audio files - question

[LauraCroft]

I am using Recordnow Max to extract songs from my CDs. Does anyone know what "type" is best? WAV / MP3 (96 kbps) / MP3 (128 kbps) etc. I have tried all of them and they sound the same to me, except the WAV and 320 kbps create a much larger file. Is the sound supposed to be better on the larger file?? or is it just a waste of disc space?? anyone know for sure?? Thanks.

[Blessed]

MP3 192k is high quality to me, whoever thinks more is better should die...
WAV has horrible compression, but if you had the choice, I'd go for OGG 192k, but in your case, you have MP3 192k, so go for that.

[LauraCroft]

Thanks Blessed. Another question: how do you make sure that the volume remains consistent throughout the CD? I can use either Recordnow or Nero to burn. They both have sound editing functions, but I don't know what I am looking at.

[bighap]

If you rip using the same prog and cd they will all have the same volume. I use 192 as well.

[JimmyJones]

When you record in Nero, select all of the files you're burning to CD, right click, choose properties. Under the filter tab, make sure "normalize" is checked.
Don't know about RecordNow, I only use that to make 1:1 copies.

[LauraCroft]

I don't know about that...I have had some turn out with one or two songs louder than the others. I think it depends on the original source. Thanks for confirming the 192 though.

[LauraCroft]

Ok, right JJ. Thanks that is it. Do you use the RMS or Maximum normalization? any other filters?

[JimmyJones]

I've used the RMS in the past. I actually normalize all of my mp3s when I rip or burn them, using MP3Gain....I hate it when I'm listening to something through my computer and the next song is super quiet or loud.