*.wav-*.mp3 conversion questions

[vvv]

What would or do you do re the following options for *.wav to *.mp3 conversion:

Allow Mid-Side Joint Stereo?

Allow Joint Intensity Stereo?

Allow Narrowing of Stero Image?

ISO Padding?

CBR or VBR?

CBR Bitrate?

Maximum Bandwidth?

And, please be so kind, tell us why.

[Snarl 12/8]

CBR 320. Because mp3's can't go to 11.

[vvv]

[ott0bot]

i usually only use mp3's when going to a mobile device or for a quick email for feedback on an arrangement. now that there are services like bandcamp that allow you to sell .wav, flac, or whatev...and hard drive space is much cheaper to expand...why bother to ruin a mix with mp3 conversion?

oh and when I do convert I use CBR 320, and make sure the file has peaks under 0.03 dBvu. from my research VBR might be better, but it's really inconclusive. in addition I was reading that when compressing, if a song goes over 0.03 there can be added digital distortion that results in artifacts and phase issues. I think it was an article in Home Recording magazine a few years back. that may be outdated information. anyone know of a a comrehensive source for current conversion recommendations?

[vvv]

That .03 level is a good idear; I have used it for years as I notice the conversion process can sometimes add .01 spikes. I think they call 'em "inter-sample" spikes or something.
EDIT: google intersample peaks, for all ya wanna know about that.

What research didja do?

I use *.mp3 a lot because I am so prolific that I post everything on soundclick.com first, before choosing and sequencing my band camp "albums".

[Waltz Mastering]

oh and when I do convert I use CBR 320, and make sure the file has peaks under 0.03 dBvu. from my research VBR might be better, but it's really inconclusive. in addition I was reading that when compressing, if a song goes over 0.03 there can be added digital distortion that results in artifacts and phase issues.

I'm almost sure you meant to say -0.3 dBFS instead of -.03 dBvu.
-0.3 is tenths of a dB
-.03 is hundredths.
FS is digital full scale.
Vu is Analog volume units.

Usually converting with a ceiling of -0.3 dBFS is sufficient enough to prevent noticeable intersample peaks.

[ott0bot]

oh and when I do convert I use CBR 320, and make sure the file has peaks under 0.03 dBvu. from my research VBR might be better, but it's really inconclusive. in addition I was reading that when compressing, if a song goes over 0.03 there can be added digital distortion that results in artifacts and phase issues.

I'm almost sure you meant to say -0.3 dBFS instead of -.03 dBvu.
-0.3 is tenths of a dB
-.03 is hundredths.
FS is digital full scale.
Vu is Analog volume units.

Usually converting with a ceiling of -0.3 dBFS is sufficient enough to prevent noticeable intersample peaks.

why yes indeed. that's why I don't master anything. leave it to someone who knows what the heck he's typing about. yes 0.3. and yes dBFS, on ye olde meters of pro tools. for some reason I always switch those two.

as far as research. posts on this forum and other various music forums articles in the afore mentioned, now defunct, Home Recording Magazine. various other publications. the main issue is that hearing is subjective. Even if a digital frequency analyzers show a subtle difference, I really can't hear one. some people say the same about mp3 vs wav, so....

[vvv]

So, any opinions re the settings for:

Allow Mid-Side Joint Stereo?

Allow Joint Intensity Stereo?

Allow Narrowing of Stero Image?

ISO Padding?

Maximum bandwidth?

[dfuruta]

So, any opinions re the settings for:

Allow Mid-Side Joint Stereo?

Allow Joint Intensity Stereo?

Allow Narrowing of Stero Image?

ISO Padding?

Maximum bandwidth?

Now that storage space is so cheap, there's probably no reason to allow those stereo options.

[vvv]

Cool; I thought that was just for file size, (altho' it still might be cool in that it might make for quicker uploads.)

How's about:

ISO Padding?

Maximum bandwidth?

For example, I sometimes low-pass *.mp3's at 18kHz when tambo's cause drops and/or distortion.


EDIT: I UTFSF'd "ISO Padding" and found this page, which about answers alla my questions.

It even explains why reference *.mp3's may not line up (due to that ISO Padding)!