How Do I???...Help with Tech questions

[DancyGeorgia]

2015 QAL High Quality Audio File Downloads

Most of the high quality QAL audio files come in the FLAC audio format, although some are posted in several different formats. FLAC audio have the very best audio quality, far better than MP3. A FLAC audio file is basically a WAV audio file that has been compressed to a smaller size in a way that does not loose any audio quality. It is very easy to convert from the FLAC format to other formats with free or low cost software.

Instructions for burning FLAC files to CD are in several posts above this one. One of the best music players for FLAC files on a PC is the free VLC Media Player (www.videolan.org/). There are also several apps for playing FLAC files on Android & Apple phones and tablets.

Here is a list of High Quality Audio files for the 2015 QAL concerts. Some are in FLAC format only while others are posted in multiple formats. (I will be adding to this list, including both upcoming and past concerts, so check back often.)

(Copy & past mega address in browser deleting the space in "ht tps", or click the tinyurl link.)

01-13-2015 Newcastle
Individual FLAC by AWerfhorst from Queenzone
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!nNkgWCjR!urvy3j3YNqYUUzl6mRyIww
tinyurl.com/mzyen62

01-14-2015 Glasgow
Individual FLAC by bootLuca from Queenzone
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!3QlTFQKB!zAkyFohDxhbtgmF1tWexQw
tinyurl.com/o6cbogp

01-17-2015 London 1
1) Individual FLAC by AWerfhorst from Queenzone
2) Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!eB1B0LSR!zbLfC41ey06bo6kMQS2GCw
tinyurl.com/lzwvkyr

01-18-2015 London 2
Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!qYkxxCZa!MwIQpQNQVgHVU9C34xLRXQ
tinyurl.com/m6a5lsq

01-20-2015 Leeds
Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!bRcSWD7b!OD_VVnmfBP3iMfQWzUM2eg
tinyurl.com/nxvlho2

01-21-2015 Manchester
Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!3Y0QSSYK!jgPM2hxqU1MrCKRUd3alog
tinyurl.com/kxdxeof

01-23-2015 Birmingham
Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!zBdQnbyb!BrEGuPv71Sox7LwlXbi7SQ
tinyurl.com/m48w4xg

01-24-2015 Nottingham
Individual FLAC & M4A, Full show MP3 by DancyGeorgia
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!WRcVWIxL!4-4uZ4pJIbYcKAeSKBEprw
tinyurl.com/lcl62rt

01-30-2015 Amsterdam
1) Individual FLAC by Hanemaaijer from Queenzone,
2) Full show FLAC by DasTarD Mix (combines Hanemaaijer's audio + another)
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!yRFGUA4Q!epI9nPES-4B3_MfA-_XYPA
tinyurl.com/ogohmvg

02-02-2015 Munich
Individual FLAC by Burn-Strombringer from Queenzone
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!jA8xgALR!lvuA9BWhwQ1fi0tz8eBOkg
tinyurl.com/n3p8vcg

02-04-2015 Berlin
1) Individual FLAC by W from Queenzone
2) Individual FLAC by WB from Dimeadozen
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!Cctk2aaD!mLNqxoNOFlKvVaEEhFGCHw
tinyurl.com/n3p8vcg

02-05-2015 Hamburg
Individual FLAC by Workstour from Queenzone
ht tps://mega.co.nz/#F!fEcwgAYJ!EG9SDj3VXhWroAoEBGL7gA
tinyurl.com/ovc9w9y

[4EverAdam]

HELP:  How do you post a "Vine" video.  


I had the information and now can't find it.  My head cannot hold all the tech stuff I need so I write it down and "file it" - now where I filed it is another question.  I think 4Ms helped me before.  Anyway, if someone stumbles across this plea for help send me a DM, please.  I can also post the information here.  

Thank you!

[nic]

Hi Can someone please tell me how I can download the Ghost Town performance straight from ellen's site in 1080 HD so it can play in itunes and I can load it on my iphone. I downloaded the mega download file but if I try to play in itunes the video just freezes up though the audio may continue to go on. It will play on vlc and quicktime but not real player or itunes and I need this on my iphone to hear in my car.
Thanks

[DancyGeorgia]

High Quality Headphones Make A Difference!!!

A great pair of headphones makes a really big difference when listening to great music, especially Adam's vocals!!!
Below is a list of things to consider when choosing a pair of headphones and a few recommendations. 

