just got an ipod - conversion help

[jigga]

I just bought an iPod and I was wondering if anyone knew of a free program to convert shns or flacs to mp3. If not, a program that will convert aiffs to mp3. I have a mac, so I cant use mkwact or any other programs designed for windows. I have been looking around and cant find anything that has proved helpful yet. Also, the mp3s will be used for my own personal use and will not be further distributed. I only want mp3s so I can fit more on the ipod. I realize itunes can convert to mp3, but for me to do that I had to copy the aiff to itunes, then convert to mp3, then move the mp3 to the ipod. I know that isnt that difficult, but I'm sure some of you know easier ways. Thanks.

[RainDawg]

xACT is the tool most Mac users endorse for straight shn > mp3 conversions. There are several links from the FAQ, just do a search for xACT.

[ffooky]

xACT remains solidly lossless. If you're looking to get FLACs down to a compressed iPod friendly format then go with flaac, also coded by xACT's creator, which will convert straight from FLAC->AAC.
Not sure if it's hosted elsewhere but it's available by joining http://groups.yahoo.com/group/xACT-users/...it's in the Files section.

[RainDawg]

Ahh...I stand corrected.

[ffooky]

If you want to use the QuickTime AAC encoder, want to control the bitrate or want to go straight to ALAC (Apple Lossless) then you should install the QuickTime Flac component (http://damien.drix.free.fr/qtflac/) and QTConvert (http://www.pyehouse.com/lynn/qtconvert.php). As long as the FLACs' filenames are no longer than 32 characters (including extension) you can just drop a batch (set prefs first) of FLACs on the QTConvert icon and select the output format of your choice. ALAC is found in the QuickTime Movie option, AAC in MPEG-4 and if you choose Hinted Movie and uncheck "Make Movie Self Contained", the tiny MOV file created allows you to play FLACs in iTunes without converting.
You can also drag FLACs straight into Toast's Audio window and it'll decompress & burn on the fly.

[Drewa311]

AAC for sure, mp3 takes up way too much space!!!

[willndmb]

iTunes does aiff > mps/aac if worse comes to worse