VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

scottnilsen · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 1:55 pm Post subject: when a client wants 192kbps mono

I am happy for this place for many reasons, the latest being this thread in the archives that dealt with just such a situation.

http://www.vo-bb.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7309&highlight=192kbs+48k+mp3

The thing is, in looking at what kind of work this client does, this is someone who I would expect to know that 192 would be stereo, but he specifically asked for a mono file. Go figure.
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Deirdre · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject:

Client is nuts! He can flatten it out to mono if he needs. The fattest you can get is 128K mono.
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Frank F · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject:

OK, time to do the reality check.

Mono, 128 Kbps = one track. .

Two tracks of equal signal (quasi-stereo or better known as "two track mono") = stereo; and at 128 Kbps per track = 256 Kbps. Which translated to a reality check is twice the audio signal of the preciously mentioned Mono signal.

There is NO 196 Kbps MONO or STEREO .mp3 file. One half of 196 = 98. Not 96.

Here are the Kbps rate which may be used as an Mono or Stereo .mp3:

(in Kbps)

20
24
32
40
48
56
64 - (Below this rate is AM radio quality audio or less. Best as Mono.)

As a stereo file, above this rate the quality will improve exponentially although this format is a lossy codec.

80
96 (FM radio quality)
112
128 (perceived CD quality audio rate - in Stereo)
160
192
224
256 (Perceived studio quality rate)
320

Now, not trying to "think" for the client, it is likely he/she mis-stated the numbers and MEANT 96 Kbps, Mono.

I am not going into the reason behind these numbers as it is very boring and long winded - and this post is/was long winded enough.

I would suggest however; checking with the client and asking him/her to double check his/her instructions regarding the file specs.

Toodles

F2
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scottnilsen · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:

Turned out the .wav I sent was fine. Yee haw.
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georgethetech · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 10:05 pm Post subject:

donrandall · Guest

I looked at my file conversion tool in Goldwave. It lists various kbps mono rates up to 320, so I became curious and did some testing - even though I was repeating what I have done many times before.

It does indeed convert to 192 mono and will also convert up to 320 mono along with a rather lengthy list of other options.

I just tested by doing it and then confirming by playing back and noting the window that shows the sound file as being MPEG Layer 3, 44100 Hz, 192kbps, mono.

I also used the free standing Razor Lame conversion tool and converted a file to 320 kbps, mono.

If there is something about this that I don't understand, I'm hoping someone will be kind enough to educate me.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

I record all my mp3s as 192 mono unless otherwise requested.
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Frank F · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:14 am Post subject:

Soundgun, you are not nuts, I am... Sorry for the confusion with my post and my mistake...

I was thinking 96 Kbps in my head and it came out as 196 when I was writing the post instead of 192 Kbps.

Also, LAME (Lame Ain't an Mp3 Encoder) does encode to 320 Kbps Mono.

Just shoot me...

Toodles

F2
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:10 am Post subject:

Shoot me, too, while you're at it.

Pro Tools' MP3 encoder stops at 128K mono or 320K stereo.

So I thought that was it for reals all over.
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BenWils · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:18 pm Post subject:

DB, you must have an old version of the Pro Tools MP3 converter? I can bounce down to as high as 320kbps mono.

I bought the conversion software like 1.5 to 2 years ago.
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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

The MP3 encoder is part of Pro Tools when you buy it. You are simply unlocking it when you buy the license. At some point Digidesign must have revamped the MP3 encoder options.
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BenWils · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

That is true, George. It was a license that I bought for $20 that is loaded to my iLok. I was making it sound like separate software and it is not.
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"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

verbcrunch · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 5:53 pm Post subject:

i use iTunes to batch convert to mp3 from ProTools' "Audio Files" folder. It does up to 320kbps stereo / 160kbps mono. In iTunes 7, under 'advanced', hold down the 'option' key, you can select 'covert to mp3', it lets you navigate and batch convert.
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jrkaiser · Guest

So am I gaining or losing anything if I send at 320 Mono... which is generally what I do unless WAV is requested.

georgethetech · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:56 am Post subject:

You are arguably gaining nothing in quality, and taking 2.5x longer to send the file. However, if a client requests that setting, I say give 'em what they want. If you feel like educating them why it is unnecessary and preventing them from receiving your product as quickly as possible, go for it.

Sending a mono MP3 at 320kbps would be the equivalent of an MP3 in stereo at 640kbps. The uncompressed stereo wav file would be roughly 1330kbps, so your MP3 only half the size of a WAV or AIFF file.
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If it sounds good, it is good.
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