I have CDEX 1.51 and downloaded the bundlle for Lame 3.97 beta 3 (because I couldn't find the bundle for beta 2) and copied the lame_enc.dll to the CDEX program directory. I am encoding for an Ipod and want to compare Itunes' AAC 160 kbps VBR encoding to a comparable CDEX/Lame MP3 VBR encode.

I have read the Hydrogen recommended Lame 3.97 beta 2 settings (which I assume would apply to beta 3), but don't really understand how to translate these to CDEX's encoder settings. Can someone please help me with setting the following CDEX encoder settings for Lame 3.97 beta 3 comparable to Itunes' AAC 160 kbps VBR encoding? Thanks!:

Version
Bitrate Min
Bitrate Max
Mode
Quality
VBR Method
VBR Quality

For example, I don't understand how I would set these CDEX parameters for the Hydrogen listed setting "-V 3 --vbr-new" (~175 kbps) listed in the recommendations under "High Quality: HiFi, home or quiet listening".

I find it easier using the LAME .exe

encoder = external
path = lame.exe

parameter:

-V3 --vbr-new --noreplaygain %1 %2

file extension = mp3
send wav to sdin = y
hide dos box = y
on the fly = y

I recommend using the version of LAME 3.97b2 that has the DLL configured with INI setup. It works perfectly with CDex.

http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....amp;hl=CDex+dll

@shadowking: Thanks for your help - I'll try the external if that is the preferred way to go. I still wish I had a better understanding of the CDEX "internal" encoder setup though.

@jamesbaud: I used your link, but ultimately end up at the RareWares site wich does not seem to have the 3.97b2 ini setup (looks like it was superceded by b3). Anywhere else that I might get the 3.97b2 ini setup?

Hey lcymru,

You should try CDex 1.70 beta 2 with Lame 3.97 beta 3. To get 160kbps Vbr mp3's with the .dll use the drop down box in cdex called (Quality) and select -preset fast medium and change the min bitrate to 32kbps and the max to 320kbps this means that lame will go as low as 32kbps and as high as 320kbps. Leave everything else the same. If you would like to get -V3 use the .ini file, the one included in Lame 3.97 beta 3 would be fine to use. Hope this helps.

Thanks very much ConCave. Exactly what I was looking for.

Am I correct in assuming that going the "ini" route would force CDEX to -V3 (assuming I edited the .ini file as set out below) and would override whatever else was set in the CDEX "encoder settings" (bitrates, etc.)? And, would I do the following to get the -V3 setup?

1. Download "lame_enc.dll modified to use INI File Setup" (not "lame.exe - modified to use INI File Setup").
2. Copy the unzipped .ini and .dll files (have to rename the .dll as described in the "read me") into the CDEX program folder.
3. Edit the .ini file to change "LamePreset=15" to "LamePreset=14" which correspondes to -V3.

Thanks again.

Is a minimum bitrate of 32kbps really necessary? (Assuming LAME doesn't already allow this by default)