High Quality Audio Files

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High Quality Audio Files
Posted on: 17.04.2013 by Ailene Shugars
Hey guys,

First if all I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this community for all the help you have given me.

Let's say your going through soundcloud and you find a new track. It's available for free download but I'm assuming that's not going to be the best quality file. If you can't find the track elsewhere does anyone have any suggestions on using the track? How do I know if the mp3 is 128 or 320?

Thanks again
Rochel Papillion
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by johney
get 320.

edit: if it's bandcamp, why not grab the lossless either?
cause its too big of a file? and most of the time unless you really into audio you cant tell the difference
Shawn Vanhaitsma
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by b1sh0p
That's only for streaming.
And i doubt its streaming at 128/192. Its most likely a ACC Codec on both sides, their streamer to their flash player with a custom codec. Streaming at a full 128 uncompressed would destroy their bandwidth. Much like DI only offers 96 to free users and 192 to paying subs
Olin Easley
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by papo
That will show you what the file's bitrate claims to be.

For example:
You rip an track in lossless quality from a CD. Then you compress to 320kbps. You will have a true 320kbps bitrate track.

Now if some one transcodes a 192kbps (CBR) to FLAC format, it is basically a lossy to lossless transcode, which is bad.

The file will claim its, let's say 320kbps or higher, but won't really be a "high-quality" audio file. Source file was a 192kbps.

the only real way to find out, is to open the track in a application that let's you look at the spectrum analysis to see where the frequencies start falling off.
That's all true with just a little detail. The bitrate shown is right, but it doesn't prove anything about the quality. Bitrate is merely how big the file is compared to its length.
Latia Sotak
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by Maxted
You can right-click and get info on an .mp3 in OS X, it shows bitrate.
I'm not sure if it's an OS X preference thing, but i've noticed this is no longer the case in the last couple of versions.

If i right click on an mp3 in finder & select "get info", I get size & a couple of other bits of info. but it no longer tells me bitrate.
Rochel Papillion
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by makar1
A high quality VBR encode (V0) will sound exactly the same as 320kbps CBR. Does Bandcamp specify what quality of VBR they provide?
yes, it is VBR encode V0
Alphonso Deitchman
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by enorjy
are VBR tracks ok for djing? or should i go for at least 320kps? im asking cause bandcamp offers both but from their description and what I read online, there isnt that a difference between the two in quality, just that mp3 that is not VBR is more MB.
I recently got the araab mixtape n the tracks were 192 kps but they sounded as good as wav or aiff
A high quality VBR encode (V0) will sound exactly the same as 320kbps CBR. Does Bandcamp specify what quality of VBR they provide?
Latoria Kavulich
17.04.2013		yeah, don't use the downloader plug-in.
Dannie Dimora
17.04.2013		As far as i know soundcloud streams at 128kbps reencoded from the original file. If the download of the track is available, then you're downloading the original non-reencoded file.
If it's not and you're using a service such as soundcloud downloader then it'll download the 128kbps file.
Rochel Papillion
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by johney
get 320.

edit: if it's bandcamp, why not grab the lossless either?
cause its too big of a file? and most of the time unless you really into audio you cant tell the difference
Alphonso Deitchman
17.04.2013		Soundcloud streams using 128kbps MP3 files. Not sure what you meant by 128 uncompressed?
Shawn Vanhaitsma
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by b1sh0p
That's only for streaming.
And i doubt its streaming at 128/192. Its most likely a ACC Codec on both sides, their streamer to their flash player with a custom codec. Streaming at a full 128 uncompressed would destroy their bandwidth. Much like DI only offers 96 to free users and 192 to paying subs
Olin Easley
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by papo
That will show you what the file's bitrate claims to be.

For example:
You rip an track in lossless quality from a CD. Then you compress to 320kbps. You will have a true 320kbps bitrate track.

Now if some one transcodes a 192kbps (CBR) to FLAC format, it is basically a lossy to lossless transcode, which is bad.

The file will claim its, let's say 320kbps or higher, but won't really be a "high-quality" audio file. Source file was a 192kbps.

the only real way to find out, is to open the track in a application that let's you look at the spectrum analysis to see where the frequencies start falling off.
That's all true with just a little detail. The bitrate shown is right, but it doesn't prove anything about the quality. Bitrate is merely how big the file is compared to its length.
Latia Sotak
17.04.2013
Originally Posted by Maxted
You can right-click and get info on an .mp3 in OS X, it shows bitrate.
I'm not sure if it's an OS X preference thing, but i've noticed this is no longer the case in the last couple of versions.

If i right click on an mp3 in finder & select "get info", I get size & a couple of other bits of info. but it no longer tells me bitrate.
Augustine Mitzen
17.04.2013		get 320.

edit: if it's bandcamp, why not grab the lossless either?
Rochel Papillion
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by makar1
A high quality VBR encode (V0) will sound exactly the same as 320kbps CBR. Does Bandcamp specify what quality of VBR they provide?
yes, it is VBR encode V0
Alphonso Deitchman
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by enorjy
are VBR tracks ok for djing? or should i go for at least 320kps? im asking cause bandcamp offers both but from their description and what I read online, there isnt that a difference between the two in quality, just that mp3 that is not VBR is more MB.
I recently got the araab mixtape n the tracks were 192 kps but they sounded as good as wav or aiff
A high quality VBR encode (V0) will sound exactly the same as 320kbps CBR. Does Bandcamp specify what quality of VBR they provide?
Latoria Kavulich
16.04.2013		enorjy, go for 320's if you can, but tbh 256+ is fine as long as the quality is consistent, by that i mean dont play a vbr 256 after a nice crisp 320, it will stand out like dogs balls.
Rochel Papillion
16.04.2013		are VBR tracks ok for djing? or should i go for at least 320kps? im asking cause bandcamp offers both but from their description and what I read online, there isnt that a difference between the two in quality, just that mp3 that is not VBR is more MB.
I recently got the araab mixtape n the tracks were 192 kps but they sounded as good as wav or aiff
Melinda Shick
16.04.2013		You can right-click and get info on an .mp3 in OS X, it shows bitrate.
Augustine Mitzen
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by papo
there are many people who post free tracks (personal edits/remixes) on SoundCloud that have this problem. Seen it more than you would believe.

