How to unlock m4a files without converting? [SOLVED]

[Arp Jackson]

Hi guys,

everytime I want to normalize a m4a file that I copied into Logic it tells me that the "file or volume is locked". To get it done I usually convert the file into the aiff format.

 

Is there a way to solve this problem without converting the file?

 

And why are m4a files are locked anyway?

The Get Info window tells me the opposite.

 

Thank you

 

Arp

[David Nahmani]

Where did you get those files from? Are those songs you purchased from iTunes?

[Arp Jackson]

Hi David. Those files are from an app called TapeDeck, which I use for recording jam tracks.

[David Nahmani]

Actually I don't think you can perform most edit features on an .m4a file - how do you try to normalize? On an .m4a my normalize menu is grayed out in the sample editor.

[Arp Jackson]

I always use the function menu in the sample editor. Is there another way?

And yes, the menu item is grayed out.

 

If this is a general problem with m4a files we can call the problem fixed, because then converting the file is the only way to do it, I guess.

[David Nahmani]

I always use the function menu in the sample editor. Is there another way?

The equivalent key command, Control-N.

 

So if the function is grayed out at what point do you get the alert "File or volume is locked"?

[Arp Jackson]

Good question David.

I was a little wrong in my description. I get the message when I try to "Change gain" instead.

Sorry for the confusion.

[David Nahmani]

OK I get the same here. I believe you just can't perform those actions on compressed files, you need a PCM file (Wav, AIFF, etc..).

[Arp Jackson]

Thanks David.

[logicscott]

This has happened to me a few times. restarting the computer clears it up for me