Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Greeting all,
I am a newcomer to this and I am having a problem using LAME as a external encoder. When I first set up Mediacenter 9 it worked fine but as soon as I installed the new release of it last night I can't use the external anymore. It comes up and says error can't open wav. Any ideas, and sorry if I souind like I don't know jack, cuz I don't but I'm learning.
JD
# 1 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Ok, here is an old post with how to make sure it's configured correctly for what you're trying to do, and some troubleshooting tips--make sure you follow the steps EXACTLY--post back if any problems!!
Here is the thread:
http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/dennx/index.cgi?board=mediajukebox&action=display&num=1044032009
(My suspicion is there is a problem with "%IN%OUT" missing in the command line on your encoder--easy to fix!).
And congratulations on your excellent approach to ripping/encoding!!:D
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:23:02 >
# 2 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Hello , and thanks for the response. I have already printed that whole thread two days ago and when I first set up MC9 it worked great. The only difference is that I had set it to find Lame.exe and then I read somewhere that it should point to EAC.exe so I changed to that and thats when this started. I have tried pointing back to lame.exe and that doesn't work. I downloaded the newest version of MC9 last night and that didn't help. I have the %IN%OUT --alt-preset standard line in the parameters and it still gives me the error. That is where I am now. I can use the MC9 MP3 with digital secure setting and it works great. I just can't get the external encoder option to work after that one time.
# 3 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I haven't tried it with MC9 build 174--I'll try it today or tomorrow; as soon as I get the chance.
What I would suggest doing (and you may have done this already) is using "browse" on the EXE line to get it to point to your external encoder (just direct it to your EAC/LAME folder, and MC9 will put in the correct path.). This probably won't fix it, but it's worth a shot. It may be a ripping/encoding error in MC9 itself--this happend once before on a build update.
So we're on the same page, which build of MC9 do you currently have?
Also, can you try ripping/encoding with the MC9 ripper and VBR encoder, just to see if this works? Just want to figure out if it's a global problem, or just a problem using the external encoder.
One other thing, and this may sound strange, but try just "--alt-preset standard" WITHOUT the %IN%OUT in the command line; they may have changed how the external coders are working--let me know what happens when you try this. Otherwise, all out of ideas until I can get a chance to try build 174 for ripping and encoding..
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:25:14 >
# 4 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I am using the version that just got released. I am not at home yet so I can't tell you if it is build 174. I wil;l get back with you as soon as I arrive at home. Thanks
# 5 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
For what it's worth, I'm ripping a bunch of stuff in the setup I posted previously using build 174 with no problems...Let me know if what I posted above doesn't work--may need to post it over at Jriver with your system info if it doesn't. We should be able to get it back working for you; it's working flawlessly for me.
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:27:07 >
# 6 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I am back at home now si I am going to try what you suggested. I will let you know the results. Thanks again for the help.
# 7 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I checked and I do have build 174. I am in the middle of a rip with the MP3 vbr bultin encoder and using digital secure setting and it is working great. Don't know what it is going to sound like. I will try with the external encoder as soon as it is done and will let you know the results. I tied all your suggestions and they did not work. I can't understand why it worked the first time and now it won't. Oh well time will tell.
# 8 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Dig your avatar johnny.... ;)
Adam
# 9 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Ok, if the MC9 LAME encoder worked, it's got t be either a syntax error in the preset or the exe file isn't being pointed to correctly. Ok, this is what I'd do, and the order I'd do it in:
Go back and choose into options and choose "external encoder". Click on "advanced". Instead of typing anything into the EXE box, use the box to the right to browse your folders (the box with ( ... ) in it. Use the browser to find your "EAC/LAME" folder--mine is in C/:Program Files; open that, then when you see the EAC/LAME file, open that, and that should take care of the EXE line--just let MC9 do it; don't worry about typing anything in, MC9 will now have automatically entered it into the EXE line, what is now in the EXE line should work.
Now, underneath, for parameters, you'll see this:
%IN %OUT -b 128
Delete this, and use this below (just copy it and paste it so you don't have to worry about syntax):
%IN %OUT --alt-preset standard
Now, make sure "mp3" is in the "extension" box down at the bottom.
Click on "OK". If this doesn't do it, then I'd uninstall EAC/LAME, reinstall it, and start over. If THAT doesn't work, then I'd uninstall/reinstall MC9. My suspicion is there is a problem in the EXE line from your previous posts. Unless I'm missing something very obvious, this should work.
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:31:10 >
# 10 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Yeah, I think you are right. I had a crash last night with MC9 and had to un-install it. I was getting a error everytime I tried to access my iPod. It would say MC9 caused and unrecoverable action or something like that and would shut itself down. I have uninstalled it and I have gone back to MMJB for now till I can sort it out. Are you familiar with using EAC/Lame? I can get it to rip but I don't know how to save them after its done. I guess I am just a dodo,lol. Anyway I'll keep you posted as I get a chance later today to re-install and try again.
# 11 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I am having great luck with EAC/Lame. I am going to re-install NC9 tonite and try again. One question though, should I un-install MMJB before I do it, agter I do it or leave it installed? I have seen this other program called EphPod. Does this work? Is it a hard program to configure and use? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
# 12 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
EAC/LAME is fantastic for ripping/encoding. Did you download and configure it from the chrismyden website? This is the best way to go IMHO--here's the link to the thread (hopefully it'll help you a little bit with EAC/LAME), in this thread some idiot posted the link to the chrismyden website, and some suggestions about how to configure EAC/LAME files:
http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/dennx/index.cgi?board=windowsgeneral&action=display&num=1046402639
Try reinstalling MC9 when you get the chance. Yes, you have to COMPLETELY uninstall mmjb before you reinstall MC9; the two do not work and play well with each other.
