Mixing down to MP3 is there a proper way to do it!

I mixdown (export) to standard wav file (16 bit 44.1) and then convert to MP3.  I use Goldwave and the Lame encoder to convert to MP3.  I use 192 rather than 128 for my MP3's.  Better fidelity.

How hot are your wavs? MP3 conversion requires a little bit more headroom (especially in good quality) not to clip.
The max level of the wav should stay in -0.3 dB or lower.

There's no need to dither or use a 16b file to make an mp3. 
Skip the extra step & conversion & use the 24/48. 


I'd also check any settings or options you might have in your software i.e. VBR quality, joint stereo etc. 
I usually limit to -0.5 for 128 mp3's, -0.3, -0.1 for cd's.

Download sites (like iTunes and Amazon) have moved up to 256 kbps now anyway. That is if you plan on selling the tune. So you might as well skip the lower 128 kbps and use the better quality bit rate.

Scott

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Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
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Just for simplicity's sake (until I get a project or CD finished) I export "mixes" into the project at project rates.  I then use those versions to "master" w/ software and set the Voxengo Elephant limiter to -.3 dB.  I convert that master to CD state using Sound Forge.  I use the CD copy to convert to mp3.  The -.3 limit keeps the mp3 conversion from hitting red and -.3 dB doesn't really matter (at this point) on the CD.  I use both the CD and mp3 version on different systems to check the mix - car, home stereo, computer speakers, SoundClick etc. 

If I'm happy w/ the mix I then go back to the project mix and use the high-quality format to master through external hardware and analog for separate CD and mp3 "masters," taking the extra time for 2 conversions.  And check it again.

@

carl


There's no need to dither or use a 16b file to make an mp3. 
Skip the extra step & conversion & use the 24/48. 


I'd also check any settings or options you might have in your software i.e. VBR quality, joint stereo etc. 
I usually limit to -0.5 for 128 mp3's, -0.3, -0.1 for cd's.

Every time I try it this way I get a blank file. I select 16/44 in the export dialog section and choose MP3. 
I always wind up having to export to a 16/44 wav. first then open that up in X2 and export as MP3.
I wonder if I'm not setting something correctly?


Mike

redbarchetta


I must be missing something, why not export to mp3 from Sonar?

What Scook wrote, plus that you do normally want to have a hight quality version of your song.
Otherwise, say, if the project gets corrupted, you have only a compressed "LE"-version of it.

Yes and there are several ways to get there inside SONAR, buy the encoder license, configure an external encoder or use http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2268643 It is just a matter of workflow.

chefmike8888

carl


There's no need to dither or use a 16b file to make an mp3. 
Skip the extra step & conversion & use the 24/48. 


I'd also check any settings or options you might have in your software i.e. VBR quality, joint stereo etc. 
I usually limit to -0.5 for 128 mp3's, -0.3, -0.1 for cd's.

Every time I try it this way I get a blank file. I select 16/44 in the export dialog section and choose MP3. 
I always wind up having to export to a 16/44 wav. first then open that up in X2 and export as MP3.
I wonder if I'm not setting something correctly?


Mike

That I don't know. I only use SONAR for exporting wav masters. I use other software for creating mp3's & metadata.

I use it to send someone a quick basic rundown of the song so they can start working on other parts like vocals.
No need for anything special sound wise. 

Mike