Frequently Asked Questions
General Audio Compression (#post_General_Audio_Compression)
MP3 (#post_MP3)
EAC (#post_EAC)
CDR Media (#post_CDR_Media)
Secure mode ripping (#post_Secure_mode_ripping)
Offsets (#post_Offsets)
Protected audio CDs (#post_Protected_audio_CDs)
Various (#post_Various)
SACD, DVD-A, Vinyl, and Cassette (#post_High_definition_digital_audio)
Documentation
Compact Disc links (#post_Compact_Disc_links)
MP3 links (#post_MP3_links)
Other digital audio links (#post_Other_digital_audio_links)
General Audio Compression
Hydrogenaudio.org's basic rules on listening tests
Subjective vs Objective opinions, post your favourite links / experiences (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11442)
See also rule 8 of Hydrogenaudio.org's terms of service (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3974)
What is an ABX blind test ? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16295&)
Test samples
FF123's samples For Testing Audio Codecs (http://www.ff123.net/samples.html)
Flac decoder for encoded test samples (http://flac.sourceforge.net/)
Programs for blind tests
Windows
WinABX (http://www.kikeg.arrakis.es/winabx/)
ABC/Hidden Reference Audio Comparison Tool (http://ff123.net/abchr/abchr.html)
Foobar2000 (http://foobar2000.org/) (audio player with ABX option)
Linux
LinABX (http://www.beryllium.net/~remco/linabx/)
Test results
Roberto's public listening tests page (http://www.rjamorim.com/test/index.html)
Does encoding preserve surround info ?
:-( MP3 destroys Surround Sound encoding (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4639)
Why not using graphs to compare codecs ?
LAME, CBR, VBR,.... I'm confused! (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7834&view=findpost&p=77265)
What's the difference between MP3gain and Replaygain ?
Difference between Mp3gain and Replaygain (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=24527&hl=)
MP3
Recommended Lame settings
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=28124 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28124)
Recommended Lame compiles
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=28123 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28123)
Presets vs. -V? Post-3.95 Development of the --alt-presets.
3.90.3 versus 3.96.1 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=32121&st=0)
so when to work on new presets? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30041&hl=)
-V n (in 3.95.1) (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=18091)
Lame development
so what to expect for lame 4? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30914&hl=)
LAME Versions and Alphas (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28125)
Dibrom&JohnV -how you see the future of LAME? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4582) ...with further links inside.
Discussion about compatibility of hardware mp3 players
Fully MP3 compliant Hardware MP3-CD players (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=6788)
Why LAME 3.90.3?
WHY a particular LAME version (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30116&hl=)
Normalisation : Mp3 Gain tutorial
How To Use Mp3 Gain ?, 3 guides - normalization - maximizing (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=3274)
Differences between Lame 3.90.2 and 3.92
Lame 3.90.2 vs 3.92, Audible differences with APS? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=5763#entry57833)
Differences between Lame 3.90.3 APS and 3.93.1 APS -Z
LAME 3.93.1 vs 3.90.3 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=9301)
What are the internal switches of Alt presets?
What are the internal switches of Alt presets? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=3076)
What does --alt-preset standard do that no custom command line can ?
Re: LAME + Dibrom's presets/switches + remarks (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=593)
Can I hear the difference between an alt preset standard MP3 and the original ?
samples where aps or ape has a problem (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=7783&)
Why is joint stereo better than pure stereo ?
Basic :
i need the help of you wonderful experts!, lame (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=4678)
Any listening test Stereo vs Joint stereo in mp3? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30637&hl=)
Advanced : a response to a growing rumor... (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=995)
Expert : alt preset extreme -m s ?? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=683)
To lower the bitrate of Alt Preset Standard with the -Y switch
how to get the lower bitrates? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=703)
Low bitrates : --alt-preset standard -Y versus --alt-preset medium
preset-standard -Y vs preset-medium, How big is the difference? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11335)
Why is ABR better than VBR below 160 kbps ?
Suggest ~160kbps VBR setting. (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=1328)
How to compare Lame with other codecs ?
Explaining Lame Presets (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4327)
What's wrong with substracting wavs in order to see the amount of loss ?
