192 vs 320

[rockbottom620]

So over the last year or so, everthing I have downloaded has been either 320, 256 or 192 but in the end I make sure everything is re-encoded to 192 for hard drive space purposes. What is the real difference between 192 and 320 and would it really matter that I do that? Should I leave everything in 320? I also used mp3 gain to make sure all my tracks are around 96db :-) I might just start collecting in 320 but I don't really see the reason to. Maybe DJing in clubs you can tell the difference?

[Darren]

The good old bit rate problem, the difference between the two is obviously quality.

I would say 320kb should be your absolute minimum for DJ'ing purposes, ideally you should have wav files identical to the original recordings but the storage space they take up increases radically.

On private listening ie through headphones in a quiet room it is possible to tell the difference between lower bit rate mp3's and those encoded at 320kb. In a club I don't know how recognisable the difference is as I havent DJ'd with a large scale sound system.

In that area I think you should seek the advice of other Trancefixers

[rockbottom620]

The good old bit rate problem, the difference between the two is obviously quality.

I would say 320kb should be your absolute minimum for DJ'ing purposes, ideally you should have wav files identical to the original recordings but the storage space they take up increases radically.

On private listening ie through headphones in a quiet room it is possible to tell the difference between lower bit rate mp3's and those encoded at 320kb. In a club I don't know how recognisable the difference is as I havent DJ'd with a large scale sound system.

In that area I think you should seek the advice of other Trancefixers

Thanks....i might have to start collecting at 320 then :-( I usually can't tell the difference between 192 and 320 but i heard it has to do with the lows and the hi's and how they start getting muffled?

[chadi]

You can POSITIVELY hear the difference between 192 and 320 in almost any environment -- headphones, speakers, etc. I can even hear the difference between 256 and 320.

I never even get a song under 192, but if there is a way for me to get it at 320, I will absolutely get it. At least make sure your favorite tracks are at 320 or in wav format.

If you buy a song with a bitrate below 320 you're practically throwing your money in the garbage.

[jst2gd]

If you buy a song with a bitrate below 320 you're practically throwing your money in the garbage.

I concur.

One can def hear the difference on a loud system - because the music is louder any problems with the song are more noticable. And having a poor quality bassline can overpower the rest of the tune and you're left with a distorted mess.

320 is def the way to go.

[Sashwat]

I also used mp3 gain to make sure all my tracks are around 96db :-)

would you mind sending me that program, as I will probably need to take similar actions in just under a month...? if you could upload it onto speedyshare, i'd be grateful.

[rockbottom620]

http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/

[Sashwat]

thank you very much

[rockbottom620]

no problemo!!! enjoy!

[stageone]

I remember downloading tracks at 128 through p2p some years ago!!
Now under 192 quality is too low, but 192 is just enough at the moment. 320 is for extra occasions

[Seb Astían]

I remember downloading tracks at 128 through p2p some years ago!!
Now under 192 quality is too low, but 192 is just enough at the moment. 320 is for extra occasions

I didn't care about the bitrate earlier either. But now the minimum bitrate for me is 192. Below that it doesn't sound good enough.

[Nemezijus]

There is a similar discussion here
You can read the topic and I think you'll find some answers. If you're interested in more technical details you can find the answer in HydrogenAudio forum

[rockbottom620]

cool. thanks! I will read this one and check out that site :-D

[djracy]

isn't 192k = CD quality?

[Lyle]

320 is the industry standard these days, but I find 192 a happy compromise with regards to space and quality! Would love to be elitest about bitrate, but my hard drive ain't getting any less full...