Hi All,
 
I have an mp3 file that has low audio output level, so i figured to simply import it into Sonar X1, boost the level and export the new boosted-level mp3 file. I'm using X1 Producer and have found that, for whatever the reason, it doesnt allow me to import or export an mp3 file. Apparently, that's a premium feature not included in X1 Producer and requires an upgrade for mp3 exporting.
 
My work-around was to use a freeware file converter to convert the original mp3 to WAV and then import the WAV file into Sonar, which worked fine. I brought the level up and exported this new WAV file and then used the freeware to convert it back to mp3. All that worked, except that the mp3 file sizes are very different and the audio quality of the boosted-level mp3 is terrible.
 
The original mp3 file size is 141Mb
The WAV file is understandably larger at 623Mb
The final, boosted mp3 file size is only 28Mb and it sounds bad.
 
Can anyone tell me why the boosted level mp3 file is much smaller that the original mp3 file?
Is there another way that i should be doing this?
 
Thanks
 
 
 

There is no premium feature for SONAR to import mp3 files. Cakewalk uses a Microsoft library which cannot read mp3 files containing non-music data such as images. Cakewalk does charge for integrating an mp3 encoder for export but that is another story. The problem could be choosing to low a bit rate for mp3 encoding and/or starting with too loud a source. Here is a thread about headroom and mp3 you might find helpful.

The original file, unless it's a typo, is unusually large for an MP3. That works out to a very modest 4.4:1 compression ratio, so it must have been encoded at the highest quality possible for MP3s. Use a utility such as Foobar (it's free if you don't have it already) to determine the bit rate of the original, and make sure you specify the same rate when you re-encode it. You're obviously encoding at a much lower bit rate, which would account for the noticeable loss of quality. Many encoders default to 128 kb/s unless you specify a higher rate.

Hi Bit, great mp3 thread you made, thanks for the link scook.
 
The file is unusually large because it is 1 hour and 1 minute of audio.
The other info associated with the file is this, though i'm not certain of what it means:
141.3Mb  320kbps  44.1khz  mp3
 
My issue is the degraded audio quality of the boosted-level mp3.
Is that due to the settings on the file converter?
I didn't switch the frequency or bit rate settings from their default, which is "No Change."
Should I set the frequency to 44.1 and the bit rate to 320kbps when converting the wav file from Sonar back to mp3?
 
I'm using foxtab Audio Converter, btw.
 
Thanks again

Sorry, after rereading post #3, I see that is the solution you suggested.
Thanks, will try that now.

Just noticed the maximum bit rate on the converter is 256 kb/s.
I converted the wav file to mp3 at 44.1 and 256 kb/s.
The resulting file size is still only 28 Mb and with degraded audio.
A converter that supports 320 kb/s will correct this?
 
Thanks
 

Maybe. Are you using variable bit rate? If so try constant bit rate.

This converter doesnt give any choice for that.
I think this free Foxtab Audio Converter is not up to the task.
Could you recommend an appropriate converter?
 

I do not have much experience with free mp3 encoders and expect others would have better suggestions. I did notice that Waveshop uses a LAME library from RareWaves which provides the ability to save at 320 constant bit rate.

Always try to work with waves up until that final conversion to MP3... then choose 320kbs as the conversion rate.
 
The file sizes you mentioned are way out of line for what you are talking about.  Something there doesn't quite seem right.
 
Sonar exports wave.... you convert the wave to MP3.... if you import it to sonar again and "boost the levels" and then export it (as another wave) and then convert that, you have done some serious degrading of the bit rates through those conversions.  It will sound bad.
 
So go back to the original project in Sonar, and export it as a wave. If the levels are low, use something like a wave editor to normalize the WAVE to 94% or there about and THEN you convert to MP3.  With a decent output level from Sonar, if you have done your work correctly, the amount of boost needed should be slim to none. This is the process I use.
 
Audacity and WavePad are good (and free) wave editors that do the job nicely.
 
A closer read of the OP does not say you created the MP3 from a Sonar project.... so if this is the case.... simply import or open this file in WavePad or Audacity as MP3.... use the normalize function and play it back to listen. This should boost the level and introduce no bit reduction. The music should still sound as good as the original MP3, but just a bit louder. Click the SAVE AS button and save it as the SAME bit rate as the original or higher.