Lossless Vs. Lossy

[Sundayguy]

Hi elvis,

Well, I'm at "hobby level" not even close to some of the really serious rippers out there.
I use a fairly lower-end Numark turntable USB'd directly into the computer, and capture in real time, saved to "raw" .WAV files that way, hiss, static, pops and all.
From there I have several choices of software to aid in cleaning (what others call "remastering") the audio file. Since any audio rip may have different "issues" I try to select which program might help best, for whatever needs improving. I used to rely heavily on the old CoolEditPro years ago, but there are so many new programs out there now, many which work better, but seem to only target one or two "key" issues. So maybe 1 for removing hiss, and another one for eliminating crackle/pops, etc. Audio Restoration ClickRepair works well, but lacks any form of EQ editing, for example, so often more than one piece of software is needed to get a desired result.

[djprep]

I agree with you 100% Elvis. I only want lossless for my main archive (I keep a back up of everything also). For convenience I may make a HQ mp3 copy to use on devices but for prosperity I want the original lossless...preferably in the original mastering! When exchanging files why take a chance on a sub-quality encoded lossy mp3.

[djprep]

Sundayguy, you may want to check out the Magix (Samplitude) product called Audio Cleaning Lab. It is very good. Like any good software it really shines once you learn all its capabilities and dig into it way past presets. With all declickers and audio cleaners, by only using presets you run the risk of removing desirable audio, whereas a more manual approach to declicking/noise removal offers much better results. The Magix product also offers excellent mastering tools rolled into the software. I have been using Samplitude (German) audio software products for over 15 years and swear by them.

[Sundayguy]

Hey djprep, I think I'm familiar with that software, tho as far as I can recall I've never given it a try. Maybe I will, just to see what it can do. I like the idea of having mastering tools on board.
I also agree with you on not just selecting presets. I usually manually use any tool a few times, and kind of zero in on which settings work best for whichever project it is I'm doing. Just using the presets do tend to cause some problems, like removing certain elements that should be left in. Manual is the way to go, for sure.

[Sundayguy]

Offhand I don't remember the names, but I know there are at least a couple programs that are supposed to "optimize" lower-bit-rate MP3s, and Impove their overall sound quality.
I think the programs add a little high end, or try to replace a little lost frequency when generating lower bit-rate MP3s.
Years ago I used a "trial" version of one, and it just seemed to boost the high end, but actually a little too much, as then the muffled MP3s would just sound hollow and tinny.
The new versions of similar software (I would suppose) would work better and are more "accurate" than the years ago versions.
If anyone has a piece of software like that, that's new, I'd be glad for the info to be able to check it out. Cheers in the New Year!

[djprep]

The brilliance enhancer in the mastering part of Magix Audio Cleaning Lab is a feature that "refreshes" losses in high frequencies in mp3 due to low pass filtering of encoders. However once these frequencies have been cut out due to mp3 encoding there is no real way to put it all back...thus the reason to deal in lossless in the first place...and the reason for this thread.

[elviscaprice]

[quote][i]Originally posted by djprep[/i]
<br>The brilliance enhancer in the mastering part of Magix Audio Cleaning Lab is a feature that "refreshes" losses in high frequencies in mp3 due to low pass filtering of encoders. However once these frequencies have been cut out due to mp3 encoding there is no real way to put it all back...thus the reason to deal in lossless in the first place...and the reason for this thread.
[/quote]
Yes, right on the mark. [8D]