RE: MD: the Internet Minidisc by Sharp
Maybe what you write about is slightly different, but my Sony MD component recorder has a couple 'sync' features, such as one that records when it detects an audio signal, and even clips out the null-sound times (called smart space). I have yet to try this on the analog connection, but it works dandily on the digital connector. Jeff Hey Jeff, Re MD sync recording: As far as I know, Sony's MD sync recording is for S/PDIF only (not for analog signal). Please try it and tell me what you've found Richard --- Get free personalized email at http://www.iname.com - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Good news: Voquette has posted their VMM Beta ver. on the WEB for free D/L
Good news from Voquette: I have just found out that the VMM Beta Version software is available for free download on Voquette's site. www.voquette.com Several observations: 1. It is about 5MB download (big but not too big, equivalent to downloading less than 2 MP3 songs :-) 2. It requires both Real Networks RA player and MS Windows media player to enable the software to record these formats onto the MD. 3. If you don't have these software on your PC, their installation detects it and direct you to RN and MS site to download it from there. (more download :-( however I believe that everyone of us should have those player on his machine, so its about time) (Both the RA and MWA players are included on the bundled VMM CD - so no download is required in case you have the CD). 4. The Beta version does not include the Text-To-Speech capabilities that I have found on their bundled VMM CD. 5. You can use the software to create a customized recording list (by dragging and dropping links from the WEB and even play them from the desktop, however in order to record them onto the MD, you still need their MD NetLink Adapter. try it and tell me what you think about time shifting the recording of WEB audio Cheers, Richard --- Get free personalized email at http://www.iname.com - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: MD player for exercising
=== The original message was multipart MIME=== === All non-text parts (attachments) have been removed === Howdy all, I was wondering your suggestions for a player for exercising with. = Any opinions on which one can take the greatest beating? Thanks Matthew Wall [EMAIL PROTECTED] === MIME part removed : text/html; === - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: the Internet Minidisc by Sharp
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe what you write about is slightly different, but my Sony MD component recorder has a couple 'sync' features, such as one that records when it detects an audio signal, and even clips out the null-sound times (called smart space). I have yet to try this on the analog connection, but it works dandily on the digital connector. I know I'm going to upset some Sony porti owners with the next statement: AFAIK, Sharp portables have almost the same features as Sony component decks. Sony portables however lack a lot of features or have 'extra' (End-Search) features. Cheers, Ralph -- === Ralph SmeetsFunctional Verification Centre Of Competence - CMG Voice: (+33) (0)4 76 58 44 46 STMicroelectronics Fax:(+33) (0)4 76 58 40 11 5, chem de la Dhuy Mobile: (+33) (0)6 82 66 62 70 38240 MEYLAN E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] FRANCE === "For many years, mankind lived just like the animals. And then something happened that unleashed the powers of our imagination: We learned to talk." -- Stephen Hawking, later used by Pink Floyd -- === - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: the Internet Minidisc by Sharp
Ralph, Also, Sony low end decks have only digital input (including the new MXD-D3), where all current Sharp decks have both digital input and output. And Sharp portables have a manually adjustable record level control where the Sony portables do not. -- Martin -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Ralph Smeets Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 1999 4:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: MD: the "Internet Minidisc" by Sharp [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Maybe what you write about is slightly different, but my Sony MD component recorder has a couple 'sync' features, such as one that records when it detects an audio signal, and even clips out the null-sound times (called smart space). I have yet to try this on the analog connection, but it works dandily on the digital connector. I know I'm going to upset some Sony porti owners with the next statement: AFAIK, Sharp portables have almost the same features as Sony component decks. Sony portables however lack a lot of features or have 'extra' (End-Search) features. Cheers, Ralph -- === Ralph SmeetsFunctional Verification Centre Of Competence - CMG Voice: (+33) (0)4 76 58 44 46 STMicroelectronics Fax:(+33) (0)4 76 58 40 11 5, chem de la Dhuy Mobile: (+33) (0)6 82 66 62 70 38240 MEYLAN E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] FRANCE === "For many years, mankind lived just like the animals. And then something happened that unleashed the powers of our imagination: We learned to talk." -- Stephen Hawking, later used by Pink Floyd -- === - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: MD player for exercising