Alternative/Supplement to listening test (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=18794)
What is the best MP3 decoder ?
mp3 decoder tests (http://mp3decoders.mp3-tech.org/)
MP3 quality and music genre
a classical music and mp3 issue? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4621)
What does % and * mean ?
Request information (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4648)
How to encode and burn gapless MP3s ?
Question about compression (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=8438) @EAC
Does mp3->wav->mp3 conversion lose quality
mp3 to wav to mp3 to wav same? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=6938)
Transcoding/Re-encoding 128kbps to higher bitrate
Re-encode mp3 128 to higher w/ winlame (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=10702)
Editing MP3s
non-distructive mp3 edit software (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30049)
LAME and Dolby ProLogic
Lame and surround (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12004)
EAC
Official EAC webpage : http://www.exactaudiocopy.de (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de)
Especially Technology (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/eac3.html) and FAQ (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/eac11.html).
EAC FAQ
For all problems read first ! (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?t=21148) @EAC
English tutorial
Liekloo's Essential Ripping Guide (http://users.fulladsl.be/spb2267)
The coaster Factory (http://users.pandora.be/satcp/tutorials.htm) (for EAC prebeta 11)
German tutorial (EAC+Lame)
EAC-audio (http://www.eac-audio.de)
French tutorial
EAC, comment le configuer facilement ... (http://forum.hardware.fr/forum2.php3?cat=3&config=&interface=0&post=35981&page=1&p=1&sondage=&cache=&owntopic=&theme=) @Hardware.fr
Italian tutorial
Exact Audio Copy Italiano (http://eac-italia.da.ru/)
What is a gap and why detecting them is not necessary ?
Pre-gaps ripped in EAC? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=1642)
Tutorial about gaps and CUE Sheets @EAC, by Mestrelion
Gap and CUE Sheet 101: A simple tutorial for Dummies like me (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?postid=54218)
Editing cuesheets by Mestrelion
EAC CUE Sheets ASCII formats explained, because sometimes Notepad is all you have (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=4586)
Does the bitrate selected for MP3 encoding overrides the command line ?
Does EAC add aguments to --alt-preset standard (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=6671&st=25#entry67461)
A very useful new tool for EAC is AccurateRip (http://www.accuraterip.com/), please search the forums on this.
CDR Media
What are the best CDR ?
Short CDR summary : The summary of CD-R brands (http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/12824) @Afterdawn
Long CDR/burner/speed summary : Media Compatability With CD-RW Drives - Which Media Is Best? (http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=6005) @CDRLabs
Tests : CDR media tests, all types! (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57462) @CDFreaks
48x and higher tests : 48x media tests, post your results here! (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57145) @CDFreaks
How to recognize Tayo Yuden CDRs ?
how do you tell which media you have? (http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7280) @CDRLabs
Burning speed tests
High speed vs low speed burning (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69698) @CDFreaks
Life expectancy of CDRs
R.I.P. - The thread for dead CD-Rs (http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/3247) @Afterdawn
Higher dye type doesn't mean higher quality
Re: Audiophile concerns (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eac/message/15630) @EAC ML and answers
Why are audiophile not always trusted when they say that a copy doesn't sound as good as an original CD ?
Digital audio quality (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61864) @CD Freaks
Secure mode ripping
Ripping scratched CDs
Repairing scrached cd:s (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=2633)
Whats The Best Way To Remove Scratches? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=3997) ...or the dangers of the above.
Ripping Scratched CD's, Success story (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=10001) (label side scratches)
How to test C2 accuracy ?
Andre Wiethoff's DAEquality kit (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/eac13.html)
Warning about C2 accuracy measurments
Toshiba SD-M 1612 C2 ... (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=14640#post60894)
Secure mode FAQ
EAC... how perfect? How does it work? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=7277&)
How to accurately detect C2, accurate stream, overread, etc
Which drives are caching audio data? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26919&hl=)
How to ACCURATELY detect C2 / Accurate stream / lead-in / lead-out, etc? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=9805) @EAC
EAC secure mode superior to CDex Paranoid mode
Cdex Vs Eac : The Results ! (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=3164)
Does CloneCD read "rawer" than EAC ?
Is audio extraction different than raw mode ? (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47958) @CDFreaks
Is reading twice secure ?
