The sample is in this topic
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=63912

When I encode this track with LAME 3.98.2 in 128kbps CBR mode, I've noticed an artifact--like a skip--at 0:06, 0:14, 0:18. It's very obvious.
I've also tried 3.97 and it's still the same. However, LAME 3.90.3 and 3.96.1 does not have this problem.

My settings are --preset cbr 128 and --alt-preset cbr 128 for LAME 3.90.3

Maybe these newer version focus more on VBR so some quality on CBR is reduced.

It has been accepted that LAME at versions 3.97 and 3.98.x have CBR regressions versus earlier stable versions.

You could also try FhG ACM bundled with WMP 10 or 11 to encode your CBR 128 MP3. Personally I prefer my CBR 128 MP3s encoded using FhG ACM rather than LAME 3.97 or 3.98, based on my listening experience.

We should discourage the use of CBR anyway. Perhaps this was a subconcious effort on the part of the developers to push VBR?

Well, he is a CBR man in a VBR dominated world; CBR might have been useful when the algorithms were rough around the edges but now everyone uses VBR; from the Apple iTunes library to the Amazon music service. Its the most economical way of storing and distributing music which gives a true balance between quality and keeping the size reasonable.

Apple doesn't sell VBR, but ABR. Most think that is because most consumers are still thinking in CBR quality categories.

Amazon will sometimes sell 256 ABR tracks with Lame's encoder.

Even though it doesn't make sense from an audio quality perspective, ABR is something of a marketing concession to the ignorance of the end-user. For example, it's easy to imagine a disgruntled consumer complaining about their 130 kbps download being low quality when in fact it's a LAME -V 0 encode of an old mono track.

C.

It was just my 2 cents worth. I'm a LAME boy too, but I stick with 3.97 final for my VBR needs (default old method). With a wealth of versions for LAME, it is just wise to find one's sweet spot for one's needs.

In my case, for my 128 CBR needs, it's FhG ACM from WMP 11 (via EAC or even Audiograbber for a quick rip)

I can't push the OP to use VBR, maybe because he has his own reasons for encoding it at CBR. After following his earlier thread, he even began with 320 CBR.

At any rate, if he has to stick with CBR and LAME, then 3.90.3 is the way to go. As newer versions differ on CBR and VBR balance, it is reasonable to have at least two versions at one's disposal (3.90.3 for CBR, 3.97/3.98.2 for VBR). Although 3.90.3 has been the trailblazer for APS, bitrate and speed are its disadvantages.