• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

What MP3 encoder is the best?

I'd like to find one with the fr (some long german name that I can't remember well enough to spell) cedec, but I'm not sure what programs use it. If someone knows of a better coded (and program), I'd like to know where I could get one of those as well.

edit: whoa! I went from a 10 rating to a 5.5; somebody must not like me...
 
the two top encoding and decoding codecs are LAME, and Fraunhoffer.

there are many CD ripping programs which allow the use of different codecs. one of which is EAC (Exact Audio Copy). that program has alot of error correction for making sure that the wave file is an exact copy. then you have to encode it.

from what I've been able to tell, this program either uses an encoder that is listed in the multimedia properties of the control panel (don't be fooled by the Fraunhoffer one there, it only allows up to I think 56kbps data rates).

you can also use an external program to encode the waves you get from the CD, as with any CD Ripping program.

the most commonly used program is Audiograbber though. In copy quality I have no Idea how well it does, however you can use a FREE LAME codec (place a free downloaded LAME .dll file in the Audiograbber directory), which is now a pretty quick encoder, as well as more accurate then what it was previously (as in Ace's Hardware's reviews).

e-mail me if you want Audiograbber.. ;-)
 
What soccerman said.

The Fraunhoffer is nice but it costs $$$. LAME is free, and is just as good, if not better.
 
Could you get the Fraunhoffer codec for me then Paulson? Leagally.. and not in musicmatch.. Becuase that version is crippled... Please?
 
Take prontospyder's advice. LAME is the best sounding encoder at the moment. Plus you can get it for free, legally. It comes with cdex that he links to.

Set the encoding properties to variable bit rate, quality level 2, 3, or 4, depending on how big you want your files to be (2 is better quality, larger file, 4 is good quality, smaller file) don't go any higher (lower?) than 4 (i.e., not 5,6,7,etc.). I like 4. Choose Joint Stereo and set the minimum bit rate to 96 kbps. You will be amazed at how good the resulting mp3 file sounds, even on audiophile-grade high-end stereo equipment.
 
just remember the differences between joint-stereo and stereo. Some people have been encoding in 128 kb/s with stereo and it doesn't as clear as it should. 192 kb/s is the minimum for stereo and 128 kb/s should be the minimum for joint-stereo. If you go lower, your mp3 quality is degraded too much. this is why i only download Mp3's with a 192+ kb/s bitrate.
 
Stereo allocates exactly half the bitrate to each channel no matter what the real demand is. Joint Stereo allows the bitrate to be more efficiently shared between the 2 channels. That's the really simplified explanation - what it really does is matrix the stereo signal into a L+R and a L-R signal and then allocate the bits between them as needed. So, sounds that are equally present in both channels only take up the amount of space as if they were one channel, and the remaining bits are used to carry the sounds that are different between the channels. This can save a ton of space with no loss of quality, or give much better quality in a comparable amount of space.

What can happen if you force stereo is you will get "flanging", which is what that swishy sound you sometimes hear in some mp3's is called.
 
Oh yea, when encoding with Lame, use VRB, setting 1, high quality, joint stereo, and 320kb/s max, 128kb/s min. Probably best to use a front end like razorlame.
 
When I use LAME, I use VBR 4 and 96 kbps minimum. The difference in sound quality from VBR 1 is not usually obvious and the files are a lot smaller. But if file size is not a big concern, then go for the bigger bitrates, by all means.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top