Is C2 used to correct errors as well as detecting them ? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?postid=68078) @EAC
Discussion about secureness of C2 versus secureness of no C2
EAC C2 error correction, Use it or not? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=9905)
Test and copy secure mode failure
Matching CRC for errored rips (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=16578) @EAC
Paranoid mode failure
Eac, Paranoid X Secure mode (http://www.audio-illumination.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=3546)
Older discussions, possibly out-of-date infos
How does reading twice allows EAC to detect errors
Discussion reliability DAEquality test (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=15838) @EAC
Accuracy of C2 information
Is accurate C2 error reporting an Utopia? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=15921) @EAC
Safety of C2, of caching, and of reading twice
Cache off (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=14600) @EAC
Offsets
Drive offsets databases
Spoon's Accuraterip page (http://www.accuraterip.com/driveoffsets.htm)
Offsets are arbitrary
Re: offset detection (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eac/message/6593) @EAC ML
Mathematical war between Pio2001 and Matthias trying to figure out ofsets without external reference
How to figure out your offset (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=3079) @EAC
How to "read" your read offset with noisy CDs
How to find a reference offset (http://pageperso.aol.fr/Lyonpio2001/offset.htm) Article by Pio2001
Arguments against offset correction
The use of offsets (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=4193)@EAC
the relativity of exactness
Why can't two drives read identical images - even when calibrated? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?&postid=27006#post27006) @ EAC
Protected audio CDs
Campain for digital rights (http://ukcdr.org/issues/cd/quick/)
Sound and Vision mag article about copy protections (http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=1&article_id=225&page_number=1)
c't-CD-Register (http://www.heise.de/ct/cd-register/), database of protected CDs in german language.
Reading protected audio CDs (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46159)@ CD Freaks
SPDIF recording of protected audio CDs (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eac/message/12835)@EAC ML
Cactus Datashield 200 mastered errors Technical analysis
Excessive Copy Protection?, Mp3 related (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=5370#entry54479)
Key2audio tested on 27 drives (http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/2974.cfm) @Afterdawn
Various
About soundcard line input clipping
Recording line in with Soundforge, and Audiophile 24/96 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=12102)
Line in overload on soundcards, M-Audio etc unable to record properly ? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12349)
Can a PC with a digital output replace a CD player ?
Soundcard digital pathways?, If you skip the DAC are they 'perfect'? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11725)
Recording louder is not better
Rip Rowan. Over the limit (http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/articles/8A133F52D0FD71AB86256C2E005DAF1C) @prorec.com
When will this madness stop?!?!? (http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=006746;p=) @MusicPlayer.com
What soundcard to buy ?
Want to buy a new soundcard..., ... should be around €100 / $115 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12257)
How to rip HDCD, or >16bits CDs ?
How to rip 20-bit CD(and retain all 20bits) (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=9176&st=0)
Blind ABX tests about hifi components, cables, amount of distortion...
ABX Test Data (http://www.provide.net/~djcarlst/abx_data.htm)
Is there a measurable difference between regular and audiophile line cables ?
RMAA analysis of audiophile cables distortion (http://zion.thedot.net/~lucian.pescaru/)
Is jitter an issue in recent DACs ?
Anti-jitter RAM buffer in DACs, Which have one ? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11909&hl=)
Killer sample for resampling and clipping (and tweeters)
Test your soundcard for clipping, with this sample (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=9772)
How to insert track markers in a big wave
Burning Gapless CD's (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=4425)
My CD is not Gapless
CUE sheet + 1 wav file for part of CD (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=10179)
How to extract audio before track 1
Recording Gaps Before Track 1. (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=11419)
MPC : What's --xlevel good for?
--xlevel With Mpc? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=4071)
Using replaygain to reduce bitrate
WaveGain vs. MP3Gain (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10637)
Transcoding/Re-encoding 128kbps to higher bitrate
Re-encode mp3 128 to higher w/ winlame (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=10702)
I can't find any drive that doesn't cache
Questions on Asus drive and buffer/cache (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=9734)@EAC
High definition digital audio
Do CD sound good enough ?
Theoretical discussion : 44 KHz (CD) not enough !? (Nyquist etc.), plethora of distortion frequencies? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=9311)
Listening test : 96 vs. 48 or 44.1 kHz sampling --> scientific test, perhaps here is the 1. listening test ! (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=6150)
Another discussion : Sound, the human ear, and the digital world (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/show.php/showtopic/13298)
Why was 44.1 kHz chosen ?
