Wrong VBR bitrate reported for some LAME mp3 files

[knutblub]

For some LAME encoded mp3 files I see a wrong VBR bitrate reported in the file info dialog. Instead of e.g. 220kbps, I see values like 32kbps or 128kbps (as if it's a CBR file).

Programs like Mp3tag and foobar2000 show the right bitrate.

Attached a zipped test mp3 of a few seconds that shows this problem. In Winamp the bitrate shows 128kbps, in other programs 148kbps.

Tested with latest Winamp version 5.541, on Windows XP.

[knutblub]

I thought I did attach the file... second try.

[knutblub]

It's been a while since I asked this question...
Is there anybody who can at least confirm that this problem exists?

[drakestail]

I'm having the same issue. Some VBR mp3 songs report the wrong bitrate in the Media Library and sometimes even when using the file info option.

I'm still looking through the forum to see if this has already been answered, but bumped into your post first and wanted to tell you: you're not alone

[ujay]

Looks as if Winamp 'File Info' is just showing the bitrate for the first block in this particular VBR file.
Probably just a non-standard/old style header.

Run it through VBRFix (http://www.willwap.co.uk/Programs/vbrfix.php), should sort it out.

UJ

[knutblub]

Thanks for the VBRFix suggestion, but unfortunately it does not solve the problem... Still the same wrong bitrate in the file info dialog.

I agree that this has probably to do with a strange VBR header, but still, other programs show the bitrate correctly!

[ujay]

Hi knutblub

Just taken a look at the file and VBRFix does it for me.

I'm wondering which version of VBRFix you found. There is a cross platform version and a Windows only version, I've used the Windows only one (Zip attached).

There is a Winamp setting that shows individual block rates in the Main window info area, but File Info should show the correct average rate regardless.
Prefs > Input plugins > Nullsoft MPEG audio decoder > Decoder tab > 'Show average bitrate'

UJ

[knutblub]

ujay, thanks! The version you attached works. The VBRfix website said that the cross-platform version was the preferred version so I only tried that one...

By the way, the setting you mention always shows the correct average in the main window, also for unfixed files. So I still think that the wrong average in the file info dialog is a (small) bug in Winamp. But at least I have a workaround now!

[elfin]

Originally posted by knutblub
In Winamp the bitrate shows 128kbps, in other programs 148kbps.

Heh... I'm curious to test yor sample file. So Winamp 5.35 shows me 174kbit (VBR) in the "File info box", but during playback it's show 150 VBR in "Main Window".