I am using Nero 7 premium Reloaded to convert WAV audio to mp3 it uses something called Mp3 Pro my question is it asks options such as variable or constant bitrate which is best? I choose the High Quality option after that. could someone explain the variable as opposed to constant I don't intend to share the mp3s online I just want decent quality mp3 files suitable for play on a data disc should I even choose Highest Quality as well? any feedback much appreciated I don't think this belongs in the Nero forum I hope it's more an Mp3 subject
those WAV files are they copied straight from a CD? In the Tag does it mention Variable or Constant? Variable bitrate is considered better because it encodes the sound better for the size that it is. If the WAV files have already been converted with either way, best to probably keep it what it is. Im no expert, so if anyone can explain better, or prove me wrong, go for it.
yep direct WAV from an original audio cd (or a burn in some cases) nothing in the actual tag I kinda delved into the mp3 Pro options because the defaults seemed low quality I think last time I did select Variable
Variable bit rates are of good quality with small enough files sizes. I use Insane CBR 320 for the highest quality mp3.
is there a major difference between variable and constant? from what I've learned I'll stick to variable cheers
I want highest quality audio for optimal playback filesize no concern because the mp3s won't be online something for playback and long term storage possible transfer to an mp3 player in the future (and the way the storage is expanding again filesize no issue)
Use EAC SECURE MODE with LAME 3.97 on 320KBPS CBR highest quality possible with an mp3. Only way to go.
thanks for your help and info I might shoot one more question your way if you cannot answer it just ignore it how does mp3 audio quality rate? Is it far superior to say, the old days of cassette tapes? I'm about to discard my whole tape collection because it's over lol. gone. dusted. tapes can chew and die but cds are a little better thanks again Sudds
Its good, but its still a lossy format, its widely acceptable in 99% of players out there. I use 320kbps CBR INSANE (biggest file size) this is the highest quality of MP3 you can get (as along as you rip with EAC), in tests, even lower (160) bitrates, the human ear cannot detect the difference. I wouldnt throw away your cassettes mate, i,d keep them, plus you could convert them to mp3 if you have the right equipment.
Sudds it's been great to bounce ideas and info from you - cheers 320 kbps must be remarkable considering the norm is around 120 ish? that software wouldn't be free would it? *wishful thinking* only one of my system stereos has a tape player and I've got most of those albums on cd now a friend who did an audio-tech-course told me something about how a cassette actually degrades quality every time it is played ever so slightly. But if they chew bad it's almost the end of that tape esp. if the tape breaks I love cds and the option of burning cds and they are not hard to look after don't get me wrong I'm not under the illusion that burns will last forever !! (possibly do reburns after several years) famous Dylan has blasted the audio quality of cds but they sound good to me it's cheaper to replace a cd-player than a turntable sorry for the endless babble but thanks for the info
If you have Nero, (can,t remember which one) 7 or higher me thinks, there is an option to record from an outside source either to a hard drive or straight to MP3. I think it was just the original raw sound from an analogue record that Dylan loved, CD works the same way! ;P Oh and you must have an audio in on your computer. I maybe able to help you out with Nero side of things... I use 320kbps, basicly because i want the best quality, i stream everything from my PC upstairs to my PS3 which is downstairs and hooked up via optical to my a/v receiver, listening to low bitrates on it just isnt great, it shows them up for how bad they really are. Cassettes if kept near a strong magnetic force, like a speaker can wipe clean!
