4 format .

I have a Korg DD1600 digital recording desk it only records in Wma .

Just wondering what you folks would do ?? any help and advice appreciated …….many thanks ….Giovanni

If the Korg outputs audio through usb...you could run it into a computer and use any of the free mp3 encoder programs to convert your audio files to mp3.

If not...run the analog outputs through an inexpensive audio interface into a computer and convert to mp3 as stated.

The other option would be to buy an external, handheld recorder that records to mp3 audio. It all depends on what you want to do with the final product.

Good luck,
jingleman

Wouldn’t recommend you get an mp3 recorder as the files are lossy just like wma, best to get one that records in wav or flac as these formats are lossless, and then use your computer to convert them into whatever format you like.

Bill

My Korg DD1600 recorder is an early model that did not have the USB port .
if I did the recording and made a CD in Wma can that be converted to Mp3 via a software program …...the Wma files are to large to send via email ……. sorry to be a trouble ..many thanks for your quick replies Giovanni

One of the best free pc audio programs is “Audacity”. It allows some pretty sophisticated editing tools. Normalizing and eq’ing your final mixes before outputting to mp3 can really polish your mixes. Just make sure you convert your mixes through a high enough bit rate when converting to mp3 (ex. 192 kbps). Quality can very greatly...good to experiment.

Just purchase an inexpensive splitter cable that would send your audio output of the keyboard to the PC's audio input, then download Audacity at https://www.audacityteam.org/ and you're on your way.

Good luck,

Gary

For the same sound quality wma is a smaller file than an mp3. (Unless you lower the mp3 bitrate to AM radio quality)

Bill

Are you sure that the Korg is recording .wma files, instead of .wav files. .wav files are extremely large. Most digital multi tracks use .wav files, or a variation of them.

Is there a CD burner on the Korg? If not...Gary’s idea of using a splitter to record the audio in your computer, or using a cheap audio interface (Behringer makes a decent one for $29) is probably your best option.

Hi , Yes Jingleman you are correct the CD writer drive in the Korg DD1600 gives a WAV file which very large .I would like much smaller files that can be send to friends via e mail/ mobile phone . I often get sent recordings in mp3 ,,,,they are good and much much smaller

Thanks to everyone with the suggestions it is appreciated .

Do you have a computer that you can copy the .wav files from the cd to computer...and then do the conversion to mp3?

I record using an external digital recorder, Tascam DR-05. I'm pretty rough on it and I'm on my third one in maybe 10 years. It will record in WAV, or your choice of MP3 formats.
I usually record in WAV then connect to the PC using a USB cable. I use Audacity to first Normalize, so that all recordings are basically the same volume, and then export to MP3.
The Tascam takes your choice of Micro HDMD cards. Most of the time I use a relatively huge (32 gig) card and can record several hours a night for weeks.
After listening to them to critique myself, I either delete them or save the better ones.
Using the external recorder saves you from having to changes menus on the keyboard to use the onboard recorder. I have the Tascam connected to stereo outputs on my mixer. All that is necessary is to push Record and then push Stop when the recording is over. It will also do automatic separation of tracks, so if you want you can just put it on Record and go for a long time without touching anything. I don't use this.
Of course there are a variety of similar recorders. Some allow four-track and have more bells and whistles, such as effects and editing. I like this one because it is pretty simple and can be powered by two AA batteries, or by a standard USB cable. You can listen to the recordings through the car radio on your way home, if you have a line input in your vehicle.
The recorder also has two built-in mics, if you want to also catch room ambiance. I prefer the stereo line input; what goes in is what comes out! It can be very revealing.
There are similar models that allow connecting two mics of your choice for higher quality room recordings, but the built-in mics are pretty good.
I have recorded and critiqued my own music for MANY years, starting with reel-to-reel, then cassettes, then mini disk, then VHS and now these small digital stereo recordings.
Sorry to ramble again.

Hi folks , First I'd like to thank everyone for their interest and advice in answering my question .
I will go down several routes including audacity software so I can use my present set up . The Legend that is Don Mason came up also with a good suggestion the Tascom DR05 handheld recorder … well i'm impressed so I've ordered one to use on my little gigs ! perfect for my requirements in those situations . ……...never ever thought about it before I'll certainly make good use of the recorder ..it seems to tick all the correct boxes for me !! The recording specialist techie guy in the music store will run thro it all with me and set it up for me . So once again a very huge thank you to everyone on the forum it is most appreciated ...best regards to you all ...Giovanni