Mirrored MP3s

[Andrew Lomax]

The release notes for the 26th june release on the website imply that existing FLAC files already on the HDD can also be MP3 mirrored, "The compression function will convert WAVs and previously converted FLACs to hidden MP3s...".

I have a B2 with 5000+ FLAC files. After succesfully upgrading the latest software I selected the new option Compress FLAC + MP3 and then started Compress Now. The B2 goes into standby and displays the message Compressing FLAC 0% 1 of 0. No actual conversion takes place and the info shows 0 mirrored files.

Am I doing something wrong or have I misunderstood the new functionality?

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Andrew,

The manufacture of the mirrored .mp3 files is very slow as stated on the website.  I have tested it and it converts approximately 12 tracks (or 1 album per hour).  The process starts at the first album loaded and works through the music folders in the order that they were loaded. It works as a 'background' process.

So after about 1 hour, the 'mirror' .mp3 track set for one album is complete and will be found in the '\<Artist>\<Album>\mirror' folder.

The red light on the front of your B2 is probably flashing now.  If it is, that is an indication that the .mp3 creation is taking place.

I have approximately 5,600 .flac files and I estimate that it will take about 500 hours (~ 25 days) to complete. I'm fine with that, it just requires some patience!

Regards,

Peter.

[Andrew Lomax]

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately in my case the slowness isn't the problem. After the initial 'compressing 0 of 1' message nothing happens (no red light flashing). Checking after several hours there are still no mirrored MP3s to be found.

By the way I've tested the new playlist 'Export Mp3s' option on an existing playlist with a mixture of FLAC and MP3 tracks. This works as expected, exporting the MP3s and ignoring FLAC.

[Peter Lowham]

Hi andrew,

That is rather puzzling.  You didn't leave the WebUI running by any chance?  That would possibly prevent the conversion/ compression from running.

I kicked off the 'Flac + mp3' option over the weekend and it just started up and ran.  I let it run until three previously existing '.flac' albums had been 'mirrored' and then stopped it because I was also running tests on 'Export' and 'Import' fixes. When I have finished those tests, I will go back to the mp3 mirroring and let it run for as long as it takes.

Regards,

Peter.

[Andrew Lomax]

No I'm afraid that's not it. I was careful to close the web UI before any of the various attempts I made. Any other suggestions welcome.

[Edwyn Corteen]

I have now had a chance to test this new functionality. Process required below

1.  After upgrading to latest firmware, On B2 change compression mode to FLAC+MP3 (not available on webui yet)

2. Ensure NO browsers anywhere connected to B2

3. Select Compress now from Settings/Compress now, you will see red light flashing away for a VERY long time.

4. Overnight my B2 has only managed to compress the first 22 albums, it will stop when you use it, when it goes back to standby, process continues.

5. to grab your MP3 files use Playlist/Export MP3, select playlist you want and all MP3 tracks there will be sent to the USB stick connected to USB C the format is Artist/Album/Tracks so should work just fine in your car etc.

[PMB]

Hi All,

Martin has released a second version software - 01 Jul 2020 - which includes a couple of bug fixes for the FLAC + MP3 function.

1. The displayed progress i.e. Compressing: MP3 10% 1 of 20 (example numbers) wasn't showing the correct info - run Scan Disc before starting compression.

2. Compression wouldn't start unless there were some WAV files - it should start compressing FLAC files now.

3. One WAV file remaining after compression.

The process is very slow as it is compressing twice - to MP3 and then to FLAC, so I suggest selecting compression to FLAC first and when completed turn on FLAC + MP3.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Andrew Lomax]

Uploaded the 1st July software and everything is now working. I did indeed have no WAV files on the HDD. Good to see the problem was spotted and fixed quickly. My Brennan is now happily producing mirrored MP3s. 18 down, only another 5312 to go!