checking MP3 properties

[cactus]

In another thread (http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141489) here in TH55 land, I have come to an impasse in figuring out why the MP3s that I've copied onto different memory sticks don't play in my TH55. Since that thread is languishing, I'm starting a new one with some specific questions.

Looking at the questions I've been asked in the other thread, I need to find out the process I go through to determine the following:

1. if the MP3s are 44.1kHz CBR and between 32kbps and 320kbps
2. if they're CBR and not VBR
3. if the 1 and 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duos are FAT16 instead of FAT32

I'm on the verge of shipping this back to Dan with several of the memory sticks to see if he can figure this out....

Thanks for any guidance you folks can give me

[Aces]

My best advice is something that solves your delima two ways. dBpowerAMP. Since I installed it on my PC, if I hover over an MP3 file, it opens a dialog box with what appears to be all the info you are looking for.

But it also allows you to convert the MP3's quite simply. I rip my own CD's for music. But it always irked me how most of the pod-casts here have been VBR recorded. So now I don't even bother checking them. I download them, then convert them. Done.

The biggest problem with dBpowerAMP, has been the charging for MP3 codecs. If you can find it on the web, look for version 10. It was the last version before the DRM folks decided it was too useful of a product to let be... If you want to see the type of info it will show on a file, here's an image of the info on 1src podcast #168, after I'd converted it:
http://www.1src.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1171

[JavaJiveJump]

isn't LAME still a free MP3 codec?