MP3s
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
MP3s
This is a bit off topic, but since it directly relates to my impending C6, maybe someone can help.
Right now, in my C5, I have 13 CDs loaded. Since the C6 only takes 6, I'll need to convert stuff to MP3s. But the catch is that there are a lot of choices when converting to MP3s. Various codecs, options, compression ratios, etc. This is the first time I'm mucking with MP3s. I understand the function and the math of it all, but that doesn't equate to what it really sounds like.
So, what's the best codec to use and how far can you compress things before it becomes noticable? Obviously, this is for use in the C6 environment (as opposed, lets say, to using them in a sound studio with $50,000 speakers).
As a side question for those of you already using MP3s in your C6, how does the C6 determine play order of the MP3s on a disk? Alphabetical, order on the disk, etc. I've seen some people having problems with play order on some cars using various burning software, although no one has reported any issues yet with the C6 (other than the track 10+ issue).
I've got some tracks to burn and I figure I might as well get a head start.
Thanks
Right now, in my C5, I have 13 CDs loaded. Since the C6 only takes 6, I'll need to convert stuff to MP3s. But the catch is that there are a lot of choices when converting to MP3s. Various codecs, options, compression ratios, etc. This is the first time I'm mucking with MP3s. I understand the function and the math of it all, but that doesn't equate to what it really sounds like.
So, what's the best codec to use and how far can you compress things before it becomes noticable? Obviously, this is for use in the C6 environment (as opposed, lets say, to using them in a sound studio with $50,000 speakers).
As a side question for those of you already using MP3s in your C6, how does the C6 determine play order of the MP3s on a disk? Alphabetical, order on the disk, etc. I've seen some people having problems with play order on some cars using various burning software, although no one has reported any issues yet with the C6 (other than the track 10+ issue).
I've got some tracks to burn and I figure I might as well get a head start.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 0
From: los gatos, ca
I'm super picky about sound quality. I can hear the difference between 256K and 320K....but just barely(320K is the maximum bitrate). I used LAME and most importantly, VBR (variable bit rate). With VBR you pick a minimum and maximum bitrate. I chose 128K to 320K. I also chose the highest quality. The size seems to average out to what 192K CBR was, but without reduced sound quality. I fit about between 8 and 10 cds per disc and have 100% cd quality as far as my ears can tell using Sony MDR-V6 headphones for reference.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 378
From: Northern NJ
I burned my MP3's using Itunes. I basically used the highest quality (192K) in the preference menu and they sound real nice. Play order is the order burned onto the MP3 (unless you play in random mode). There are additional features of the C6's MP3 players abilities such a folders, playlists, sessions, files but I haven't gotten that far yet. For now just MP3 files on a CD, load & play.
Last edited by Lakelander; Oct 15, 2004 at 10:29 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,366
Likes: 7
From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by sorka
I'm super picky about sound quality. I can hear the difference between 256K and 320K....but just barely(320K is the maximum bitrate). I used LAME and most importantly, VBR (variable bit rate). With VBR you pick a minimum and maximum bitrate. I chose 128K to 320K. I also chose the highest quality. The size seems to average out to what 192K CBR was, but without reduced sound quality. I fit about between 8 and 10 cds per disc and have 100% cd quality as far as my ears can tell using Sony MDR-V6 headphones for reference.
I usually use VBR between 128k and 320k
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
Thanks, its a good starting point. I'll have to experiment a bit but it looks like I shouldn't bother with anything under 128K and probably 160K to 192K may be optimum.
I have read a few things that indicate that using VBR really doesn't make much difference. I guess I'll have to play with that too. Some people also claim an audible difference between different encoders, especially at higher compression rates, so that's another thing to mess with.
Something to keep my mind off this waiting. Then I need to figure out what's going to be track 1 of the first CD I put in the car when it arrives.
I have read a few things that indicate that using VBR really doesn't make much difference. I guess I'll have to play with that too. Some people also claim an audible difference between different encoders, especially at higher compression rates, so that's another thing to mess with.
Something to keep my mind off this waiting. Then I need to figure out what's going to be track 1 of the first CD I put in the car when it arrives.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,486
Likes: 5,534
From: Western Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by Jay_Davis
Thanks, its a good starting point. I'll have to experiment a bit but it looks like I shouldn't bother with anything under 128K and probably 160K to 192K may be optimum.
I have read a few things that indicate that using VBR really doesn't make much difference. I guess I'll have to play with that too. Some people also claim an audible difference between different encoders, especially at higher compression rates, so that's another thing to mess with.
