Are my MP3's crap? (What's this Joint Stereo stuff?)

[downhiller80]

OK for ages I've been encoding MP3's at 256kbit using the Fraunhofer codec with MMJB5. I knew about the "high quality" bug which introduces loads of noise so I kept it on "normal".

Now I've just noticed that in my file info box (alt-3 in winamp) it says they're encoded in "JOINT" stereo. I don't know what this is but I'm sure it's name sounds like it's not as good as "REAL" stereo. What's the difference?

On another note are the other settings I'm using any good? I've not been won over by LAME because of the extra faff of ripping and then encoding instead of doing it all at once.


Oh, BTW I now have over 5200 tracks (29GB worth!!) Some are at 128kbit becuase I knew no better a year ago when I started ripping, but now I do everything at 256.

seb

 

[Pepsi90919]

joint means that if some sound is monoaural, at any point in the song (i.e. it occurs at the same place in both the speakers with no sound difference) then it just records it once in the file and kinda copies it to both speakers. with the 'true' stereo it always keeps the left and right channels seperate no matter what, resulting in a bigger file.

 

[gnognugs]

Discrete stereo (100% separate channels), is not necessary in lower frequencies because of the way our bodies (not just our ears), perceive sound. Most audio is mastered in joint stereo anyway, it is usually preferable because of file size, but you can not hear any difference.

 

[Zucchini]

stereo is better in some situations, but only at very high bitrates. I would say 256kbs for stereo, but no one really does that Mp3 is for compression, so vrb joint is fine. Use lame not mmjb

 

[ff123]

Joint stereo is default for the codec used within MMJB 5 "normal" (Fraunhofer's FastEnc) all the way up to the highest bitrates. In fact, there is no way to change it to normal stereo if you wanted to. Nevertheless, this codec sounds just fine at 192 and 256 kbit/s. Joint-stereo quality has as much to do with its implementation as any other factor -- i.e., it's a fallacy that joint-stereo should never be used at higher bitrates; it depends on the encoder. If you're happy with MMJB 5 "normal," I see no reason to switch to Lame. Others who listen to your files should find them more than adequate.

ff123
http://fastforward.iwarp.com/
Discussion of Audio Compression

 

[downhiller80]

zucchini: thanks for the tips. I've always avoided VBR because a lot of portable players have issues with it and that would drive me mad if I had to re-rip everything!

seb

 

[Zucchini]

hehe .. well my take on it is if the player can't handle vrb, its not worth buying Stuff is getting better and better.. i'm sure the rio volt could play any vrb. Theres also some 6GB player for like $350, so prices are dropping