converting wavs to mp3s and not losing a ton of quality

[DJMashbot]

So, I have sonar x2 as my daw, and its mp3 export option sounds awful. I can use iTunes to convert wavs to mp3s, but it always lowers the bit rate to around 128 kbps, which is lower than I would like. I am not too interested in freeware, since "free" usually involves spam and lack of support, but I'm also not looking to spend over $100. Any recommendations?

[bluedad]

audacity..it's free, don't know why you'd rather spend money, I've used it for years.

[standalone]

What bluedad says. I think you are not aware of the real quality, free, supported software that is available out there, also free of adware and spam. Take a look at...

http://sourceforge.net/
where you will find Audacity


and...

http://www.techsupportalert.com/
where you can find reviews and information about which freeware is the best and which is free of strings too.


If you still have trouble with the quality of your mp3s', even with Audacity, try this:

http://www.rarewares.org/mp3-lamedrop.php

[Keith99]

I use lamedropX to convert from wav to mp3, it looks after a lot of the tweaks for you and sounds good

[Sampleconstruct]

iTunes works fine, just change the MP3 conversion setting to 320k in the preferences. In case you use Logic Studio then you have Compressor which also batch converts to MP3.

[DJMashbot]

Thanks for the responses. Part of my avoidance of freeware is simply from bad experiences, and I usually see more support and/or updates for products that are paid for.