How do I turn off variable bit rate with EAC?

[Wekiva]

I've noticed that many of the CDs that I've ripped recently were done w/ variable bit rate on. I wanted straight 256 which is what I thought I chose. Where is the setting that allows variable...I can't find it.

Thanks

 

[Triforceofcourage]

variable bitrate provides better quality audio

 

[BespinReactorShaft]

AFAIK, EAC invokes 3rd party encoders. Which encoder are you using? LAME, FhG or...?

 

[Wekiva]

I'm using Lame 3.96.

I thought that variable was good becaused it decreased quality when there was silence or a simple line of music...and increased quality during complicated stuff...giving you the best, smallest file possible. But wouldn't forcing a high bit rate throughout give you an overall better file...larger...but better?

Of course I've got a lot to learn about MP3 so maybe I'm wrong.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Wekiva
I'm using Lame 3.96.

I thought that variable was good becaused it decreased quality when there was silence or a simple line of music...and increased quality during complicated stuff...giving you the best, smallest file possible. But wouldn't forcing a high bit rate throughout give you an overall better file...larger...but better?

Of course I've got a lot to learn about MP3 so maybe I'm wrong.

No, because at best a constant bit rate (CBR) will waste space (i.e. using 256 Kbps when only 128 is needed) and at worst it will over-compress a frame (using 256 when 320 is needed).

What are your encoder options set at in EAC?

 

[Fulcrum]

Stay with VBR. It will save space and realistically you won't be able to hear the difference unless maybe you have the trained ears of a professional musician. And if that were the case, you wouldn?t want to be using the MP3 format anyways.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

there's a reason formats such as Ogg Vorbis and Musepack don't support CBR... VBR is definately the way to go

 

[gsaldivar]

Originally posted by: Triforceofcourage
variable bitrate provides better quality audio

:thumbsup:

 

[statik213]

Originally posted by: Wekiva
I've noticed that many of the CDs that I've ripped recently were done w/ variable bit rate on. I wanted straight 256 which is what I thought I chose. Where is the setting that allows variable...I can't find it.

Thanks

there are quality options with VBR where you can sort of specify a max bit rate...
When I encode i go towards the high end on quality spectrum and it spikes to about 320 when needed but most of the songs are at about 160~192 range....

so less space bettah quality...