Ephpod is a fantastic program too. It does one thing, and one thing only--synch to the ipod--and it does this very well (not quite as fast as MC9, but still very good--better than mmjb). I like using MC9 better, as it's an all in one program, don't have to fiddle with a bunch of programs, but ripping/encoding with MC9 and synching with ephod certainly is a great way to go too. If I couldn't use MC9, EAC/LAME in conjunction with ephpod would be my second choice. But I can do sooooo much more with MC9...
There's just no way I could live without MC9 though; I use it for alot of other things than the ipod, but once you get the hang of smartlists, it pretty much is the application of choice for the ipod IMHO.
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:34:14 >
# 13 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Cool, thanks for the input. I had already found that website you spoke of, chrismyden.com I think. Yeah what a great site. It helped me a lot. I am using EAC/Lame for everything now and I'm gonna un-install MMJB and re-install MC9 for iPod sync and other stuff of course. That ought to do the trick. Thanks again for the help and I will keep you informed as to thje outcome. :D
# 14 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Hooray!!!! It is working!!!! MC9 is working with external Lame encoder and all is well. I did get a MC Core error right when I first tried to right click on the iPod to format it and I thought it was still bad, but I tried again and it worked great. No problems since. Thanks again for all the help and I'll see ya around the Lounge.
# 15 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Hi!
After reading all the threads about lame 3.90 I'm going to give it a go, but have one last question....
You all refer to it as the EAC/LAME method - is this because you use EAC to digitally rip the cd, and LAME to encode it, and do all this through MC9?
If this is the case, why do you not use the MC9 digital secure mode, and then LAME it, cutting out the need for EAC altogether?
I'm new to all this, so I'm guessing there is probably a very good reason!
oh - I have ripped a track using the MC9 digital secure and then LAME390 in the external encoder and it works great - sounds very nice indeed (not a comment on the steps used - just pleased with the overall results, and glad I read all the posts on LAME encoding! )
ahh - have just spotted one of your posts on the old board dmt1, where you talk about just such a thing (although the lemming decided to ignore the advice) - so basically its another way of doing the same thing. cool! MC9 rocks!!
# 16 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Yep, for me this is the best way to go--don't have to import the mp3's to MC9, plus you get the audio analyzed by MC9 to boot...It's a little slower though, but not much.
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:38:25 >
# 17 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Hi
Sorry but I'm also new to this. Just started using MC9 and think it's great.
I'm a bit confused where you say you rip with Digital Secure (I understand that) and THEN lame it. Is that different from using MC9's mp3 encoder which uses lame 3.91?
If so, could you possibly explain simply what it is you do and where do you get your lame encoder?
norm at 2007-11-15 17:39:22 >
# 18 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Welcome to the lounge!
MC9 uses LAME version 3.93--and it's good, and you can customize it to use the "--alt-preset standard" preset, which is my personal preferred setting. The issue with 3.93 is that the presets have never really been tested past version 3.90.2. Does this make a difference? To some, yes, for others, they can't tell the difference...But for me, I spent a fair amount of time reading and learning about this stuff--for some weird reason it really caught my interest--and by using MC9 in digital secure ripping mode, with the LAME encoder version 3.90.2 with --alt-preset standard as the preset, there is absolutely no concerns whatsoever with quality--I get fantastic results with this.
If you're interested, this is probaly the easiest way to download the 3.90.2 LAME encoder (attached with EAC--that way you also have a top quality ripper if you ever have a problem with MC9--it's all free too).
This thread has everything you need to download EAC with the 3.90.2 LAME encoder:
http://www.chrismyden.com/nuke/modules.php?op=modload&name=Elite_DAE&file=painless
And this thread explains how to set it up as your external encoder:
http://www.xsorbit1.com/users/dennx/index.cgi?board=mediajukebox&action=display&num=1044032009
The bottom line is this is a somewhat complicated way to rip/encode through MC9 in what I think is the "best" mp3 format available with regard to quality/file size. It borders on the esoteric (actually probably goes over the border, but the kind mod's allow us to indulge in these type of discussions anyway). Some will argue it's overkill; I have no problem with that, but it gives me the luxury of not having any ripping/encoding worries.
So, Adam, have I broke the record for posting the same link over and over in one thread yet?? 'Cause I'm not tired yet...
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:40:26 >
# 19 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Thanks, Chris, I'm with you so far. Can you just explain the significance of --alt-preset standard. Is this something to do with the bitrate as there doesn't seem to be an option in MC9 to set the bitrate when using an external encoder? How do you set the bitrate?
norm at 2007-11-15 17:41:24 >
# 20 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
Originally posted by norm
Thanks, Chris, I'm with you so far. Can you just explain the significance of --alt-preset standard. Is this something to do with the bitrate as there doesn't seem to be an option in MC9 to set the bitrate when using an external encoder? How do you set the bitrate?
Good question, and even better assumption--you're dead on.
Yes, --alt-preset standard is a VBR setting--averages about 192 kb/s give or take depending on the song. A bunch of audiophiles came up with the preset; it is the "standard" by all other presets are measured, and I can't tell the difference between this and CD quality. So you don't need to worry about putting any bitrates in--just putting in the "--alt-preset standard" setting controls all of that--and gives fantastic quality.
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 17:42:26 >
# 21 Re: Using Lame 3.90.2 as external encoder
I can't say much more than what Chris has already told ya, the --alt-preset standard setting is absolutely phenominal. The difference between it and the "normal" rip you would do with MC9 if you didn't know any better is totally unreal. Nuff' said.
