I've gotten some variations in MP3 encoding using dBpowerAMP and RazorLame front-ends. First of all, I ran into the issue of using a different version of the LAME encoder with each product, 3.90.3 with RazorLame and 3.92 (I think) with dMC. So, I backed up the lame_enc.dll file in the dBpowerAMP\Compression\Lame directory and copied my 3.90.3 version of the same file into it.

I encoded a WAV file that is 36,755MB in size to MP3 with dMC first, using the "Alt Preset Standard" option from the Advanced Options menu. The bitrate ended up being an average of 199kbps (VBR, of course), and the filesize is 5196MB. The file info says it was encoded with LAME 3.90. (Assuming/hoping that meant 3.90.3.)

I encoded the same WAV to MP3 with RazorLame, also using Lame v3.90.3 and --alt-preset standard. That file ended up being encoded at an average of 220kbps, with a filesize of 5738MB. The file info also says Lame version 3.90, so I'm pretty sure this really means 3.90.3 as well (since RazorLame says it's using 3.90.3 in its dialog box while encoding).

So, what I am wondering is:

--1-- Is dBpowerAMP only using the LAME encoder I copied to its \Compression\Lame directory (v3.90.3), or does the "Mp3 (Lame).dll" in the \Compression directory do anything to affect encoding as well?

--2-- If the encoder version dMC is using IS the same as the one RazorLame is using, then why would the resulting file sizes (and average bitrates) be different? Could one/both of the front-ends be using some additional command-line options other than simply --alt-preset standard?

The results are consistant, by the way, as I re-encoded the files the same way three times just to be sure.

It uses the one in its own folder. For correct handling of alt presets you need the latest dMC Beta (dBpowerAMP Forum >> Beta).

I just ran my own test on Stanley Clarke's cover of Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A.. The wav is 50,915Kbs, and, using dBpowerAMP with the lame 3.90.3 dll set at APS, the resulting mp3 averages a bitrate of 224kbps and is 8,056Kbs in size. And, using Razor Lame with the 3.90.3 exe set at APS, the resulting mp3 is exactly the same bitrate and size.

Before my own test, I thought the difference might be between the dll and exe, but, apparently not.

Sorry I couldn't be of any help.

Later.

Got it...works perfectly...thanks! (Registered while I was there, too.)

I plugged in LAME v3.90.3 and got the exact same filesize and reported bitrate as the other one.

Great product, by the way...lots of flexibility...

ger@co: Are you using the new beta, or a previous version like I was? Even after I copied over the lame_enc.dll, I was still getting different file sizes...couldn't figure it out.

Oh well, I'm happy now.

I'm using the one dated 5/9/03.

Later.