48, 44.1 khz, why no and/or not 40 khz, Only for 2 channel audio........... (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=4949#entry50336)
SACD/DVDA
Help! Sacd Good Or Bad?, Does SACD ought to sound like crud? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=3390)
96 kHz sampling rate
George, Watch this!!!....(96k) (http://www.musicgearnetwork.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000822) @George Massenburg, abstract in page 33
Vinyl
Vinyl versus CD samples from the same album
What songs has digital killed (CD vs LP samples) (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=2896)
Processing the CD sample so as it sounds like the vinyl sample
Compare for yourself: Vinyl vs. CD (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=7993)
Does digital recording keep the "vinyl" sound ?
Casual vinyl vs digital blind test (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=21&t=7953)
Vinyl noise samples, how much clicks on a good vinyl ?
Vinyl Care & Dust Removal, How to make vinyl sound good?? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=21&t=9050)
Cassette
Recording cassette tapes to PC
How to Clean up Cassette to Digital, Need Help (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=8990)
Compact Disc links
All About Recordable Discs (http://www.roxio.com/en/support/discs/index.html) @Roxio.com. Life expectancy seems overestimated, see link above.
The CDR FAQ (http://www.cdrfaq.org/)
Other links about CD technology (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56662)
MP3 links
MP3-Tech.org (http://www.mp3-tech.org/)
David Robinson's page (https://web.archive.org/web/20080828054650/http://www.david.robinson.org/papers.html)
Other digital audio links
Recommended bibliography
Interesting books (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=30&t=7645&st=0)
Explanation of dither (https://web.archive.org/web/20040814204237/http://recpit.prosoundweb.com/viewtopic.php?t=1284) by Nika Aldrich
The audio engineer's approach to understanding digital filters. For the idiot such as myself (https://web.archive.org/web/20071112194156/http://www.cadenzarecording.com/papers/Filters.pdf) by Nika Aldrich
End of FAQ
Added :
Cactus Datashield 200 mastered errors Technical analysis
Excessive Copy Protection?, Mp3 related (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=5370#entry54479)
...the only analysis we have proving that
-There are actually intentional errors
-They might not be all handled as well by modern CD ROM players as by hifi players because there are a few with contiguous samples.
-They prevent CRC comparisons between drives, like in accuraterip.
-They are repeatable and thus not detected with non-C2 secure modes, and not corrected by EAC once detected bu C2.
-They are not generated in special places "so as to be inaudible".
Lame development
Dibrom&JohnV -how you see the future of LAME? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=4582) ...further links inside.
...should have been there earlier
Why was 44.1 kHz chosen ?
48, 44.1 khz, why no and/or not 40 khz, Only for 2 channel audio........... (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=4949#entry50336)
...little-known info, that was just needed in the CD audio is not good enough (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=8909) thread
Removed :
Samsung, Pioneer and Teac vs Cactus datashield 200 audio protection (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eac/message/12395)@EAC
Not much useful info... the fact that protections are drive dependant is already stated in the CDFreaks link, and illustrated in the Key2audio tests.
I'd like to have you opinion about these two :
What are the parameters used by MPC for encoding ?
--verbose output of all --quality settings, A List For The Advanced User (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=12&t=4338)
Asked here : http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....=ST&f=12&t=6802 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=12&t=6802)
Is it useful in the FAQ section ?
Lower bitrate presets
"alt-preset standard -Y" VS "preset medium" (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=15&t=5803)
Is it accurate ? Still on topic ? Useful ?
Added
Drive offsets databases
SatCP's Coaster Factory (http://www.ping.be/satcp/eacoffsets01.htm#-) (no more updated)
Spoon's Accuraterip page (http://www.accuraterip.com/driveoffsets.htm) (often updated)
thanks to Spoon
Added this first link (the second is the former "96 kHz is unuseful") :
Do CD sound good enough ?
Theoretical discussion : 44 KHz (CD) not enough !? (Nyquist etc.), plethora of distortion frequencies? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=9311)
Listening test : 96 vs. 48 or 44.1 kHz sampling --> scientific test, perhaps here is the 1. listening test ! (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=6150)
Added this introduction to the MP3 section :
Recommended MP3 Encoder
for bitrates < 128kbps Fraunhofer ...
for bitrates > 128kbps Lame (read on)
...thanks to Tigre
Added
How to rip HDCD, or >16bits CDs ?
