I'm using WMA VBR 96 2pass as is possible through EAC.

I've just ripped "Fly Or Die" by N.E.R.D to WMA as above and to MP3 using LAME 3.93.1 also VBR 96 (is 2 pass possible here?)

WMA - total file size (12 tracks) 38.1 MB bitrate range 100kbps to 120kbps as reported in XP Windows Explorer. Mr. Question Man 0.4 says 96kbps for all, and shames me 12 times.

MP3 - total file size (12 tracks) 63.2 MB bitrate range not entirely sure whats correct here but:

Windows Explorer (XP) reports bitrates ranging from 344kbps to 422kbps !!!
EncSpot Basic 2.0 reports 141kbps to 173kbps as does Mr. Question Man 0.4

Windows XP is unable to display the bitrates of VBR files properly (no support for Xing/LAME header). Those values are obviously wrong.

I didn't know LAME had a "VBR 96" setting. What cmd.line did you use?

I have entered no command line option.

Just the "Variable Bitrate 96kBit/s" option which you can choose from the EAC dropdown list.

If this is wrong please tell me what is correct to get approx 96kbps VBR out of LAME.

Thanks.

My guess is that he's probably thinking of ABR 96, using --alt-preset 96

I don't think so. ABR 96 wouldn't produce files in the 141kbps to 173kbps range.

Choosing "Variable Bitrate 96kBit/s" from the dropdown list in EAC translates to -V4 (aka --preset medium in newer versions of LAME)

To avoid confusion: last screaminghell reply above got caught by modpreview and validated after all other above replies. I'm bumping the topic so people who replied actually notice it.

Assuming you want about 128k from LAME, try --preset 128. Should be about the same size as your WMA files and most likely higher quality.