I currently use 3.93.1 and I'm about to encode a big batch of MP3s in 320 kbps, CBR highest quality settings .
(if WAV files would have ID3 Tags, I wouldn't bother with all this)
3.90.3 is mature. Extensive testing has been performed on this version (especially for --alt-preset standard and higher quality settings).
3.93.1 shouldn't change much about quality theoretically, but isn't tested.
3.95.1 is final and there are many quality-related changes. From the few serious tests that have been performed (at Hydrogenaudio) it seems like it performs slightly worse on pre-echo problem samples at --preset standard and higher, on other isolated problems like "fatboy" sample it's better. IMO it's impossible to draw an overall conclusion right now - besides that you're on the safe side with 3.90.3. :)
I've noticed that even the "--alt-preset" options will only use a Q setting of 2 or 3 with lame, instead of Q setting of 0.
I've tested this with 93, and 95.
And what are "pre-echo problem"?
I've searched the forums but found not matches...
So, I guess the recommended step for me to take is using the 3.90.3 instead of the .93.1 I've been using since now?
IIRC, during development/quality tuning (= 1000s of hours spent on listening tests) of the --alt-presets, usage of q2/3 gave best results. -q 0 is experimental and broken (see JohnV's post in this thread - 'takehiro' is a LAME developer BTW):
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?showtopic=8452&hl=
With -q 1 there are similar issues AFAIK, but can't find any info about it quickly right now. If you want to know, do a search on hydrogenaudio yourself.
Pre-echo is smearing of transients, e.g. percussion with strong hits being less sharp.
If you want to hear it yourself, check out the "castanets" sample from here:
http://www.ff123.net/training/training.html
Wow. Thanks for the link. That really clears it up...
I guess I'll be using presets in Lame if I will continue using MP3s at all*, and the 3.90.3 version. Thanks!
* (I might switch over to FLAC)
Hmm. I I'd be working on my damn paper if the server wouldn't have crashed again...
Have you had any experiences with Flac? I kow that I'll have a slight headache making my portable creative mp3 players (HDD based) play them.
RedChair Software seems to have thrown in "AudioMorph: Freedom of Format!" in their HDD packages. Eg. for the Nomad:
http://www.redchairsoftware.com/notmad/featjb.php Maybe they can read FLAC, and if not, I can ask them to add suppoort...
Thanks so much again! Now I definately know which version to use!
