[BarnStorm]

I have a few MP3's that are encoded at 192 and 320 kbps.

Naturally, the bitrates result in larger files. I want to reduce their sizes.

I have read that resampling and setting them at, say, 128 causes notable loss of audio quality. However, there seems to be differences of opinion.

Just like I use MP3Gain to do volume leveling (and, it is lossless), I was wondering if resampling is a whole different animal as I've not done it before.

Can I use something like SuperC for this purpose?

Appreciate comments. Thanks.

[stantley]

You'd get better quality if you went from the uncompressed source directly to 128 kbps rather than going from 320 kbps to 128 kbps, but if you no longer have the source material you have no choice. I would use CDex to do the conversion. If you're going to listen to these tracks on an Mp3 player with ear buds or on a PC with average speakers you're probably not going to notice any difference.

But my question is why bother? With most Mp3 players being 2GB or higher and with cheap large hard drives the amount of space you'll save will be insignificant.

[BarnStorm]

Stantley... thanks for your usual thoughtful response.

In this case the 320 kbps MP3 is my only source. And I think I understand that you are saying going from compressed to compressed (at lower bit rate) is how the quality would be lowered, right?

I should have mentioned that my only motivation for doing this was for sake of e-mail attachment size. It's not a big deal as I only occasionally send things that way. This was more an academic exercise after I got curious about it.

I since tried it with SuperC and it did the resampling. I have not yet given it a critical listen to see if I notice the difference.

Thanks again.

[stantley]

Originally Posted by BarnStorm

I should have mentioned that my only motivation for doing this was for sake of e-mail attachment size.

OK, now I understand. Another thing you could do to get a smaller file size is to use Variable Bit Rate. It's been a long time since I used Super so I'm not sure if it supports VBR, but if not try Cdex.

[BarnStorm]

Hmmm... VBR... hadn't thought of that.

Thanks again.

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