Hi,

I was looking for a sticky thread or something which has links to the latest binaries for AAC encoding/decoding/tagging. Couldnt find it though.

Any such links to the latest version of the (best) encoder, front end to encode, tagging etc would be appreciated.

Thanks.

http://rarewares.hydrogenaudio.org

it's enough and even more ;-)

I'm pretty new to AAC. I see two encoders - the FAAC and Psytel AAC Encoder. Now which one is better?

Normally seen, psytell will be the best of the two but: It is not developped any further while FAAC is becoming better and has some advanced functions (like gapless playback).

None of the 2 is really very good, the 2 most used aac encoders are:

- Nero: The quickest evolving codec which gives very good quality, HE-AAC (for low bitrates), gapless playback, true VBR, ... but not free
- Quicktime: Very good quality and free, but no HE-AAC, no gapless playback, no true VBR

but what about itunes, i think it's good too

iTunes is QuickTime.




@Liquid_Predator:
Your post was super-useful for me.
I have just become interested in AAC and let me tell you that I spent a good portion of today's morning looking for a simple explanation on the differences of the current codecs. Now I know what to look for.
Thanks.

URL: http://rarewares.hydrogenaudio.org/links.html



Which one has the best quality and includes the best vbr comparability?
Thanks.

mj-barton:
I think that Nero Burning ROM has the best VBR encoder, but that was not in your list.

gday..

as of quality.. what about the one from dica "compaact"..
i have encoded one file to compare with HE AAC
trying to use the best possible settings in compaact
compared with those in HE AAC.. and the resoult was
"right in the bin". (one track & settings not exactly the same..)
is this codec realy this bad.. ringing and pre-echo..

if i get it right the available aac encoders are:

quicktime/itunes
nero
faac
psytel
sorenson
compaact
real

anything left out?

faad2 should decode all of them

Yes, Winamp

gday...


tsk..tsk.. sorenson mp4 uses fhg aac..
but it`s possible am wrong.. thus
sorenson uses fhg aac in all suites..
if not lately they have developed there own..

nullsoft has developed an own aac encoder?

Old news, man. They are using the vanilla Dolby encoder.

Also, Real uses FhG commercial (the same one used in CT's "aacPlus" encoder)

You forgot NCTU-FAAC

You could also mention Homeboy and MBsoft, but they are just reference source compiles.

mhmm vanilla