How to rip 20-bit CD(and retain all 20bits) (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=9176&st=0)
Added
Drive offsets databases
SatCP's Coaster Factory (no more updated)
Spoon's Accuraterip page (often updated)
thanks to Spoon
This EAC offset database by uli-76 should be added. All SatCP's entries AFAIK and many new ones (updated)
http://www.hilfe-stellung.de/eac/offset.htm (http://www.hilfe-stellung.de/eac/offset.htm)
not a big deal, but there a little typo here
What does --alt-preset standard that no custom command line can do ?
Re: LAME + Dibrom's presets/switches + remarks
should be:
"What does --alt-preset standard
do that no custom command line can do ?
Re: LAME + Dibrom's presets/switches + remarks"
It was not a typo, it was a mistake in my speaking english B)
TU2
not a big deal, but there a little typo here
What does --alt-preset standard that no custom command line can do ?
Re: LAME + Dibrom's presets/switches + remarks
should be:
"What does --alt-preset standard do that no custom command line can do ?
Re: LAME + Dibrom's presets/switches + remarks"
And still not quite...
The last "do" is unnecessary.
No biggie
Major FAQ update !
**********NEW************** :
Audio Compression
Hydrogenaudio.org's basic rules on listening tests
Subjective vs Objective opinions, post your favourite links / experiences (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11442)
See also rule 8 of Hydrogenaudio.org's terms of service (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3974).
MP3
Low bitrates : --alt-preset standard -Y versus --alt-preset medium
preset-standard -Y vs preset-medium, How big is the difference? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11335)
Secure mode
How to test C2 accuracy ?
Andre Wiethoff's DAEquality kit (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/eac13.html)
Repairing CDs scratched on the label side
Ripping Scratched CD's, Success story (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=10001)
Is reading twice secure ?
Is C2 used to correct errors as well as detecting them ? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?postid=68078)
Discussion about secureness of C2 versus secureness of no C2
EAC C2 error correction, Use it or not? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=20&t=9905)
Various
Killer sample for resampling and clipping (and tweeters)
Test your soundcard for clipping, with this sample (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=9772)
[span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%']Vinyl[/span]
Vinyl versus CD samples from the same album
What songs has digital killed (CD vs LP samples) (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=2896)
Processing the CD sample so as it sounds like the vinyl sample
Compare for yourself: Vinyl vs. CD (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=7993)
Does digital recording keep the "vinyl" sound ?
Casual vinyl vs digital blind test (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=21&t=7953)
Vinyl noise samples, how much clicks on a good vinyl ?
Vinyl Care & Dust Removal, How to make vinyl sound good?? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=21&t=9050)
[span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%']Cassette[/span]
Recording cassette tapes to PC
How to Clean up Cassette to Digital, Need Help (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=8990)
Other digital audio links
Recommended bibliography
Interesting books (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=30&t=7645&st=0)
****************REPLACED**************
Can a PC with a digital output replace a CD player ?
Soundcard digital pathways?, If you skip the DAC are they 'perfect'? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11725)
replaces
Does WinXp's mixer resample ?
My tests over kmixer effects, Seem to be none... (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=5755&st=0#entry60178)
that is linked from inside the new one
Burning speed tests
High speed vs low speed burning (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69698)
replaces
Burning slower is not necessarily safer
CDR Burn Speed and Audio Quality (http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/15634) @Afterdawn
**************MOVED****************
Moved
How does reading twice allows EAC to detect errors
Discussion reliability DAEquality test (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=15838) @EAC
Accuracy of C2 information
Is accurate C2 error reporting an Utopia? (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=15921) @EAC
Safety of C2, of caching, and of reading twice
Cache off (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=14600) @EAC
to Older discussions section
****************RENAMED***************
Renaming
Why is not CloneCD advised for audio ?
Is audio extraction different than raw mode ? (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47958) @CDFreaks
to
Does CloneCD read "rawer" than EAC ?
Is audio extraction different than raw mode ? (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47958) @CDFreaks
Added
Is jitter an issue in recent DACs ?
