Q: What is the difference between MP3 and WAV formats?
A: The WAV audio format is an uncompressed audio format. As the audio signal is not subject to any processing, the sound quality is the same as a CD. The drawback is that since a WAV audio file is about 5 times larger than a MP3 file, it takes longer to download.
The MP3 format is the most popular format for downloading and storing music. By eliminating portions of the audio file that are less audible, an MP3 file is compressed to roughly one-fifth the size of an equivalent WAV file, thereby sacrificing a little quality. To non-audiophiles however, the difference between a WAV file and an MP3 file (at an encoding bit rate of 320 kbps) is difficult to discern.
Our MP3s don’t have any built-in Digital Rights Management (DRM), meaning they can be transferred to any device and be expected to play.
Q: How do I purchase MP3 or WAV digital downloads?
A: You can download your music as soon as you’ve completed your purchase. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. This e-mail contains your personal download link. Please note: You can use this download link 3 times, after this the link expires.
What happens next depends on whether you have a PC or a MAC. Here’s the easiest way to download the files for each system:
PC Users:
- A new “File Download” window will appear automatically. This file is the Download Manager that will move your music onto your computer. When prompted, click Open to access the program.
- Once the Download Manager launches, you will be asked if you want to change the folder where your music will be stored. Click No; this will automatically save the files to your “My Music” folder, which is located in the “My Documents” folder on your computer.
- After you click No, your music will begin downloading immediately.
- When the downloads are complete, click the Listen to Downloads button in the Download Manager to open the directory where you saved your music.
- Double-click on the file for each song you downloaded to launch your default media player (e.g. iTunes) and play the song.
Mac Users:
- A new page will appear, listing all the tracks from your CD purchase. Click on the Download Now link next to each track.
- The file will be placed in your default download location and open automatically in iTunes once the track has been downloaded.
Q: What if I forget to click the Download button right after I complete my purchase?
A: You will receive an e-mail order confirmation that will have a link. For PC Users: When you click on this link, you will go to Step 2 in the answer to the first question. For MAC Users: When you click on this link, you will go to Step 2 in the answer to the previous question. Then you follow the rest of those steps to download your music.
Q: I did not receive my confirmation e-mail after I made my purchase. What should I do?
A: There are a few reasons why you may not have received your confirmation e-mail: The most likely one is that the e-mail may have gone to your “Junk Mail” folder. Please check to see if it did. If you locate the mail message, you can add us to your address book to ensure that you will receive a “Confirmation E-mail” the next time you place an order.
If you cannot find the e-mail, please contact us immediately at: shop@vanderaa.net
Q: How long does it take to download an album?
A: This will depend on your connection speed, the file size of the track and Internet traffic. A MP3 album may take a few minutes or more to download. A high quality WAV album may take up to half an hour to download.
Q: What if my download process is interrupted?
A: If the track download is interrupted for any reason (i.e. knocked offline, hit wrong button), you can return to the original download now link and start the process over. The download manager will recognize that a partial download has completed and it will start at this point rather than at the beginning. If you receive a prompt for “This file is already saved, would you like to replace it?” click Yes and continue the download process.
Q: I have a “corrupt” file. What is the issue?
A: The file may be corrupt because it did not fully download. Please download the music file again.
Q: What if my file is “damaged”?
A: If the file is damaged or you receive an error message, we will work with you to resolve the issue and provide a proper file. Before contacting customer service, please consider disabling any firewall programs and attempt to download again. If you continue to have issues, please send an e-mail to shop@vanderaa.net with specific details about your issue and list the e-mail address used to purchase it.
Q: Why did I get a window warning that “Some files can harm your computer. If the file information below looks suspicious, or you do not fully trust the source, do not open or save this file.”?
A: This is a standard Microsoft window that will appear whenever you download any file from the internet. It is a way to confirm that you are purposefully downloading a file, as opposed to clicking on an unknown link.
Q: How much time do I have to download my music?
A: You need to download your music within thirty days after you first receive your Download link. After that time, your link will no longer be valid. Additionally you can use this download link a maximum of 3 times, after this the link expires.
