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Tutorial 8

THE GNX4— MP3 connection

First, let’s get something straight: The GNX4 MP3 function relates solely to playing back MP3 files stored on its CompactFlash cartridge. When you record with the GNX4’s recorder, the resulting audio is always an industry standard, 16-bit, 44.1kHz WAV file that’s compatible with not only Pro Tracks Plus, but with virtually any digital audio recording program. No data compression is used when recording on the GNX4.

Some people are unimpressed that the GNX4 can play back MP3 files, because they associate “MP3” with “bad sound.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. The GNX4 can play back MP3 files at data rates up to 320kbps, which is 2.5 times the data rate of standard 128kbps files (the most common rate for exchanging audio in the internet). At the higher rate, the sound quality is so close to CD that most people can’t tell any difference.
So what can you do with MP3 files and the GNX4? Plenty…

• Create backing tracks in your computer, save the results as an MP3, and play it back through the GNX4 during live gigs – instant backup band
• Download MP3 lessons from the web for practicing or education
• Play back an MP3 file along with the 8-Track Recorder (just as you would play back a drum part)
• Record an MP3 file into the 8-Track Recorder
• Convert your favorite tunes to MP3 format, load them into a cartridge, and have your own “mix tape” of favorite tunes to take with you on the road. (You can even listen to them through the GNX4’s headphone jack so you don’t disturb anyone else.)

Incidentally, there’s a short and sweet 30 second MP3 demo already in the GNX4. To play it, remove any CompactFlash card inserted in the GNX4, then press the 8-Track Recorder’s Play button.

This tutorial has five “sub-tutorials,” A-E. Click on the link below to go to the desired tutorial.
TUTORIAL “A”: TRANSFERRING MP3 FILES
TUTORIAL “B”: PLAYING BACK MP3 FILES
TUTORIAL “C”: INSTALL A FREE MP3 ENCODER FOR PRO TRACKS PLUS
TUTORIAL “D”: CREATING MP3 FILES WITH PRO TRACKS PLUS
TUTORIAL “E”: ABOUT THE MP3 FORMAT (with files to download)