Note: Some headphones require a significant "burn in" time before they sound really good. Be sure to play sound through a new headphone for about 50 hours before deciding if they are good.

Headphones come in the following basic physical types:

1) Over-the-ear headphones: surround the ears; are bigger than other types; are usually more comfortable, especially for bigger heads.

    A) Closed back over-the-ear headphones: the outer part of the headphone cups have a hard enclosure; most over-the-ear headphones are this type; good for listening in the office or other public places where others might be bothered.

In general terms, closed-back headphones are designed to isolate you from the outside world. It’s just you and your music. The downside is the music is a lot more “in your head” sounding. It’s less like a “band in a concert hall” and more “a band in your head.”

Source: www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2013/11/02/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones/

    B) Open back over-the-ear headphones: the back of the headphone cups are open; sound, especially if turned up loud, will leak for these headphones and may bother others close by. In technical jargon, these headphones are said to have a large "soundstage", i.e., they make you feel like you are in a concert hall.

The downside to open-back is probably obvious: everyone can hear what you’re listening to, and any ambient sound gets right in and mixes with your music.

The benefit, though, is some of that sound that’s headed out towards the world also gets mixed in with your music. The result is the headphone sounds significantly larger than closed-back headphones. More “open” sounding. Less like music beamed into your head, and more like music in a room. In other words, potentially more realistic. 

Source: www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2013/11/02/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones/

2) On-the-ear headphones: sit on the ears; are smaller and lighter weight than over-the-ear headphones; can be uncomfortable for larger heads as they tend to be tighter to keep them on the ears.

3) In-ear headphones: a.k.a. ear-buds; extremely light weight; generally not as good sounding as over-the-ear and on-the-ear headphones, but some good models exist.


Other features to consider when buying headphones:

1) Noise isolating versus noise cancelling: Noise cancelling headphones are heavier since they require batteries to achieve noise reduction.

The short version is this: noise isolating headphones physically block ambient noise with their seal against your ear; noise cancelling may do that too, but also electronically cancel the actual soundwaves. 

Read more at: www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2013/09/19/noise-cancelling-vs-noise-isolating-headphones/

2) Wireless: There are several types of wireless technologies available. The current most popular wireless technology for audio is Bluetooth. Almost all smartphones & tablets have Bluetooth. With Bluetooth, the audio is compressed for transmission and then uncompressed at the receiving end. This results in some loss of audio quality compared to wired headphones. But the convenience is often worth it.

3) Cord Type: It is important to note the type of cord that comes with the headphones. Cords may be either straight or coiled. They may have a 3.5 mm (1/8", mini-jack) plug which works with cell phones, tables, and PCs, or they may have a cord with a 6.35 mm (1/4") plug which works with high end audio equipment. Some headphones come with 2 interchangeable cables, one of each type, and some come with an adapter to convert to the other type.

4) Ohms Rating: It is important to note the "Ohms" rating of the headphones. The lower the Ohms rating the louder the audio signal will be without the need for an amplifier. At the low end, 32 Ohm headphones are great for cell phones, etc. At the high end, 250 Ohms headphones will require an amplifier to produce a loud enough sound signal, i.e., these are not good for on the go cell phone use. The advantage of the high Ohms rating headphones is that they are not as easily damaged by audio signals with too much energy. The 50 & 80 Ohm headphones should be fine for cell phone use.


Recommendations:

In making the following recommendations, I am considering both quality of sound and cost. I am trying to stay with deals under $200 with these recommendations. There are even better headphones for more money. But many high quality headphones can be obtained from Amazon, and other places, at reduced cost for special deals or for last year's model. These are in no particular order. All prices are in US Dollars.

1) Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear Headphones

These on-ear headphones have a great sound and are the most comfortable on-the-ear headphones that I have tried. They are my favorite on-ear headphones and the plug fits all of my tablets and cell phones, even those with thick cases. They have a built-in microphone on the cord, although people on the other end have complained of echoing when I use these for talking on my cell.

