How to “reencode” mp3 files

audiomp3

I have a fair number of mp3 files which I created using audiohijack pro on a mac. Now I no longer have a mac and am using them on my linux systems. Unfortunately the program I use (rhythmbox) to listen to these files cannot figure out how long the files are. These files are up to 5 hours long, and when the program cannot figure out how long it is I can't scroll through the file. Any unix/linux programs that can reencode these files? I do not know enough about either audio on linux or the mp3 file format to know what would be involved in this.

Best,
Bart

Best Answer

It does not answer the question in your title, but maybe there's a chance to fix the files without reencoding. For example, one common issue with incorrect lengths of MP3 files are files with variable bit rate that are not properly marked as having a variable bit rate (and programs like rhythmbox treating them as if they had a constant one). The tool vbrfix can fix those files. Another useful tool to check the MP3 file is mp3check, it also has options like --fix-headers that might repair the files (make backups of the files first!).

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