Windows Media Audio Encoding Dialog

You can open the Windows Media Audio dialog from most places where you can select an output file format. For example, open an audio file, select File > Save As, click in the Format field, and select Edit. In the Audio File Format dialog, select Windows Media Audio (WMA) as type, click the Encoding field, and select Edit.

Encoder

Sets the encoder.

Output Sample Rate

Sets the output sample rate of the encoded file. The higher the sample rate, the higher the quality, but the larger the output file.

Output Bit Depth

Sets the output bit depth of the encoded file. This parameter is not available for all encoders.

Channels and Bit Rate

The available items here depend on the selected encoding method and the output sample rate.

VBR (Variable Bit Rate)

If this option is activated, the bit rate in the file will vary during the encoding, depending on the complexity of the material. This can produce a better quality/size ratio in the output file.

In the Quality field, select the quality. Lower quality settings result in smaller files.

Two-Pass Encoding

If this option is activated, the encoding quality increases, but the process takes twice as long.

Constrained Bit Rate

This option is available when the VBR and Two-Pass Encoding options are activated. This is used to maintain the bit rate within limits to avoid peaks. This is recommended for media, such as CD or DVD.