Currently $70-$95 at US Amazon depending on color (original list price was $259, although Sennheiser is currently selling them for $200 on their web site): 
www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Momentum-Ear-Headphone-Blue/dp/B00D77U9JK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1432525768&sr=8-5&keywords=Sennheiser+Momentum+On+Ear+Headphone

2) Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Open Back Headphones

These are very high quality, premium, audiophile-grade, over-the-ear, open back headphones!!! At the current Amazon deal, you cannot find a better sounding headphone at this price point!!! But note that this headphone is not very suited for smartphones and tablets. It comes with a detachable cable with a larger plug meant for high quality home audio systems. It also comes with an adapter plug that fits typical smartphones, tablets, and PCs. But this setup is rather clunky for on-the-go use with mobile devices.

Currently $151 at US Amazon (original list price was $319):
www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-598-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0042A8CW2/ref=sr_1_3?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1432530047&sr=1-3

3) Audio Technica ATH M50 (or M50X) Over-Ear Closed Back Headphones

These over-the-ear closed back headphones are "studio monitors", i.e., they are very true to the recorded sound and do not boost the bass and thus are used in studio audio editing. These are considered by many audiophiles to be the best headphones at the under $250 price point. The plug is the right size for smartphones, tablets, and PCs. However, the jacket surrounding the plug does not fit well with some of my smartphones and tablets, especially those with a thick cases. But this is my favorite headphone to use on my desktop and laptops for editing audio.

Currently $135-$185 at US Amazon depending on color (list price was $200-$240):
2014 Model with detachable straight & coiled cables: 
www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432526825&sr=8-2&keywords=Audio+Technica+ATH+M50
2013 Model with non-detachable cable in either coiled or straight versions: 
www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432526825&sr=8-1&keywords=Audio+Technica+ATH+M50

4) MEElectronics Air-Fi Matrix2 AF62 Stereo Bluetooth Wireless + Wired Headphones with aptX, AAC, and NFC, Over-Ear (if your ears are not extra large)

Amazon description:
Can be used both wired (stereo audio only) and wirelessly
Rich wireless audio experience with deep bass, crystal clear vocals, and silky smooth treble
Advanced Bluetooth 4.0 technology with NFC and support for aptX and AAC audio codecs for HD-quality audio
Built in microphone for headset functionality with controls for media and phone calls
Up to 22 hours of battery life for both talk and audio playback

My evaluation:
OMG, great sound for Bluetooth headphones, as good as or better than the mid-quality ($100-200 price range) wired headphones that I have. The clarity of sound is great right out of the box, no muddled sounds. The bass is strong but not overwhelming. (For comparison, Beats & Dre headphones tend to have overwhelming bass.) And the volume can be turned up rather loud, more so than on some of my wired headphones. My only complaint is that I had to consult the instruction manual to figure out how to connect them to my phone's Bluetooth the first time. While this headphone is marketed as over-the-ear, the ear cups just barely cover my ears. (I wear a women's large in hats, so my ears are likely on the large side for a female.) If you have really large ears, they may fit more like on-the-ear rather than over-the-ear headphones.

Currently $90 at US Amazon (original list price: $150):
www.amazon.com/MEElectronics-Bluetooth-Wireless-Fidelity-Headphones/dp/B00DOP3NPW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432527742&sr=8-1&keywords=MEElectronics+Air-Fi+Matrix2+AF62

5) Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones with Extended Bass

I really love the sound on these headphones too! They have a bit more bass than the 3 headsets above. They have a built-in microphone for taking calls on your smartphone. They are a bit more tight in the fit than the Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear Headphone recommended above. This model comes with 2 different head band pieces for larger and smaller heads. However, if you are a guy with an XL head (hat size 7.5 or greater), they may still be too tight.
And the band sometimes comes undone.

Currently $125 at US Amazon (original list price was $250):
www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-CL-Precision-Headphones/dp/B00A3RVNXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432528937&sr=8-1&keywords=Harman+Kardon+CL+Precision+On-Ear+Headphones+with+Extended+Bass


I will add more to my recommended headphone list later including something on in-ear headphones. Basically, here are very generic recommendations on brands based on trying 1 or 2 models of each and their reputation for quality:

Recommended brands:
Audio Technica
Sennheiser
Harman Kardon
Bowers & Wilkins
JLabs (in-ear headphones, get the higher end models)

Not recommended brands:
Bluedio (The 2 models I tried sounded rather muddy and distorted out of the box. They require significant burn-in time before they start to sound better. They tend to be bass heavy, which some people may like. And from what I have read, getting problem support from the company is very difficult.)

