SonicStage+MP3+Clie does work with MSX

[blackcarrera]

Even though it says "The inserted media cannot be used for transfering tracks" you can easely transfer MP3 music to the Clie. (Works with my NX70 and my TH55)

The SonicStage version that I used is 3.1 wich I don't believe is an update for the Clie. My version is for my HI-MD walkman wich is provided as an update to the Sonicstage version on the HI-MD CD.

How to do it: Go to your local disc drive C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/Sony Corporation/SonicStage/Packages. From there you will see folders with the name of the albums you recorded with SonicStage. (You may need to go to Tools, folder options, view and where it says hidden files and folders you will need to check it to 'show hidden files and folders'

When you find the MP3 file you can use Data Import on the Clie and send it into the Memory Stick in the Palm/Programs/MSAudio folder.

This does not work for the Atrac fromat.

[CliePet]

> SonicStage+MP3+Clie does work with MSPro
FWIW: that is not news. In this case SonicStage is copying the MP3 files for you. IMHO you are better off with AlbumSwap organization http://www.aibohack.com/clie/albumswap.htm) and copying the files directly, but if you like the SonicStage program more power to you. The CLIE version of the AudioPlayer does not support the SonicStage Album organization (the PSP player does !)

FWIW/IMHO: SonicStage 3.x is better than SonicStage 2.x - but that's not saying much ;->
SonicStage 3.1 upgrade: http://www.sonydigital-link.com/DNA/SonicStage/SS31.asp
I don't recommend this program for MP3 file management, but you may like it.
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The SonicStage program will work with any memory stick or CF. You are limited to MP3 mode. On SonicStage 2.x this is called "CLIE Mode". On SonicStage 3.x this is called "PSP Mode". In either case it is a bad term (the CLIE and the PSP will support ATRAC3 today if you have the very specific hardware+software setup - but will also support the more general "MP3" mode with almost any stick)

As mentioned, will not work for songs purchased from Sony Connect.com store (ATRAC3 or ATRAC3Plus with DRM)

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This issue will become much more interesting when SonicStage 3.2 is released (perhaps next week or maybe later). That will support ATRAC3 on the MS Pro sticks, for the PSP 2.0. CLIE support is questionable.

[blackcarrera]

SonicStage 3.1 is not copying the MP3 files because the original source of the music is an audio CD. SonicStage 3.1 I believe is the first version to allow for MP3 conversion; It has a bunch of bit rate options to choose from for the MP3. The lowest bit rate is 96kbps and the highest is 320kbps.

[CliePet]

> SonicStage 3.1 is not copying the MP3 files because the original source of the music is an audio CD.
Nitpick: it converts it first and puts the MP3 on your hard disk (in your "library"). After that if you use the regular "Transfer" mode (no re-encoding), it is simply copying to the memory stick (for the CLIE) - same as you get when you drag-and-drop. (NOTE: For the PSP it is doing more)

> SonicStage 3.1 I believe is the first version to allow for MP3 conversion
NitPick/FWIW: SonicStage 2.3 (came with a VAIO) has always had that capability - at least for me ("record" from CD, save as MP3 - different bit rates, max of 256Kbps - as well as ATRAC3/ATRAC3Plus/ATRAC lossless).

The 3.x version in my brief testing looks to be an improvement in general.
However, for the MP3 ripping features, SonicStage is coming late to the game IMHO.
There are plenty of other Audio CD ripping and MP3 encoding programs out there. MusicMatch is very popular.

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My point is that Sonic Stage is not doing anything new or unique (for MP3s on CLIE). If you like it over the alternatives, use it.
However for ATRAC3 it is the only game in town -- a necessary evil IMHO.

[daver]

So will the TH55 Audioplayer even play Atrac3 music files converted by SonicStage 2.3? I have a NetMD as well, but it's the older generation before the Hi-NetMDs.

[CliePet]

> So will the TH55 Audioplayer even play Atrac3 music files converted by SonicStage 2.3?

Of course (SonicStage 2.x or the newer 3.1)
ATRAC3 is technically a better solution than MP3 (smaller files), but the hassles are not worth it IMHO unless you have a collection of DRM ATRAC3 files and/or a collection of white memory sticks
[If you originally ripped CDs to get the ATRAC files, then I suggest re-ripping them to MP3]

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To get it to work, you need the magic combination of:
#1) a PURE WHITE "MG" MagicGate memory stick (not one with a MagicGate stamp), 32MB, 64MB or 128MB sizes only.
#2) a dedicated Sony "Magic Gate" compatible stick reader (like the MSAC-US30, the cheaper models won't work). Non-sony brand won't work. CLIE "DataImport" feature won't work.
#3) the SonicStage software installed on your machine so it recognizes #2 as special.
[This is what I call "Magic Gate V1"]

When SonicStage 3.2 is released, this may change [will support MS Pro sticks for PSP 2.0]

[daver]

darn, don't have a white MagicGate MS, and don't have a card reader.
ah well, I was just curious anyways. Thanks tho!