Hi,

first post, I tried searching but failed, more than anything it confused me futher


I have been slowly ridding myself of WMA files, I just deleted all the DRM infected files (alot of remixes i'll never get back!!) and I am looking to convert the standard WMA files.


My WMA files are in 48, 64, 96, 128 and 192 kbps.


My question is what MP3 bitrate should I chose for each of the WMA bitrates? I'm guessing just converting all the WMA files to 320kbps MP3 wouldn't be the best way to do things? Or would converting the lot to 320kbps be best?

I accept the fact i'm going to lose quality regardless, just trying to minimise the loss.


Thanks for any help.

Many have frowned upon this, but if you really have to transcode wma to mp3, regardless of the wma bitrate, I suggest you transcode to Lame -V2.

Why? Theoretically, most people regard -V2 as transparent from the original source (however, your original sources here are now wma files). Definitely, there will still be degradation, but since it is vbr, it will intelligently encode your wma, whether low bitrate or high bitrate. Go too high mp3 bitrate, then your going overkill. Go too low mp3 bitrate, the more degradation you add to the lossy file.

Personally, this is the way I would go.

EDIT: What ripper/encoder did you use?

To create the WMA files? I used WMP probably version 9 or 10.

I am thinking of using MediaMonkey to do the transcoding as it uses the LAME encoder.

So from what you say I should use VBR 190kbps.

You say 320 would be "overkill", is this purely as they resulting MP3's would take up more space than they need to? (because of the lossy source?). I ask as hard drive space is not an issue.

Thanks again.

I would recommend re-ripping any CDs that you have into the selected mp3 quality that you choose. There is no real reason to convert from WMA >> MP3, unless you are having compatibilty issues. All you will be doing is lowering the quality even further. Most MP3 players and software players support WMA natively, so unless there is a specific reason to do so, there little pratical reason to transcode to MP3.

If you want your music in MP3, the proper route is to re-rip all you music into MP3 (for bit-for-bit accurate rippisng use a secure ripper such as EAC - not Windows Media Player).

Nevertheless, I would recommend -V2 or higher. -V2 (~190kbps) is transparent for most, and for a top-quality VBR go with -V0 (~245kbps). -b320 (320kbps CBR), although I do use it... is considered "overkill" as generally any issues with a MP3 file at, e.g. -V0, are unlikely to be resolved at 320kbps (and higher).

EDIT: I would use foobar2000 with the latest LAME (3.97, or 3.98b3 depending on whether you want to use a beta) - you can then either use the default MP3 conversion settings for converting, or you can manually setup the commandline options for LAME.

Have a look at the foobar2000 HA.org Wiki topic here for more information.

You should try to avoid converting them. But if you need to convert because of compatibility then use Lame 320 kbps CBR (preset insane.)

Hi, again thanks for the replies really appreciated.

I should clear up

- I need MP3 as my sisters MP3 players doesn't support WMA.
- I can't re-rip as all the WMA files I have left are remixes from CDs that me and my friends used to get from DJs at clubs on nights out (long mix sets etc). These songs can't be found in shops. And I no longer have the originals (borrowed, lost, damaged). My silly self decided it would be good to rip in WMA format, I have no idea what I was thinking...


I will go ahead and re-rip to CBR 320.


Thanks again.

Ok jimi you need to transcode, still 320k is an overkill. You know that nothing can make them sound any better, you can only get deterioration with transcoding. Personally I doubt that you could hear any difference between 320 and -V2 (approx 192 vbr) on a transcoded track so why waste the bits. Try a few abx tests between 320 and V2 transcodes and then decide if it's worth it.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Many of us have probably made mistakes like that in the past.

I know I have. Now I'm sticking with Ogg Q4 for good (I hope).

Well I haven't checked this for a while, but that is exactly what I did. I tried 320CBR and -V2 and I couldn't tell the difference. So I went with -V2, and it saved me plenty of hard drive space.




Yeah, luckily I ditched adding DRM to my own files before they were all infected...