[DancyGeorgia]

*See the revised instructions a few posts down!!!
It's much easier and only requires one button click to install FFMpeg!!!

Downloading 1080p (+720p & 480p) videos from YouTube with highest quality audio using the "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" FireFox Add-On


"YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" is a FireFox Add-On which will rip 1080p YouTube video and merge it with the highest quality audio ripped from the YouTube video.


Some changes that were made to YouTube, within the last year I think, mean that 1080p video can only be downloaded as separate audio and video (without audio) files. These files must then be merged back together to form a video file with audio. Merging the audio and video files requires using the free audio FFmpeg software. The FireFox Add-On can be set to do this merging automatically.

Note that to use the free audio software FFmpeg to merge the audio and video, you must download and install the correct version of FFmpeg for your PC. You must also download and install 7-Zip since FFmpeg downloads as a 7z compressed file (like a zip file). These instructions are specific for Windows PCs. There are versions for FFmpeg  and 7-Zip for Macs, but I have not tried this FireFox Add-On on a Mac.

1) Before installing FFmpeg or 7-Zip on Windows, you need to know if you are running the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows. Most likely, if it is a newer PC or you have at least 4 GB of RAM, it is 64-bit, but that is not for sure. To make sure, go to "Start Menu", click on "Control Panel", click on "System". Under the "System" heading, find "System type" and it should say 64-it or 32-bit. (If you have a newer Mac, it only comes in 64-bit.)

2) Download and install either the 64-bit or 32-bit version of 7-Zip from www.7-zip.org/ according to your PC's System Type. I would not get the "beta" version as it may be buggy.

3) Download either the "64-bit Static" or" 32-bit Static" version of FFmpeg from ffmpeg.zeranoe.com/builds/ according to your Windows System type. Save the download file to your PC. In Windows Explorer, go to the saved file in your Downloads folder. It should have a name like "ffmpeg-20150517-git-2acc065-win64-static.7z". Right click on this file name, select "7-Zip", then "Extract to ffmpeg...". This should extract the files into a folder of the same name in the Downloads folder. Move this extracted folder to the C drive (or someplace else, but not in the Downloads or C:\Users... folder).

4) In FireFox, click on "Tools" in top menu bar, and then on "Add-ons" in dropdown menu. In "Search all add-ons" search box in upper right, type in "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" and hit Enter key. The add-on with this name should be 1st in the returned list. If it is not there, click on "Extensions in the left menu and see if it is already installed.

5) If you want to read the full instructions, click on "More" in the "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" extension box to read the full set of instructions if desired. Click on the link next to "Homepage" which should take you to addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-video-and-audio-dow/?src=api.

6) In the "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" box, click on "Install". After installing, click on "Extensions" on the left hand menu, find the add=on, and click on it's "Options" button. Below are a few of the key options that I have set are. The FFmpeg location is very important to set correctly.

Preferred file format: MP4

Select video quality: HD1080p

Extract audio from video file: checked

FFmpeg(.exe) location: Click on "Browse" and find folder where you installed FFmpeg. Inside that foler, click on the "Bin" bolder. Then find and select the file named "ffmpeg.exe".

Download a proper audio track when video-only file is selected (Batch-mode): checked

Always download the highest audio quality available in the batch-mode: checked

Remux audio-only streams (instead of MP3 conversion): checked

Delete original DASH (video-only and audio-only) streams after conversion: checked

[DancyGeorgia]

Apr 30, 2015 20:50:15 GMT -5 nic said:

Hi Can someone please tell me how I can download the Ghost Town performance straight from ellen's site in 1080 HD so it can play in itunes and I can load it on my iphone. I downloaded the mega download file but if I try to play in itunes the video just freezes up though the audio may continue to go on. It will play on vlc and quicktime but not real player or itunes and I need this on my iphone to hear in my car.
Thanks

See my post above for the way I download 1080p videos from YouTube. However, these instructions require the ability to install software on a Windows PC that is not 100% automatic. 

What is the link to the video that you downloaded. I could take a look at it and might be able to tell you why it is not working on iTunes. You might also see if devenlane has uploaded this video to www.adamlambertmedia.com/ since she may have ripped it from YouTube herself. I originally wrote the instructions above for devenlane, so any files that she ripped were likely done using the method I described able.

