Hi, I will be using Exact Audio Copy and Lame to encode .mp3 files. I have a few questions:
1) I want to encode to 256 bitrate at CBR. In Exact Audio Copy, it has a field that asks for "additional command line options". Should I enter anything here? I read on Satcp's tutorial that for Lame 3.90a that -b 256 -m s --lowpass 19.5 -q 0 should be entered. Should I enter this on the Lame that I have (3.90.3)? If not, which would be the correct command line?
2) How does RazorLame fit into this process? Can't I just use Exact Audio Copy to rip to .wav format and then use the "External Compression" option to specify Lame as the encoder? Which way is more popular: doing everything through Exact Audio Copy or using RazorLame as a frontend?
Thanks.

Brad

Hi,

I suggest you read this thread to get an insight into settings you can use with Lame.

I'd suggest to use "--alt-preset standard" or "alt-preset extreme" which will provide you with higher quality encodings at on average lower bitrates then CBR 256. Since you say you have 3.90.3, use the VBR presets, they're highly tested & tuned settings.

If for some reason you do want to use CBR 256 use "--preset CBR 256" to get an optimal command line. SatCP's tutorial hasn't been updated for a while and Lame advanced in the meantime. For one thing, the "-q0" is considered a bad idea and won't be used in one of these presets. Also -ms is a big topic of discussion but I think using Joint Stereo (-mj) instead of ms results in more efficient encoding and thus leaves more bits for hard to encode frames (IIRC CBR also uses a bit reservoir - can anyone confirm?).

For your 2nd question: having EAC do the work is "easy", sit back and let it rip & encode. It can also add tags automatically if u want. Razorlame can't do this AFAIK. My lazy approach is just let EAC rip and encode, no need for extra programs.

deej,

Thank you for your response and suggestions. Just one more thing...in the command line, should I enter --preset CBR 256 (as you have said) or
--alt-preset cbr 256 (as it says in the FAQ)?


Brad

Either should work.

Check here first. Also use the FAQ link at the top of the page for info on other issues.

If your player(s) are compatible with VBR mode, then --alt-preset standard is the most recommended setting for the LAME MP3 encoder. Specify "User Defined Encoder" and path to lame.exe. Specify --alt-preset standard %s %d in the Additional Command Line Options field. Anything in this field will override anything specified in Bitrate or High / Low Quality. If you have to use CBR 256, then command line options should prbably be --alt-preset cbr 256. Don't mess with lowpass, don't use full stereo (accept the default of joint stereo) and don't use -q 0.

Also, use the LAME 3.90.3 version that you already have. It's the recommended version.


Edit: Wow...there were no responses when I started posting. What amazing speed my ISP has!

Thanks all!

Well, only 1 more step to go...just gotta find some reference cds to determine the offsets.

scor maybe you just type too slow no offence!

anyways, considering offsets, normally EAC's database should contain the correct ones for your drive if recognised. i can't find the link to where these offsets are maintained right now, but i know for a fact it give me the correct settings on my drives. anyone?

That's happened to me before, but this time it was my ISP constantly hanging up on me and generally being unruly.

As for the drive features table (with offsets), it's here.


Edit: Sheesh! I just noticed that page is a year-and-a-half old since it's last update. There has to be a more recently updated page somewhere?

Unless you have a very specific reason to do this (and to encode in 256 CBR), such as joining a ripping group, I think you could forget about this. Offsets are have a smaller impact in quality --IMHO-- than lossy encoding. And you are more than willing to do that tradeoff.

Also, I strongly suggest using --alt-preset standard. It will be more transparent than 256CBR at slightly smaller bitrates. Why are you reluctant to use VBR?

I would not call ScorLibran slow... He posts in every thread!
Sometimes he is just a little over-enthusiastic:

ScorLibran is making me sick

(just kidding)

Well, unfortunately only one CD I have matched one of the offset reference discs. So I think I will leave the offset at "0". Also, my drive is not on the list. I am reluctant to use VBR because on some players, the time is displayed incorrectly when using VBR I think. I plan on getting an Ipod in the next few months.

Well if you are planning on that iPod just plan ahead and use VBR today, it 'll save you a lot of reencoding. On the other hand if you have an iPod I'd consider subscribing to iTunes and going for MP4/AAC at once. If my Creative Nomad III would do MP4 I'd be encoding in MP4 today - but it does not and firmware enhancements are not part of the Creative vocabulary.

Anyway Brad, I'd say if you don't own one of those "some players" you mention, go for VBR!


BTW ScorLibran, what happened to your avatar?

Well, you could always use --alt-preset cbr 256. It shouldn't be noticably worse than --alt-preset standard. And to boot, since it's CBR, you could make a batch file to encode albums gaplessly (though a hardware player like the iPod will still probably have tiny gaps between MP3's).

Ouch.

What can I say? I like it here. But I don't post in every thread. There are at least a couple of threads out of every thousand in which I don't post at all. Hard to believe, but true!


I changed it back to what it was about a month ago. I'm posting in a few threads where I want to be taken more seriously than a cartoon figure with a human tongue. And as we all know, flying pink pigs warrant serious attention.


My drive wasn't on the list either, and it took me about 20 CDs or so before I found two reference discs. Like AtaqueEG says, you won't likely get an audible sound quality improvement by setting your drive's read offset. The only reason I did mine was because I was about to begin extracting and encoding my whole collection from the beginning, and it made sense to go ahead and get everything set up as much as possible beforehand. It's only because I was extracting 400 CDs and because I'm almost completely neurotic. If I were extracting a few dozen, and was more relaxed with myself, then offsets wouldn't have been worth the effort.