The JA50ES. Use a couple of these for your arm curls and in no time you'll be built like an NFL defensive end. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
I have a ZIP-CD CD burner and I am using the Adaptec EZ CD creator and the Adaptec Direct CD to make copies of some tunes that I recorded on my Minidisc recorder so I can share them with people that are Minidisc impaired. (The poor souls) (I am using my $10 home brew mike http://www.tir.com/~liteways/Mandolin.html#Microphone ) My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a way. -- Jim Coon Not just another pretty mandolin picker mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If Gibson made cars, would they sound so sweet? My first web page http://www.tir.com/~liteways/ - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 * "J. Coon" [EMAIL PROTECTED] on Wed, 08 Dec 1999 | My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a | way. Nope. CD-Audio does not include space for titles, just audio data. -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.0.0g (GNU/Linux) Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org iD8DBQE4ToyLgl+vIlSVSNkRAq4XAJ9iL7jv6mB+jH6AneSWym55fCAISgCg1XLB QhVM3jtAx6Eb0sFMrPAo+ms= =yAU5 -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- Rat [EMAIL PROTECTED]\ Warning: pregnant women, the elderly, and Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ children under 10 should avoid prolonged PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ exposure to Happy Fun Ball. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: the Internet Minidisc by Sharp
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 * "Martin Schiff" [EMAIL PROTECTED] on Wed, 08 Dec 1999 | And Sharp portables have a manually adjustable record level control where | the Sony portables do not. Sony portables do have manually adjustable record level controls (at least my R30 does). They are just damnably inconvenient to use, and the record level resets itself when discs are exchanged making multi-disc live recordings a pain. -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.0.0g (GNU/Linux) Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org iD8DBQE4To0agl+vIlSVSNkRAgUDAJ9AqXZMm2ijtD5suZyLhcFudK0GKQCeL4Sr nFa1XMlCCNz9HzmLRx2j2Gg= =QsgG -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- Rat [EMAIL PROTECTED]\ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball. Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
Howdy, First your CD-Recorder must support something called CD-TXT, which most do not right now. There are a few that do, i believe a couple of the plextor models do and some others. Then after that your cd player must support CD text which again not many do. So for right now it's pretty worthless, but if you wanna look into it, i suggest going to http://www.cdmediaworld.com they have a lot of good info there on that kinda stuff. Later Matt -Original Message- From: Stainless Steel Rat [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: MD-L [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, December 08, 1999 12:07 PM Subject: Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR? -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 * "J. Coon" [EMAIL PROTECTED] on Wed, 08 Dec 1999 | My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a | way. Nope. CD-Audio does not include space for titles, just audio data. -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.0.0g (GNU/Linux) Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org iD8DBQE4ToyLgl+vIlSVSNkRAq4XAJ9iL7jv6mB+jH6AneSWym55fCAISgCg1XLB QhVM3jtAx6Eb0sFMrPAo+ms= =yAU5 -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- Rat [EMAIL PROTECTED]\ Warning: pregnant women, the elderly, and Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ children under 10 should avoid prolonged PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ exposure to Happy Fun Ball. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
Stainless Steel Rat wrote: Nope. CD-Audio does not include space for titles, just audio data. Well actually there's the CD-Text format which adds song titles, lyrics and even more to audio CDs, but you'd have to own a pretty new CD writer and compatible software to be able to use it. Then you'd have to own a CD-Text compatible CD-ROM drive/CD player to be able to read this information. (The newer Plextor drives are CD-Text capable AFAIK) Regards, Alexander -- | Alexander Dietrich | Norderstedt, Germany | | e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
On Wed, 8 Dec 1999, Stainless Steel Rat wrote: * "J. Coon" [EMAIL PROTECTED] on Wed, 08 Dec 1999 | My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a | way. Nope. CD-Audio does not include space for titles, just audio data. Actually, there is the CD-TEXT format, which stores track names/album name in the TOC of the CD. However, I don't know of any CDR software that actually supports it, I've heard that the latest version of "Nero - Burning Rom" does, but I havn't seen that yet. Mark - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: md-l-digest V2 #450
