I've always used ID3v2 tags with my MP3s because I like to pack them with as much info as possible. Recently I started using a tagger that will attach a jpg or png file to each mp3 in the ID3v2 tag header. Is this a good idea? That seems like an awful lot of data to stuff into the header.

Also, does using ID3v1 or ID3v2 tags add any silence to the beginning of the MP3? If so, is it dependant on the ammount of data in the tag?

And finally, how do I avoid corrupting my MP3s and making them show yellow or red in EncSpot? This hasn't happened to me before but I want to make sure it never does, since I'm going to start ripping all my CDs today.

Thank you in advance!

Just as far as the second question goes - yes. All id3v2 tags add silence to MP3's; the length of the silence is dependent somewhat on the amount of data.

That's a lot of data indeed. And I'm not sure if that's a good idea, neither.
I personally wouldn't include non-audio stuff in an audio file, if you ask me


Tagging your MP3's adds data to the beginning of the file, as well as the information needed for it to be skipped. The problem is with the players, that sometimes don't bother skipping the data properly, and just play it as silence. [EDIT - Not exactly ! They play silence because it takes them time to parse/skip the TAG, especially if the player's firmware isn't too well-designed].

As a general rule, the less tags and unnecessary data you have in your file, the less latency (not counting issues with continuous mixes...) you'll have when playing the track.


If you want to make clean mp3's that won't get corrupted, try to create ID3V1.x and APE2 tags when encoding. These tags will be placed at the end of the file, thus not touching anything from the mp3 header to the last frame of audio data (which is good practice IMHO).

- advantages of ID3v1: simple, monolithic, but compatible with everything.
- advantages of APE2: flexible (ie: custom fieds), clean design, but needs 3leet foo-style players :-)

A few recommendations:
- once you have filled an APE2 tag, your info will be safe (ie: always possible to convert/copy its contents to any other tag type, including ID3v1).
- If you want to include an image, why not putting it in the music files' directory, right next to the playlist ?

As a side note: since you seem new to this site, and you're going to rip your cd collection, may I recommend you to choose the right mp3 encoder (LAME) and an accurate ripping program ?

Have fun.

[EDIT: you're right Gabriel, as such it's not silence. Sorry if I've been misleading here.]

An id3v2 tag does not add any silence, as it is not mp3 data. It will be skipped by the player.

Yeah, that's kind of the way I was leaning. I usually include a cover pic from amazon in the album folder anyway.


What's a good tagger for adding APE2 tags to MP3s? I've got 5 different programs but none of them seem to offer the option.


Absolutely. I'll be using EAC (secure mode) with the proper offset correction for my drive, in conjunction with Lame 3.90.2 @--alt-preset standard. (Not a total newbie. )

The colors in Encspot are a quality estimation, based on various parameters such as encoder, bitrate, stereo mode, and so on. This has nothing to do with corrupt files.

I admit that APE2 tags are rarely used in MP3's, but that's still the most elegant option
You can tag them using foobar2000 ( http://foobar2000.hydrogenaudio.org ) or Case's "TAG" command-line tool (available on RareWares).


mmh.. sounds like music to my ears

EDIT: btw, foobar2000 is actually a great audio player, not just a tagger.

For attaching images I'd use jpg or gif but not png.
Some players that shows embedded pics from audio files have problems because couldn't recognize the png image (e.g. ear plug-in from winamp or old versions of music match jukebox).

numlock, just fyi, id3v2 'tags' are indeed headers (found at the beginning of the file) as you say, but not all tags are at the beginning. id3v1 tags are indeed tags, which are found at the end of the file, hence the 'tag' name. I don't know of any other tags besides id3v2 that are in fact headers, but it's possible.

Hi,
I know :-)

I said before:
"... try to create ID3V1.x and APE2 tags when encoding. These tags will be placed at the end of the file, thus not touching anything from the mp3 header to the last frame of audio data (which is good practice IMHO)."

but thanks anyway !

Cheers

sorry, must have been distracted as I only remember reading the portion where you mentioned that tagging mp3 files places info at the start