MP3 encoding: bitrate

[Lophophora]

Hi, what are the recommended encoding settings for a 320kbps mp3 file that is going to be sent directly to end users (not intended for streaming)? I am referring to the different bitrate options (target quality = VBR, target bitrate = ABR, constant bitrate = CBR)?

[akademie]

Originally Posted by Lophophora

Hi, what are the recommended encoding settings for a 320kbps mp3 file that is going to be sent directly to end users (not intended for streaming)? I am referring to the different bitrate options (target quality = VBR, target bitrate = ABR, constant bitrate = CBR)?

CBR 320kbps

[Lophophora]

Care to expand on the reason for this choice? I've been told that VBR allowed a better quality than CBR for a given file size.

[akademie]

Maybe better overal compatibility of CBR?

Otherwise I don't think there is any definite objective recommendation.

I personally would use FLAC for 24bit lossless or MP3 CRB 320 for lossy variants.
Others may preffer other choices, but I hadn't had any problems when using 320kbps CBR MP3s - both compatibility and quality wise.

Anyway, you can do your own blind AB test using WAV, FLAC and 320MP3 to find out if you are able to spot any real-world differencies between those formats.

[gvdv]

Originally Posted by akademie

Maybe better overal compatibility of CBR?

Otherwise I don't think there is any definite objective recommendation.

I personally would use FLAC for 24bit lossless or MP3 CRB 320 for lossy variants.
Others may preffer other choices, but I hadn't had any problems when using 320kbps CBR MP3s - both compatibility and quality wise.

Anyway, you can do your own blind AB test using WAV, FLAC and 320MP3 to find out if you are able to spot any real-world differencies between those formats.

I would agree with what akademie says (quoted above).

I just wanted to add that it seems to make sense to use CBR because it offers, on paper, the best quality, when you consider that CBR means Constant Bitrate, ABR means Average Bitrate, and VBR means Variable Bitrate.

In the final analysis, though, let your ears, and/or the end users' specification be your guide.

[Lophophora]

OK thanks guys!