I know this will sound like poor or casual advice, but there is actually not much behind creating an MP3 file from your project (in Sonar or any other DAW). If you have a good mix/master, your MP3 will be fine. If not, it will sound like crap - because it's coming from a crappy source.

So, I guess the real question behind all your questions is how to create a good mix - and that's a topic well beyond the scope or intention of this thread, so, I'll just leave at that. Good luck!

--- repeat post. Sorry.

NeoSoul
My personal question is what is the rationale behind exporting to MP3 within Sonar directly vs taking the exported WAV and then rendering that to MP3 with 3rd party software?  
 
The other question being, are you actually mastering your track in Sonar, if not, exporting seems like a bad idea.

I have many reasons as to why I want to learn these concepts but I don't want those reasons clouding the actual discussion.
 
I am totally fine with using third party software for the final conversion but cannot afford to drop a lot of coin just for mp3 exports. Sonar comes into the equation because that is where I mix and "master" (mastering usually occurs in a new project... not the mix project) and by "mastering" I mean "small m" mastering because I am not a mastering engineer.
 
The preparation for export WILL occur in Sonar (for now). The conversion to mp3 can happen in another program. I currently have Pyro, Audacity, Reaper and if I add the LAME or Cake encoders to Sonar then Sonar for the mp3 conversion.
 
My (or anyones) reasons for exporting to mp3 do not matter. I just want to know the best way to do it with the tools I have access to.
 
Personal preference does not come into the equation at all.
 
See what I mean? I know waves are superior. I know how to prepare and export to wave. I just need to be able to export to mp3 intelligently as well.
 
Kind of like back when I used to do construction. I preferred using screws. Screws are better for almost everything. Still needed to know how use nails though even though they sucked and were a massive PITA.

irvin
I know this will sound like poor or casual advice, but there is actually not much behind creating an MP3 file from your project (in Sonar or any other DAW). If you have a good mix/master, your MP3 will be fine. If not, it will sound like crap - because it's coming from a crappy source.

So, I guess the real question behind all your questions is how to create a good mix - and that's a topic well beyond the scope or intention of this thread, so, I'll just leave at that. Good luck!

This really isn't completely true. Lame is updated fairly regularly and there are a lot of switches that affect the final conversion. However, you really want a good front-end for those switches to make it easier to see what you are doing and experiment with the different settings. Just Google "Lame front end" or use a client like Fre:ac and you'll be able to find the settings you need for various outputs.
 
Regards,
Dan

I mean WHY are you wanting to encode within Sonar vs encoding the export? That is the question.
 
Is there quantifiable evidence that suggests this would produce a better sounding MP3?  
 
Encoding outside of Sonar can be done easily for free.  
 
What you posted suggests you would be encoding the Mix down in a WAV then importing into another Sonar instance for the Mastering, at which time you want to encode to MP3.  Why in the world would you pay for an encoder within Sonar for what is already a Stereo track?  Do you now understand the question?  

I export to .wav and then convert to .mp3 or any other file extension that I need using NCH Switch Audio File Converter.  You can download it free here:   http://www.nch.com.au/switch/
 

NeoSoul
I mean WHY are you wanting to encode within Sonar vs encoding the export? That is the question.
 
Is there quantifiable evidence that suggests this would produce a better sounding MP3?  
 
Encoding outside of Sonar can be done easily for free.  
 
What you posted suggests you would be encoding the Mix down in a WAV then importing into another Sonar instance for the Mastering, at which time you want to encode to MP3.  Why in the world would you pay for an encoder within Sonar for what is already a Stereo track?  Do you now understand the question?  

That is not what I said, nor am asking at all. I understand your question(s). It is not what I am asking for.
 
I'm sorry but you are not understand my question(s) or the purpose of the thread.
 
I am looking for info on best practices to acheive a goal. I don't give a flying fart HOW it happens as long as it provides a good result hopefully using the tools I have available to me.
 

dcumpian
 
This really isn't completely true. Lame is updated fairly regularly and there are a lot of switches that affect the final conversion. However, you really want a good front-end for those switches to make it easier to see what you are doing and experiment with the different settings. Just Google "Lame front end" or use a client like Fre:ac and you'll be able to find the settings you need for various outputs.
 
Regards,
Dan

Now this is helpful. I don't fully understand it but I can look into it. Thanks, Dan.

Either incorporate the Lame version of the mp3 encoder into your Sonar Utilities menu (there have been multiple threads in the forums on how to do this in the past) or outside Sonar, use Audacity (it also uses Lame) to transform the final mix (wave file) into an mp3

This is such a vast subject (and thorny) i don't think you'll get two same answers.

BTW i use Goldwave....... But i also use it for other things as well, and its not freeware, a one off payment well worth it.

Cheers,
Jerry

Edit for shamefull spelling

Beepster......................my (or anyones) reasons for exporting to mp3 do not matter. I just want to know the best way to do it with the tools I have access to.
 
Personal preference does not come into the equation at all.
 
 

 
oky doky gotch Beep  Right well I do use MP3's in my live gigs as backing tracks...so my method is to use the Sonar for anything with fixed rate (128,256,320) and I use Audacity (free)  if I want to create VBR as the Sonartool for some reason gets hung up on those!
 
I create the project, mix it, and then master as well as I can, ensuring I get most of the level meters for all songs at approx the same level, as in my experience, the MP3 conversion can sometimes create louder songs than the one previous even if all things are (relatively) equal.
 
I convert at 320kbps (used to do 256, but one CAN tell the difference in this rate with some songs) and in blind tests with muso m8's and others, I have only ever had one person pick the difference - and even then I reckon they were guessing!
 
So if you get your tune mastered pretty well in wav format, then using a higher rate MP3 should result in a pretty reasonable result. Especially as the end user is listening on less than stellar gear!
 
Dunno if that helps???

NeoSoul....
I'm not a fan of lossy formats (such as MP3).  But the idea that Lossless formats are quickly taking over the digital music market is absurd.  The vast majority of consumers are still buying MP3s or (MP4s through apple).....
 

Well I disagree. People are FORCED to to use the 128kbps x 2 VBR that apple use for MP4's and the same goes for music sites concerned about bandwidth so its not really a choice is it! However lossless formats are trending up and it is an exponential growth curve. As this is Beeps thread, this is the last comment that is outside the OP that I will make.