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Topic: Pandora DSP/codec changed recently? (Read 1590 times) previous topic - next topic
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Pandora DSP/codec changed recently?

Has anyone noticed Pandora's codec and/or DSP scheme has changed recently, like in the last few days? Two things I've noticed:

* Full bandwidth on most tracks up to 20kHz (previously was limited to 16-18kHz)
* Varying levels of compression/limiting/normalization (previously was more consistent) -- seems to be an attempt at subjective loudness normalization, but this is causing severe limiting in some tracks and none in others.

In general I'd give the new scheme a big thumbs down. I don't think the codec sounds as clean even though it (ostensibly) goes out to 20kHz. This could just be SBR with a lower base bitrate than before.

I'd be grateful for anyone else's observations.

Pandora DSP/codec changed recently?

Reply #1 –
Free pandora is always SBR, so unless you're paying for regular AAC I wouldn't worry too much about the highest frequency.
 

Pandora DSP/codec changed recently?

Reply #2 –
Interesting, thanks. I've been using Pandora One all along and wasn't aware there was a difference. However, I monitor audio metrics fairly close and am certain something has changed. Previously I have never seen consistently full BW audio/SBR nor this aggressive compression/limiting.