I have these too. Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 22:42:07 -0500 From: Edward Gosfield III [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MD: Revue: etymotics with portable level, etc. Just got my Etymotics. (4S) So far: I like the bass better than the Sennheiser 580 (tighter, and perhaps lower), and the highs almost as much as the Stax (less smooth). The physical feeling of using them will take some getting used to. I have very narrow ear canals, and YMMV. Yes, they do take some getting used to, physically. They seem to stretch the ear canal at first. Breaking in slowly is the answer. Mine arrived with one defective filter, which made the sound fail on one side almost instantly. I was pretty pissed off (had to go pick them up at the FEDEX office after work), but after trying every headphone outlet in my system, and several different pieces of equipment, i tried changing the filter, and the sound returned. I will see what HeadRoom wants to do about this. Filters are $15. Has anyone else had this problem? I have not heard of anybody else having problems with filters. I suppose now i have to consider an AirHead headphone amp, but *not* because there is too little volume on my Sharp. I bought the Airhead. It does make a difference. Not absolutely essential - but definitely beneficial. Regards, Steve - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
Your CDR drive would need to support CD TEXT and you would need the latest version of EZ CD Creator which does support CD TEXT. Of course, the person you give the CDR to would also need a CD Player that supports CD TEXT. The easy way would be just to use EZ CD Creator to make a jewel case insert and title the tracks there. -- Martin -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of J. Coon Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 1999 9:19 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR? I have a ZIP-CD CD burner and I am using the Adaptec EZ CD creator and the Adaptec Direct CD to make copies of some tunes that I recorded on my Minidisc recorder so I can share them with people that are Minidisc impaired. (The poor souls) (I am using my $10 home brew mike http://www.tir.com/~liteways/Mandolin.html#Microphone ) My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a way. -- Jim Coon Not just another pretty mandolin picker mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If Gibson made cars, would they sound so sweet? My first web page http://www.tir.com/~liteways/ - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
I have a ZIP-CD CD burner and I am using the Adaptec EZ CD creator and the Adaptec Direct CD to make copies of some tunes that I recorded on my Minidisc recorder so I can share them with people that are Minidisc impaired. (The poor souls) (I am using my $10 home brew mike http://www.tir.com/~liteways/Mandolin.html#Microphone ) My question is, how do I title the tracks on the CDR? There must be a way. There is, called CD-Text - however it's not too well supported, either with recorders or players. A list of CDR drives that support it is here: http://www.ahead.de/en/Recorder.htm (5th column is for CD-Text) (Unfortunately, your Iomega drive isn't amongst them) It's gaining popularity with bookshelf systems and in-car players, but to be honest it probably isn't worth the change of hardware to add a feature only about 10% (being generous) of players can use. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Mono mode on JE320
Chuck Jonah asked, | Is it possible to record in mono mode on the JE320? I haven't been able to | find the option in the manual, but it would be very useful to get the 148 | minutes or so of recording time (particularly since the incoming signal is | mono anyway). No, it isn't, but the 320 can play mono tracks recorded on other MD hardware. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Deal on Sharp MDMS702B
"Martin Schiff" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just got an email from Egghead with the Sharp MDMS702B portable recorder available for $149. That's a heck of a deal. About $100 less than I paid for mine. http://www.egghead.com/category/inv/0611/02258061.htm I checked out the page and note that these are REFURBISHED units. -- peter gross "When an elephant is in trouble, [EMAIL PROTECTED]even a frog will kick him." --Hindu proverb - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Optical output soundcard
Hi All, Does anyone know where about in the UK I could get a cheap soundcard that's got an optical output. I need to it record MP3s onto MDs. Thanks, Ambrose - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: MD to Computer CD-R Question
Matt, I am using the following setup with great results: Gateway Pentium 200mmx with 32 mb RAM Creative Labs 4224 CD-RW internal drive Soundblaster Live MP3 soundcard (has digital in and out but I am using analog) Adaptec Easy CD Creator version 4.0 software You can get the drive and soundcard and a nice 5 speaker sound system bundled for about $299.00. I got mine from CompUSA. I use this setup to burn CD's from my MD's of concert recordings and have had zero problems. Wayne Southaven, MS USA __ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: Deal on Sharp MDMS702B
You are right, I hadn't noticed that. Thanks. -- Martin -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Peter Gross http://www.egghead.com/category/inv/0611/02258061.htm I checked out the page and note that these are REFURBISHED units. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Revue: etymotics with portable level, etc.
