Best Codec?

Peter Tate · 24th January 2004, 15:02

Guys,

I maybe going off half cocked here but!!!

I use the SAM encoder from spacial audio, specifically the Winamp plugin one.

This I find is the best and the only one that can encode mp3pro. The comments about shoutcast being crap at lower bit rates is not correct!

The big thing for me is the "wishy washy" sound when you get artifacts from mp3's as source files etc. The SAM encoder doesn't suffer this too much. For me an AM sounding stream with NO artifacts is better than anything TRYING to reproduce tops. My theory is don't encode it!!!! All audio processing here has this in mind.

Also use only the bit rate but 24Kbits @ 22Khz. This will keep modem people happy by not hogging all their bandwidth. 32/46/56 Kbits etc is a waste of time as the wishy washy comes back.

The next stop is the 44khz SAMPLING RATE----an encoder that will give you this down in modem area is not gonna happen. Although I've seen some working at 48/56, my research shows the best to be 64Kbits. Thus you are into people with broadband connections and good bye to modem listeners.

For me it would be the SAM encoder on two seperate computers one 24Kbits @22Khz----a second one runing 64Kbits @44Khz MONO (don't even think about stereo until 128Kbits).

The audio really needs to be processed with two schools of thought in mind hence two encoding machines. Both with nice Broadcast processsors in front of them one set for AM type audio characterisitcs the other FM but no pre-emph.

The isssue of Stereo vs mono is another issue (money mainly for the bandwidth)but for me top class HIFI can come at the 64Kbit level in mono!!!!

Hope this helps a bit---www.spacialaudio.com

An example of what I mean is my station at www.stationx.com.au

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24th January 2004, 15:02	#1
Peter Tate Junior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 37	Guys, I maybe going off half cocked here but!!! I use the SAM encoder from spacial audio, specifically the Winamp plugin one. This I find is the best and the only one that can encode mp3pro. The comments about shoutcast being crap at lower bit rates is not correct! The big thing for me is the "wishy washy" sound when you get artifacts from mp3's as source files etc. The SAM encoder doesn't suffer this too much. For me an AM sounding stream with NO artifacts is better than anything TRYING to reproduce tops. My theory is don't encode it!!!! All audio processing here has this in mind. Also use only the bit rate but 24Kbits @ 22Khz. This will keep modem people happy by not hogging all their bandwidth. 32/46/56 Kbits etc is a waste of time as the wishy washy comes back. The next stop is the 44khz SAMPLING RATE----an encoder that will give you this down in modem area is not gonna happen. Although I've seen some working at 48/56, my research shows the best to be 64Kbits. Thus you are into people with broadband connections and good bye to modem listeners. For me it would be the SAM encoder on two seperate computers one 24Kbits @22Khz----a second one runing 64Kbits @44Khz MONO (don't even think about stereo until 128Kbits). The audio really needs to be processed with two schools of thought in mind hence two encoding machines. Both with nice Broadcast processsors in front of them one set for AM type audio characterisitcs the other FM but no pre-emph. The isssue of Stereo vs mono is another issue (money mainly for the bandwidth)but for me top class HIFI can come at the 64Kbit level in mono!!!! Hope this helps a bit---www.spacialaudio.com An example of what I mean is my station at www.stationx.com.au