When using the --scale switch, I assume that the scale function will take place before the encoding, thus reducing the input level before it gets encoded. Is that correct? I feel stupid for asking this, but wanted to make sure.

Yep thats right, may I ask how you're getting a number to use for --scale? I've gotten the number with WaveGain a few times to get things to the perfect volume or when I want to reduce the size of them even more.

Didn't notice this wasn't the MP3 forum... oops... well I'd assume it's the same for MPC and MP3.

I did a lot of "test encodes" with some CD's from the 80's, 90's, and 00's. Basically, I just wanted a number that I could use with today's clipped/compressed CD's that would get the level down below clipping levels prior to being encoded.


I found --scale .80 to be a nice compromise for my music. I still use --xlevel, and I still use ReplayGain in album mode after encoding to get consistent volume levels.

If you're ReplayGaining the files after encoding, then there's no need to --scale the input.

Most clipping is only added at the decoding stage - you don't need to catch it before encoding. You can search out lots of information on this - e.g. http://www.ff123.net/norm.html

Of course, you can --scale if you want - but if you're using ReplayGain on playback afterwards, there's no point (well, except certain pathological cases where xlevel is still exceeded). Even simple "clipping prevention" in the decoder will almost always do the trick.

You still need xlevel to check things are encoded correctly, because there's an encoding limit, way above digital full scale (the "normal" i.e. decoding limit), which can be hit sometimes.

All that said, you're not doing any harm either.

Cheers,
David.

EDIT: Ah, it's mpc not mp3! Corrected.

I recommend to scale before encoding base on this

Basically there is an unnecessary bloating is going on in MP3 with today's loud CD-s.

I am grateful for Jebus et. al. for this.

I will transcode (from losses) into MP3 my collection using --scale and I scale by either album replaygain or track gain depending on the CD. I do not want to undo it ever! Cosidering this I'd say this is the best solution and superiour to mp3gain. However please respond if you disagree. I am still a few weeks away from the transcoding.

Triza

Yes, I also scale with MP3's. I've never done any testing to see if scaling has an effect on filesize with MPC.

I am sorry folks. I just made the assumption that this was MP3 related issue. Now I realized that this is MPC forum. My link and my comments are only related to MP3.