Anti-jitter RAM buffer in DACs, Which have one ? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=11909&hl=)
in the "various" section.
Added
What soundcard to buy ?
Want to buy a new soundcard..., ... should be around €100 / $115 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12257)
Is "What soundcard to buy ?" a good english sentence ?
Two links replaced :
Chip's CD Media Resource Center (http://www.chipchapin.com/CDMedia/index.php3)
ECMA-130 Compact disc specifications (http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/ECMA-130.HTM)
with
Other links about CD technology (http://forum.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56662)
Both Ecma links, the one at Cd freaks and the one removed above, that is more recent, seem dead. I'll check the above one tomorrow to see if it is temporarily offline.
Could someone check the FTP link for ECMA 130 at CD Freaks (in the "other links" link above) ? Because it seems I can't acces any FTP. Maybe there'a problem on my side.
ftp.ecma.ch doesn't appear to be listening ATM. I tried 3 different proxies.
[span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%']Protected audio CDs[/span]
You should add this entry:
For a big and popular database or protected CDs in german language:
c't-CD-Register (http://www.heise.de/ct/cd-register/)Features: search by Artist, Title and Player (PC drive, HiFi player, portable player, car hifi), adding new CDs to the database and a german forum.
Done, thanks
FYI
The coaster factory has moved to a new site. The link in the EAC section:
English tutorial
The coaster Factory (for EAC prebeta 11)
should point to:
The coaster Factory (http://http://users.pandora.be/satcp/tutorials.htm)
Link updated.
Thanks.
Added Roberto's tests
Test results
Roberto's public listening tests page (http://www.rjamorim.com/test/index.html)
Removed the mention of Lame being recommended above 128 kbps and Fraunhofer below.
This poor old FAQ needs a general update, but since I am currently writing to a band to beg them to stop the loudness race, I added these two links in the "various" section :
Recording louder is not better
Rip Rowan. Over the limit (http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/articles/8A133F52D0FD71AB86256C2E005DAF1C) @prorec.com
When will this madness stop?!?!? (http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=006746;p=) @MusicPlayer.com
Added
How to accurately detect C2, accurate stream, overread, etc
Which drives are caching audio data? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26919&hl=)
and
EAC FAQ
For all problems read first ! (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?t=21148) @EAC
Removed
Explanation of C2 secure mode
Drive options => 'capable C2 info' vs 'use C2 info' (http://www.digital-inn.de/showthread.php?threadid=15572) @EAC
Completely out of date and confusing.
Added
About soundcard line input clipping
Recording line in with Soundforge, and Audiophile 24/96 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=12102)
Line in overload on soundcards, M-Audio etc unable to record properly ? (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12349)
Added
Liekloo's Essential Ripping Guide (http://home-12.tiscali-business.nl/~tpm54044/)
For EAC.
Added
mp3 editing
Added: Presets vs. -V? Post-3.95 Development of the --alt-presets.
Added: MP3 and Dolby ProLogic
Removed dead links :
SatCP's Coaster Factory (http://www.ping.be/satcp/eacoffsets01.htm#-) (no more updated)
EAC-Audio (http://www.offsetbase.eac-audio.de/offset-en.php), by Uli-76
Added
What soundcard to buy ?
Want to buy a new soundcard..., ... should be around €100 / $115 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12257)
Is "What soundcard to buy ?" a good english sentence ?
[a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=125814"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yes, that sentence is okay...
This probably needs to be updated for 3.97b1 although that is admittedly a very minor change to make. Also some explanation as to why we're recommending betas is a good idea.
This FAQ is being s-l-o-w-l-y migrated to the HA Knowledgebase, here (http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=FAQ). Hopefully the process will finish before this century ends
Assistance will be very much appreciated.
Added
What soundcard to buy ?
Want to buy a new soundcard..., ... should be around €100 / $115 (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12257)
Is "What soundcard to buy ?" a good english sentence ?
[a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=125814"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yes, that sentence is okay...
[a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=319162"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I'd go with "Soundcard options" or "Soundcards."
Attention Mod: The "Recommended Lame compiles" link in the FAQ, that resides near the top of this thread, is broken.
For your convenience, click HERE (http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7516&view=findpost&p=74068) to go directly to the post.