[Q] What is the best codec\bitrate for me?

[seadzz]

I just got my new player and want to know what encoder to use, mp3, wma or ogg. What is the best one and what settings should I use?


Answer:

There is no simple answer to the question of which encoder to use. Lets talk about bitrates first and get back to the encoder. Bitrate is the speed of the encoder. Faster speed means better quality but also means bigger file size.

As a rule encoding at 128kbps will give you a file size of 1 MB per minute of encoded music. A four minute song will give you a 4 MB file and a 11 track album will result in a 44MB album. You need to take this into account since in HD players you do not have infinite storage space. You will need to ask yourself what do you want out of your player. If max number of songs is your goal then encode at a lower rate 96kbps for example. If max capacity is not important and you want max quality then encode higher maybe 320 kbps. A solution may be in the something in the middle, say 128kbps range.

In any event it's a balancing act between quality and capacity, which you need to wrestle with before you decide on which codec to use.

The best method is to rip a track you know well and encode it using several bitrates (use only one codec at this point). Go back and test these encodes against the wav file. Once you get a bitrate that is close or close enough to the wav file to make you happy AND the file size is about what you want then you have your magic bitrate. Note: I use a track with lots of violin, piano and female voices....heavy metal is not the best bet for use in selecting codecs since this type of music (Rock and Roll) tends to mask codec artifacts.

On to the codec question:

The oldest and most universally supported codec is MP3. There are many variants but the most popular is called LAME. You can find a link to this download at the download section of this forum. MP3 LAME is supported in many audio devices other than mp3 players and if you intend to share music with others you should consider MP3 as your first choice. Also mp3 gives the best battery life so if battery life is important to you go mp3LAME.

WMA is a Microsoft developed codec that is newer than mp3 and is designed as a low bitrate encoder. This means it sounds best at low bitrates (so MS claims). Test it yourself to see if it is right for you.

Ogg Vorbis-ogg for short. Newest of the codecs and is open source if that is important to you. Generally thought to produce higher quality playback then mp3 files of similar size. Note: It consumes large amounts of battery power compared to mp3 but to some users the audio playback quality is worth the cost.

At the end of the day your ears need to be the judge. Take your bitrate of choice which you have determined earlier and encode a given track with mp3 LAME, WMA and OGG. Let your ears tell you what sounds best and take it from there.

In the area of encoding there is no best since the type of music you listen to R&R, POP, Classical all sound different at different bitrates and codecs. Your ears are not calibrated the same as mine and I do not have to listen to your player.

Pick what sounds best to you and gives you the total number of songs you feel you need to have.

Here is a link to more info on this topic.

http://grahammitchell.com/writings/vorbis_intro.html

While much of it is ogg vorbis related it can prove helpful to all newbie's.

Gives you a step by step guide to help determine right bitrate to use for your ears.


Enjoy the music,

sdz