What is a good MP3 Encoder/CD Ripper? I sorta like Windows Media, but I don't like the propriatairy audio format , Winamp is a decent player, but no encoding options. I am also looking for software that won't take over my system like RealJukebox. runk Also, if possible, I don't want any of those crappy SDMI (or whatever) complaint encoders/players.
Any Suggestions?
BTW: I heard of MusicMatch....is it good? How much does it try to take over your system in comparision to the "Real" Products (RealPlayer, RealJukebox, etc)? What encoding rates does it offer for free? I would be looking at either 128, 160, or 196 bitrates. (None of this stupid 96 [unless I was using a portable MP3 player] or 256 [why would I want my HDD taken up with bloated MP3 files? If I decided to put them on CDs, it would take so many more for the same songs.] )
Note: I know of the MP3Pro format, but until it is standard in products and players [and it's proven to be worthwhile]....I'm not gonna bother. )*
MP3 Encoder?
Audio Catalyst SUCKS. Just do some fourier analysis. The Xing encoder mangles all frequencies starting around 16 kHz. If you have decent speakers, you can really tell a difference. Some Xing-encoded artifacts are so harsh, they hurt my ears. (Yes, hurt. The harsh-high pitched squeal does bad things to my ears).
Go with LAME. It is good. If you want an all-in-one system, RealJukebox is good. Just don't use the VBR setting. Go with 192 kbps constant bit rate. That should give you good results.
http://www.r3mix.net is an excellent resource.
Go with LAME. It is good. If you want an all-in-one system, RealJukebox is good. Just don't use the VBR setting. Go with 192 kbps constant bit rate. That should give you good results.
http://www.r3mix.net is an excellent resource.
- p o o p
For extraction I use EAC.For encoding I use LAME .Might need to grab a frontend thats listed on that page(razorlame is good).This is what I use when doing any MP3 stuff in windows,when in Linux I use Grip w/cd paranoia(sp?)and LAME enc.
Also there is the Ogg Vorbis format that I have started using to encode,I really like it and am thinking of redoing my entire collection in this format.There is a win32,Linux,MAC,BeOS and OS/2 client for download.
Also there is the Ogg Vorbis format that I have started using to encode,I really like it and am thinking of redoing my entire collection in this format.There is a win32,Linux,MAC,BeOS and OS/2 client for download.
<a href=http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=1000>HeatWare</a>
Here is the key, DO NOT USE AUDIO CATALYST! It's ripper might be easy to use, but it sucks in quality
ONLY USE PROGRAMS THAT USE THE LAME ENCODER!!!!!
It's by far the best out there! When encoding be sure to use a variable bit rate! right around 192vbr will give you CD quality sound.
ONLY USE PROGRAMS THAT USE THE LAME ENCODER!!!!!
It's by far the best out there! When encoding be sure to use a variable bit rate! right around 192vbr will give you CD quality sound.
<FONT COLOR="#888888">I AM</FONT> Canadian!!