Something to keep my mind off this waiting. Then I need to figure out what's going to be track 1 of the first CD I put in the car when it arrives.
I have read a few things that indicate that using VBR really doesn't make much difference. I guess I'll have to play with that too. Some people also claim an audible difference between different encoders, especially at higher compression rates, so that's another thing to mess with.
Something to keep my mind off this waiting. Then I need to figure out what's going to be track 1 of the first CD I put in the car when it arrives.
Believe me, VBR MP3's make a difference. I can tell the difference between a regular 192kbps MP3 file and a song encoded in VBR at about the same file size. It's just that it usually takes a set of good ears and higher end equipment. With my Sony CD3000 headphones, I can differentiate the two.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Remember to play a "full" CD with plenty of tracks (first time only) before playing an MP3 with fewer tracks. Someone else in this forum couldn't play the upper tracks on the CD because they played the MP3 first.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by Jay_Davis
So, what's the best codec to use and how far can you compress things before it becomes noticable? Obviously, this is for use in the C6 environment (as opposed, lets say, to using them in a sound studio with $50,000 speakers).I've got some tracks to burn and I figure I might as well get a head start.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
Originally Posted by RedC6Coupe
Remember to play a "full" CD with plenty of tracks (first time only) before playing an MP3 with fewer tracks. Someone else in this forum couldn't play the upper tracks on the CD because they played the MP3 first.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 902
Likes: 21
From: Pensacola FL
C6 FAQ Master
Use the free ripper "Audiograbber" to convert whole CD's to MP3 albums:
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/
download HERE
you will also download a small file, the actual Encoder file:
download the "Lame" encoder HERE and unzip it into your install folder to get the higher encoding rates (128, 160, 192, etc.)
It works great!!!! And it's free!
I use 192 for ripping so I can use them at home (need higher bitrate for better sound system) and in the car (128 is fine there with road noise, etc., but why have two different files?)
Be sure and organize the folders by Artist --> Album --> Track#-Title
(You need to add the track number to the title to keep them in their original album order, or the computer will "alphabetize them". Make sure the artist and album are not part of the song name... they get WAY too long! The artist name and album will be encoded in the song with an internal song tag that displays while playing the MP3.
Good luck!
Doc Rings
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/
download HERE
you will also download a small file, the actual Encoder file:
download the "Lame" encoder HERE and unzip it into your install folder to get the higher encoding rates (128, 160, 192, etc.)
It works great!!!! And it's free!
I use 192 for ripping so I can use them at home (need higher bitrate for better sound system) and in the car (128 is fine there with road noise, etc., but why have two different files?)
Be sure and organize the folders by Artist --> Album --> Track#-Title
(You need to add the track number to the title to keep them in their original album order, or the computer will "alphabetize them". Make sure the artist and album are not part of the song name... they get WAY too long! The artist name and album will be encoded in the song with an internal song tag that displays while playing the MP3.
Good luck!
Doc Rings
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 90
From: Hillsdale NJ
Originally Posted by docrings1
Use the free ripper "Audiograbber" to convert whole CD's to MP3 albums:
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/
download HERE
you will also download a small file, the actual Encoder file:
download the "Lame" encoder HERE and unzip it into your install folder to get the higher encoding rates (128, 160, 192, etc.)
It works great!!!! And it's free!
I use 192 for ripping so I can use them at home (need higher bitrate for better sound system) and in the car (128 is fine there with road noise, etc., but why have two different files?)
Be sure and organize the folders by Artist --> Album --> Track#-Title
(You need to add the track number to the title to keep them in their original album order, or the computer will "alphabetize them". Make sure the artist and album are not part of the song name... they get WAY too long! The artist name and album will be encoded in the song with an internal song tag that displays while playing the MP3.
Good luck!
Doc Rings
http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/
download HERE
you will also download a small file, the actual Encoder file:
download the "Lame" encoder HERE and unzip it into your install folder to get the higher encoding rates (128, 160, 192, etc.)
It works great!!!! And it's free!
I use 192 for ripping so I can use them at home (need higher bitrate for better sound system) and in the car (128 is fine there with road noise, etc., but why have two different files?)
Be sure and organize the folders by Artist --> Album --> Track#-Title
(You need to add the track number to the title to keep them in their original album order, or the computer will "alphabetize them". Make sure the artist and album are not part of the song name... they get WAY too long! The artist name and album will be encoded in the song with an internal song tag that displays while playing the MP3.
Good luck!
Doc Rings