I downloaded the latest version of CDex to convert approximately 200 cds to mp3. I'm looking to attain high quality (around 192kbps). From everything I've read on this site I've concluded I should use LAME 3.90.2 at --alt-preset standard -Z.

I can't seem to find any "presets" in CDex? Am I suppose to import them? If so how? From where? Is it even possible or should I be using an alternative free encoder to CDex?

Also CDex uses LAME 3.92 Again, can I import 3.90.2? If so how? And is this possible or should I be using an alternative free encoder to CDex? Or is LAME 3.90.2 a program in itself that can be downloaded individually and functions on its own to convert cds to mp3s?

My appologies if some of these questions sound stupid or if this has already been explained in previous posts... I've done a decent amount of reading on this site and haven't found the answers I'm looking for...probably because I'm new to this whole mp3 converting thing and don't know what I'm doing!

Thanks,

Peace of Mind

http://images2.dmusic.com/users/t/h/a/thasp/7789.png

I'm not sure about a -Z though.


edit: IMG -> URL. Never embed such big images, please!

Your conclusion is correct, in regards to MP3 and the recommended settings. I think if you checked out the "sticky" posts at the top of the MP3 General forum you might come away with some more info. Most will point you to Exact Audio Copy as the ripper/ encoder to use (not that there is anything wrong with Cdex) this can be configured with LAME 3.90.2 (.exe file) using the download link in the "List of recommended LAME Compiles" There are also links to EAC tutorials in the "List of recommended LAME settings" Just scroll down a bit.

Tip: This depends on your requirments, but do some more research into MPC before you encode everything in MP3. If you have already I apologise, just be sure.

Edit: (or any other format, there is plenty of info on these pages)

The currently recommended DLL binary is:

www.hydrogenaudio.org/extra/LAME/lame3.90.2-modified_dll-ICL.zip

Extract this into the DLL directory within the CDex directory. This will give you the current HA.org recommended build of LAME.

See here for more information.

I wouldn't worry about the -Z option, it makes file sizes slightly bigger, and you probably won't hear the difference. I assume you're going for portable use, so again -Z isn't too important here.

If quality is important to you, and you only need casual listening on your desktop, use Musepack.

Damn! Boy do I feel silly, I didn't scroll down in the "Quality" option! Thanks Differenciam.

mekon21, where do I find Exact Audio Copy? I took a stab at it and tried exactaudiocopy.com but came up empty? Also what's the major difference between this, CDex and EAC? Is the major difference with Exact Audio Copy that I'm able to import 3.90.2?

By the way do you think it's worth changing encoders to attain 3.90.2 or is there not a substantial enough of a difference between 3.90.2 and 3.92 (which is currently being used in CDex)?

I will look into MPC, thanks for the tip. To be quite honest, I've never heard of it? What are the major advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks again,

PoM

honz318712, I am looking to attain pretty high quality. I would like to use them for everything from plugging my laptop into my stereo system, to portable, to using an adaptor in my car. Given that, do you still think I shouldn't worry about the -z option. Since it's for all purpose do you think Musepack is the way to go or is LAME the safer bet?

Thanks!

You'll find it here, http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

EAC is generally recognized in these pages as being the best CD>WAV ripper, it has very good error detection and correction facilities while ripping, ensuring you get a good WAV file to encode. It can be set up to rip and encode in one process.
As honz318712 said you can set up Cdex for 3.90.2, the difference between the 2 is that EAC uses .exe files while Cdex uses .dll files, I use EAC so I am not too familiar with setting up Cdex. The downside of EAC is that it can be a bit fiddly to set up, but you should manage okay following one of the tutorials. I did and I am no genius. I used these tutorials originally http://www.ping.be/satcp/tutorials.htm

MPC (or Musepak) is better quality, faster encoding and slightly smaller file sizes than MP3.
One big disadvantage is hardware compatability (portable players etc) there is a way round this but I am not getting into it here. Check out the MPC forum for all the info.

Hmm.. you have many questions with very big answers. I will try to answer as quick as possible, but please read around the forum.


I gave you information in my previous post to install the LAME 3.90 DLL into CDex. CDex uses DLL files to encode files on the fly while they are being ripped, pretty cool I think.
http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/
EAC uses executable compiles of encoders which is fine except first the track is ripped, then encoded. You’ll end up seeing a DOS box open up while the encoding process is proceeding. The encoding process for both programs is pretty much the same, in that they both give you the same outcome. EAC differs from CDex in the error correction done during the ripping process. From what I understand, CDex is shown to be faster and more effective at repairing errors during the ripping process if a disc is scratched(this hasn’t really been proven). EAC is better at reporting if any errors occurred and at what point. EAC is better right now in my opinion, and I think that is the general consensus around HA (someone correct me if I am wrong).

Yes, use whatever HA.org recommends. Look here for recommended compiles:
List of recommended LAME compiles

Musepack, or MPC is a sub-band codec and is currently the best Lossy compression available for bit-rates > 160 kbps. There are links in my signature giving directions setting up EAC and Musepack.
It’s disadvantages are:
No hardware support (yet) (probably won’t happen for a long time)
Still in beta stage
There are more.. I just can’t think of them right now…..

Thank you both...Very informative! I think I have enough info now to at least understand what my options are. I'll play around a little and make a decision.

Later,

PoM

If you want a LAME 3.90.2 dll that works with the latest CDex 1.50 and applies the alt presets correctly, you want the one at my 'Other Stuff' Mirror 1 site. The one that's recommended here is the one I modified to work with CDex 1.40 and maps the alt presets to some of the quality settings.

Thanks john33, I downloaded your version for the latest CDex 1.50. I'm almost all set except....



Not exactly sure how to do this? Is this done by using WinZip? Where is "the DLL directory within the CDex directory"? Is it found in Windows Explorer or in the CDex options? Couldn't find it in either (unless it is the "Plugins" folder)? Sorry to drive everyone crazy, as you can see, I'm not too computer savvy!

Hi there Peace Of Mind,

extract lame_enc.dll into the folder where CDex.exe is. You will find another file with the same name - simply overwrite it. Make sure CDex is not running while you do this.

Before you start ripping, please make sure you set your ripping method to "Paranoia, Full". You'll find this under CDex configuration -> CD drive -> Ripping method.

I am about to prepare a tutorial complete with screenshots. It should be ready in a few hours and aims to help you get the best rips possible with CDex. Please wait if you can.

Cheers,
CD

Very cool, I'll definitely wait.

All I have to say is, damn people are helpful on this site!

Here's the guide:

http://home.iprimus.com.au/alexanderino/CDex/

Mostly a bunch of screenshots with sparse notes, but it should get you going in the right direction.

I agree with honz318712 that CDex has been [at least in my experience] much better at correcting errors - even if it claims to not have done so! Exact Audio Copy excels in detecting the tiniest error, but when it comes to remving glitches, CDex with Full Paranoia has saved the day many a time.

If you have some problem CD's that still have uncorrected errors with CDex (paranoia full) you can sometimes get a better rip if you set/limit the CD drive speed to a lower number. For instance I have a 52x drive and if I set/limit the drive speed to 12x or lower some bad CD's seem to rip alot better with less errors, albeit the extraction time is slower.

How do I get this Lame dll for cdex?