[m45maia]

  This is an amazing display of vocal power and full body

singing.  He completely embodies the lyrics and presentation is amazing.

[DancyGeorgia]

Revised instructions for downloading from YouTube highest quality video files (1440p, 1080p, 720p, 480p, etc.) with highest quality audio and also MP3 audio files using the "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader" FireFox Add-On


Below are new revised instructions for installing and using the FireFox YouTube Video and Audio Downloader Add-on for downloading video and audio from YouTube. Unlike other YouTube download add-ons, this one will rip MP3 audio automatically as well as 1080p (and larger) video WITH AUDIO (if that size exists for the YouTube video). There is some Options setup to perform before using, but it is easy, just follow the instructions and let me know if there are any questions.


Installing the YouTube Video and Audio Downloader FireFox Add-on app:

1) If not already installed, install FireFox, US English: www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/

2) In FireFox, click the menu button in the very right upper corner of FireFox browser (has 3 horizontal bars). Select "Add-on" from the pop-up menue.

3) In the upper right search box of the Add-on Manager, search for "YouTube Video and Audio Downloader". You will find one that ends in "Legacy" and one that ends in "Dev Edt" (Development Edition, might not be stable yet). I have the Legacy version installed rather than the Development version. So rest of instruction will be for the Legacy version, but should be equivalent for the Development version if you choose to install it.

4) Once you install the Add-on, go back to the Add-on Manager page as in step 2. Find the app in the list of Add-ons and select the "Options" button next to the app.

5) In the Options pop-up menu, click on the "FFmpeg Integration" tab. Then click on the "Proceed" button next to "Download and configure FFmpeg(binary) media converter:". This will install FFmpeg automatically.

6) Still on the "FFmpeg Inegration" page. Check that the following "Conversion commands" have the following text in the boxes. If these contain some other text, send me a message with the text.

MP3 Conversion:
-loglevel error -i %input -q:a 0 %output.mp3

Audio and Video combining:
-loglevel error -i %audio -i %video -acodec copy -vcodec copy %output

Audio Extraction:
-loglevel error -i %input -acodec copy -vn %output

7) In the Options menu, click on the "General Settings" tab. Make sure all 3 boxes are checked. This will result in a MP3 file being automatically downloaded when you download any MP4 video that does not say "Audio only". You can select which ever option you prefer for the download folder option, but I choose "Always Ask" which will ask where you want the download video & audio to go.

6) In the Options menu, click on the "Advanced Settings" tab. Check the 1st box "Delete the original DASH files ...".


Using the YouTube Video and Audio Downloader FireFox Add-on app:

1) Go to YouTube page with video that you want to download. Find the orange down arrow under the video and click it. A orange menu will pop up over the right side of the video.

2) If you click the first MP4 video in the list (that does NOT say "Video only"), it will download the highest quality MP4 video that is stored with both video and audio in YouTube. This will generally be either 720p or 360p video. Click this link and it will download a MP4 file that includes audio. With the options setting specified above, a MP3 file will also be downloaded. The MP3 file is converted from the M4A audio stored on YouTube.

3) If you click on a MP4 "video only" link (usually 1440p, 1080p, 720p, or 480p video), it will download a DASH.mp4 (without audio) and a DASH.m4a audio file. After both files have been downloaded, the video without audio and audio files will be automatically combined into a video with audio file. If successful, the DASH files will be erased after they are combined. If the DASH files remain, it was unsuccessful. Delete the files and try again.

4) To get the best quality audio as a separate file, click the "M4A Audio-only - AAC 128K" button. Not the "64K" button. This will be higher quality audio than the MP3 file downloaded automatically in step 2. The M4A file is grabbed directly from YouTube without any conversion. The MP3 file involves a conversion and thus is not as high quality.

5) Sometimes there will be 2 download links that look exactly the same except for the size given for the download file. For example, 2 "MP4 1080p video-only" links with different MB numbers. The presence of multiple download links for files with the same pixel parameter depends on what the camera records, which often depends on the country the camera comes from. Usually, one of these files is for the US/JP video format and the other is for the EU/UK format. For watching on a PC, this will likely not make a difference. But if you are making a DVD from the videos, best to grab the one for your country. To figure out which is which, you have to download the video and check with the MediaInfo software. But usually, the smaller file is the US version and the larger file is the EU version.