96kbps bite rate with 44.1khz sample rate?

[smiley face :)]

First, I'd just like to say that WavePad is an awesome program!

 

Now my question.

 

I am using the free version of WavePad v2.00. What I want to know is, is it possible to reduce the bit rate of an MP3 file to 96kbps or less while maintaining a sample rate of 44.1kHz?

 

So far, it seems that whenever I save an MP3 file with a bit rate of 96kbps or less, WavePad will automatically reduce the sampling rate to below 44.1kHz. I've tried opening the new 96kbps MP3 file in WavePad and manually increasing to sample rate to 44.1kHz, but when I save the file again the sample rate still drops to below 44.1kHz.

 

The reason why I ask is because I recently bought a new Sony NW-E507 MP3 player which is only capable of playing MP3's with a sampling frequency of 44.1kHz. I realize that reducing the bit rate will result in lower quality sound, however that is a sacrifice I am willing to make in order to fit more songs on my MP3 player.

 

Thanks in advance for you help