Hi,

I have started to use MPC for archiving my CD's but I'm wondering, if I want to transcode to MP3 (for portable use) what is the quickest way to do so without losing too much quality?

Encoding an entire CD with lame --aps on my Athlon XP 1600+ takes about 20 minutes. If each 8cm CD holds lets say, at least 2 CD's worth of music, that's 40mins. Add the time it takes to write a CDR on top of that and that'll be at least 45-50mins.

Any ideas?

Cheers,
-dave

You could use "MPC -> MP3 direct transcoder": http://www.inf.ufpr.br/~rja00/mpc.html

As encoder you could use gogo. It's based on lame (3.8x IIRC) and optimized for speed. You can't use --alt-presets, but some of lame's commandline switches are available. Of course I can't tell you if (and with which settings) it gives you enough quality for your needs.

Another option (but slower) would be using lame --alt-preset fast standard. Size is a little bit bigger, quality a little bit lower than aps, but it's something like 2-3x faster. If size is still too big, you could use -Y additionally (I think this works for apfs too, but correct me if I'm wrong, ppl) or a lower lowpass.

[EDIT]FYI: In the Fastest MP3-commandline encoder? thread you'll find some more information about gogo.[/EDIT]

Thanks Tigre, sounds like --alt preset fast standard may be just what I need. I'm not too worried about filesize as I can easily fit several 8cm cd's in my pocket.

Thanks again,
-dave