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You may need to join individual MP3 files, for example, if you want to combine several separate recordings or chapters of an audiobook.
Joining MP3 files with mp3DirectCut
One easy-to-use programme is the freeware mp3DirectCut. Once installed, launch the tool and follow these steps:
- In the mp3DirectCut menu bar, click on File and then on Batch Functions.
- In the new window, click on the […] button in the top-left-hand corner. Then select the folder containing the MP3 files you wish to join.
- You will now see a list of the MP3 files found in mp3DirectCut. If necessary, you can change the order of the files using drag and drop. Select individual files by holding down the Control key; select several in succession by holding down the Shift key.
- Important: Ensure that all the files to be joined are selected in the list. If there are any unmarked files in the list, these will be ignored during merging.
- In the Action section, tick the box next to Merge – Name. Confirm any message that may appear by clicking OK.
- Enter the desired name for the new file in the empty input field on the right. Alternatively, accept the default name and rename the file later.
- Then click the Start button. The finished file will then be located in the same folder as the individual MP3 files.
Merging MP3 files – What you should bear in mind
Generally speaking, merging MP3 files is very straightforward and can be done without any problems. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
- Equalising volume levels: If the individual files have different volume levels, you should adjust them before merging. MP3Gain is an easy-to-use programme for this task.
- Compatibility: Make sure, as far as possible, that you only merge MP3 files that have the same settings. Differences in bitrate, sample rate or the number of channels can lead to distortion or prevent the files from being merged.
- If you encounter problems, you may need to re-encode all the individual files first.
- Check the result: Even if the individual files are successfully merged without any error messages, you should listen carefully to the resulting file and ensure that you are satisfied with the result.
- Pay particular attention to missing sections, dropouts and distortion. You can also compare the total length with the lengths of the individual files.
- ID3 tags: If your MP3 files have ID3 tags (such as artist information), these may be lost either partially or completely during the merging process. If necessary, recreate the ID3 tags.
- Keep backups: If in doubt, you should keep the individual files, as you will otherwise be unable to correct errors that you only notice later.