doesn't necessarily have to be lower quality to "high quality". there are instances where someone makes an edit of a track using an already-compressed mp3 file and not using the lossless flac/wav file. they re-compress the file again after the edit. (compressing an already lossy-file).

why do you have to come to an immediate conclusion that someone is download music illegally? don't have anyting better to do?

I believe the OP asked a legit question.
It's just, that what you posted just seems to be a common practice with that kind of stuff.
Doreen Schurle
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by trueartinspires
Thank you all so much.

I look forward to the day when I'm answering more questions than I'm asking.
With that attitude, it's only a matter of time
Ailene Shugars
16.04.2013		Thank you all so much.

I look forward to the day when I'm answering more questions than I'm asking.
Latoria Kavulich
16.04.2013		the soundcloud player is 128kbps, if there is a download option this will be at the original uploaded quality.
Albertina Fay
16.04.2013		there are many people who post free tracks (personal edits/remixes) on SoundCloud that have this problem. Seen it more than you would believe.

doesn't necessarily have to be lower quality to "high quality". there are instances where someone makes an edit of a track using an already-compressed mp3 file and not using the lossless flac/wav file. they re-compress the file again after the edit. (compressing an already lossy-file).

why do you have to come to an immediate conclusion that someone is download music illegally? don't have anyting better to do?

I believe the OP asked a legit question.
Augustine Mitzen
16.04.2013		well, if you get your music from LEGIT sources, why would it be reencoded from lower to high quality?
Albertina Fay
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by mdcdesign
Very true, like Spek. It's generally only worth running a file through Spek if it sounds a bit funny though, as you have to analyse each file individually. Your ears will be the best guide as to whether or not a file is acceptable quality. If it SOUNDS a lot worse than the reported bitrate in iTunes, Spek it.
exactly!!
Doreen Schurle
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by papo
That will show you what the file's bitrate claims to be.

For example:
You rip an track in lossless quality from a CD. Then you compress to 320kbps. You will have a true 320kbps bitrate track.

Now if some one transcodes a 192kbps (CBR) to FLAC format, it is basically a lossy to lossless transcode, which is bad.

The file will claim its, let's say 320kbps or higher, but won't really be a "high-quality" audio file. Source file was a 192kbps.

the only real way to find out, is to open the track in a application that let's you look at the spectrum analysis to see where the frequencies start falling off.
Very true, like Spek. It's generally only worth running a file through Spek if it sounds a bit funny though, as you have to analyse each file individually. Your ears will be the best guide as to whether or not a file is acceptable quality. If it SOUNDS a lot worse than the reported bitrate in iTunes, Spek it.
Albertina Fay
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by mdcdesign
iTunes displays bitrate, you just have to enable the column.
That will show you what the file's bitrate claims to be.

For example:
You rip an track in lossless quality from a CD. Then you compress to 320kbps. You will have a true 320kbps bitrate track.

Now if some one transcodes a 192kbps (CBR) to FLAC format, it is basically a lossy to lossless transcode, which is bad.

The file will claim its, let's say 320kbps or higher, but won't really be a "high-quality" audio file. Source file was a 192kbps.

the only real way to find out, is to open the track in a application that let's you look at the spectrum analysis to see where the frequencies start falling off.
Doreen Schurle
16.04.2013		iTunes displays bitrate, you just have to enable the column.
Sonja Roybal
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by Nicky H
I believe soundcloud streams at 192 or 128 but it's re-encoded from the original.

So if they upload a wav, thats what you download.

But can't you just click properties to see the bit-rate
That's only for streaming.
Janyce Henningson
16.04.2013		I believe soundcloud streams at 192 or 128 but it's re-encoded from the original.

So if they upload a wav, thats what you download.

But can't you just click properties to see the bit-rate
Albertina Fay
16.04.2013
Originally Posted by trueartinspires
Hey guys,

First if all I wanted to say thanks to everyone on this community for all the help you have given me.

Let's say your going through soundcloud and you find a new track. It's available for free download but I'm assuming that's not going to be the best quality file. If you can't find the track elsewhere does anyone have any suggestions on using the track? How do I know if the mp3 is 128 or 320?

Thanks again
You can use VLC for this. Available on Mac and PC.

Just play the track in VLC and open the "Media Information" screen. It will show you the real-time stream data rate for the track you are playing.

Here is screenshot.
http://d.pr/i/n0n3
Emelina Chillson
16.04.2013		Hes on mac. But in your dj software you should be able to see what the KBPS is. Soundcloud itself does tend to compress tunes. Ive noticed this from using soundcloud to download my own tunes when I forgot them at home. Waveforms have clipping after downloaded back from soundcloud.

Best thing to do is contact the original artist bruv. Most kats have no problem sending you a .wav or 320.
Augustine Mitzen
17.04.2013		you can look at the filesize.

or if you're on windows right click>properties>details
Ailene Shugars
17.04.2013		Thank you. Will Winamp run on a Mac?
Warner Rotberg
17.04.2013		Stick it in Winamp (people still use that!) and it'll tell you just below the volume bit in kbps. If it fluctuates, its in VBR. It might also be 256 amongst other compression rates.

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