LAME Encoding

[DDR-PIII]

I'm copying my cd's to my hdd so I don't have to go through like 50 cd's to listen to some songs I like, anyway I'll be encoding into a Variable BitRate "saves a little bit of space, but still has quality".

Anyway here is how I've got it configured:

Channels: Dual Channel
Resample: No, Off
Bit Reservior: Yes, On
Bits: Copyright, CRC, Original & Private

BitRate Mode:

Variable BitRate, Min BitRate 192 - Max BitRate 320
Xing Frame, Quality High..

So I've got that set how I want it accept for one thing...I'm not sure about see below

Channels: Mono, Stereo, Joint-Stereo & Dual Channel

Which will sound best ? Dual Channel ?

[veryhumid]

go with joint stereo. variable encoding is cool, I personally stick with a constant bitrate. also use lame version 3.90.3, the only recommended version for mp3 encoding.

coolest place for information about audio encoders/programs period: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php

good luck!

what is that about "xing" in your post? are you using lame or xing? xing is known to be the crappiest encoder of all (coincidentally used/owned by RealOne). I INSIST you use LAME ;)

oh just a tidbit, joint stereo is a left channel and a right channel, and then another "virtual channel" that sums up the left and right information that is played through both.

[breez]

go with joint stereo. variable encoding is cool, I personally stick with a constant bitrate. also use lame version 3.90.3, the only recommended version for mp3 encoding.

Heh, the alt presets within LAME are the only recommended settings for mp3 encoding. CBR isn't going to deliver the best possible quality for MP3 (unless you are encoding 320 kbps CBR through -alt preset insane).

So go with the presets. Alt preset standard is transparent for most people and yields bitrates of about 190-260 kbps depending on material with LAME 3.90.3.

Alternatively you could go Musepack or Vorbis if you are going to playback the files on PC. Use encoder presets with these too.

Audio encoders and stuff available at http://www.rarewares.org

Information available at the already mentioned hydrogenaudio.org.

[veryhumid]

-alt present insane or -preset insane user here! ;)

yeah the "recommended" lame version is a big debate, on 3.90.3 you will have nearly the best quality constant bitrate encodes, but with the newer ones there are many improvements for the average and variable bit rate processing.