A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
[533 byte] By [amped] at [2007-11-9 19:14:32] 
With itunes, when syncing your database with the ipod, do you choose the bitrate? Or is it solely dependent on was bitrate you used when you ripped the tracks. I ripped all my CDs and encoded them as mp3s at 320 kbps. This isn't a hard drive space problem on my computer, but when I get my iPod, I'm not so sure. If there is a setting for bitrate when syncing on itunes, does anyone know any Linux software that does it? There's no option in GTKPod that I have found, and I haven't had a chance yet to try GUIPod.
# 1 Re: A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
Originally posted by amped With itunes, when syncing your database with the ipod, do you choose the bitrate? Or is it solely dependent on was bitrate you used when you ripped the tracks.
It is solely dependent on the bitrate you chose to use when you ripped & encoded the song(s). iTunes does not modify the bit-rate of your MP3's/AAC's when it transfers the songs onto your iPod.
AndyH at 2007-11-15 17:40:11 >
# 2 Re: A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
Right...so do you think 320 kbps mp3 is a bit much? Should I find an AAF encoder and go 128 kbps or something?amped at 2007-11-15 17:41:12 >
# 3 Re: A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
Originally posted by amped Right...so do you think 320 kbps mp3 is a bit much? Should I find an AAF encoder and go 128 kbps or something?
Well, that depends on how critical you are about the sound of your files, and the equipment you're using to playback those files.
Me, I encode all of my music as 224kbps AAC files, with a few of my favorite albums and songs encoded in 320kbps AAC format. I'd recommend encoding a few of your favorite songs in multiple settings, listen to them all and see if you notice any differences in how they sound. If you can't tell the difference between a 128kbps AAC file and a 320kbps AAC file (using your headphones with your ears), then by all means go for the lower-quality setting to save HD space on your computer and iPod.
There really isn't a universal "use this setting because it's the best" recommendation, you really need to determine that for yourself.
AndyH at 2007-11-15 17:42:11 >
# 4 Re: A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
If HD space is no problem, best option might be to rip to a lossless codec such as FLAC (40% decrease over WAV, but NO loss in quality at all), then convert to the current best option codec as needed, whether that be AAC, MP3 or whatever. With some thought and planning you should be able to knock up a script that does this conversion automatically. There is probably a GUI tool which will do it for you too.For Linux your best bet is LAME MP3s encoded with either --preset standard or --preset 160 command line options. These are the 'best of breed' settings and have been tweaked for ages by the people at hydrogenaudio.org for max quality. AAC encoders (FAAC is the only one i'm aware of) on Linux are not yet fully mature IMO, and need more stringent listening tests.
IMO 320kbps is overkill for a portable device, with in-ear phones and loads of background noise. Try --preset standard (VBR 180-220kbps) for practically transparent reproduction, --preset 160 (average bit-rate 160kbps) does fine for me though.
Elmy at 2007-11-15 17:43:16 >
# 5 Re: A bit confused about Format and Bitrate on Linux
Thanks everyone for the input.I ripped a song with easily noticeable quality twice, one with 320 kbps, the other 160 kbps(both mp3), as suggested by a friend and a few of you. I've decided that I'm no dog...and I can't tell the difference at all.
Now the only thing left to do is..err...buy my iPod...
amped at 2007-11-15 17:44:13 >
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