Edward Gosfield III [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Just got my Etymotics. (4S) I am listening through them to a CD play on my computer as i write this. The isolation from outside noise is amazing. The computer internal CD player headphone output will drive them louder than i can stand to listen. (solo Alto recorder CD...) [snip] I suppose now i have to consider an AirHead headphone amp, but *not* because there is too little volume on my Sharp. Any built-in amp will drive the Eymotics to a very loud level, even the weak Sony amps. The problem with the using the 4S with a portable's internal headphone amp is that you're not getting the sound you paid so much money for. The Ety's (4S) require a good amount of power in order to produce their legendary sound. You just aren't getting that sound from a portable. If you are going to be using the Etys without a dedicated amp, you'd be better off with the 4P -- from all accounts they will sound dramatically better than the 4S when driven directly from a portable or component built-in amp. Another benefit of the 4P is that the cables have been redesigned (for more active use) to reduce "cable" feedback -- I'm sure you've noticed that even touching the cords transfers and amplifies the touch/scrape sound right into your eardrums grin. The 4P cuts down on this making them more appropriate for actually moving when you're listening :-) - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Deal on Sharp MDMS702B
"Martin Schiff" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just got an email from Egghead with the Sharp MDMS702B portable recorder available for $149. That's a heck of a deal. About $100 less than I paid for mine. http://www.egghead.com/category/inv/0611/02258061.htm Note that these are refurbished units. New 702s are going for $189, and the 722, which is a much improved version, is only $199 after rebate. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: OT, anyone know how to title tracks on a CDR?
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 * Mark Derricutt [EMAIL PROTECTED] on Thu, 09 Dec 1999 | Actually, there is the CD-TEXT format, which stores track names/album name | in the TOC of the CD. And, as others have already mentioned, most CD and CD-ROM players will barf on CD-TEXT discs. -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.0.0g (GNU/Linux) Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org iD8DBQE4TteXgl+vIlSVSNkRAu/2AKC0H4hNBVNjMiy6UhmH6GkHLc9EHgCeO/XR AZ752RUppDS+MU/0qq0muzs= =PimX -END PGP SIGNATURE- -- Rat [EMAIL PROTECTED]\ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball. Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: md-l-digest V2 #450
I don't know if the filter was messed up but i bought sony 888's and one ear sounded horrible whenever bass would start. I think someone said it was a 'ripped diaphram'. I will see what HeadRoom wants to do about this. Filters are $15. Has anyone else had this problem? I have not heard of anybody else having problems with filters. Regards, Steve - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: A little non-scientific ATRAC Sharp vs. Sony test
Jake Hamby wrote: BTW, you can even use LAME as a drop-in replacement for BladeEnc.dll in Windows, so there's absolutely no excuse to use BladeEnc any more! Please spread the word, as I hate to see people using shoddy MP3 encoders simply because they don't know any better.. After reading about how horribly bad bladeenc is even in c't magazine, I decided to encode a couple of wav files with both bladeenc and lame and listened to them one after the other (on headphones) and also switching files during the song. Personally, I can't hear the difference between the two, maybe it's only noticeable when you listen to classical music. c't magazine wrote that bladeenc sounds completely crappy at 64 kbps while lame is fairly good, but who encodes at bitrates that low anyway ? I use lame because it's said to be better, and I was wondering about one thing: is joint stereo degrading or enhancing sound quality ? Again I encoded the wav songs with stereo and jstereo and again I couldn't hear a difference and all the files were exactly the same size. Regards, Alexander -- | Alexander Dietrich | Norderstedt, Germany | | e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MD: Optical output soundcard
Hi All, Does anyone know where about in the UK I could get a cheap soundcard that's got an optical output. I need to it record MP3s onto MDs. Thanks, Ambrose Try a Videologic SonicVortex2, or any other Aureal Vortex2-based card. Available from the usual online retaillers (www.dabs.com, www.insight.com/uk/, www.simply.co.uk), or if you're in a hurry I've seen Aureal's own SuperQuad card in PC World stores. Expect the Videologic to be about 50 quid, possibly a bit more for the others. Simon - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MD: the Internet Minidisc by Sharp
And Sharp portables have a manually adjustable record level control where the Sony portables do not. Sony portables do have manually adjustable recording levels. But you must set the level "before" you start to record (in record/pause mode) and can not change it "on the fly" (unlike most Sharp portable recorders).. Cheers GC - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: What can I do with a digital out?
What can I do with a Digital Out that have on my Sony Deck MDS-JE630? I have 2 digital inputs where I can hook in a CD player and my Sony portable MD, but I don't know what uses I can put a Digital Out to. Any suggestions? Mitch __ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one place. Yahoo! Shopping: http://shopping.yahoo.com - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: voquette
Does the software/hardware connection that you buy ($70) replace the existing sound card in your computer? Also, does it provide an optical out or analog? Does this only work with Sharp MD players and mp3 players? Thank you! - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: Sharp 821
Does anybody out there have experience with this unit? (besides mdreviews.com) I may be interested in getting it over the Sony R50 if I can justify price. I like its size and battery life, but I didn't know if it has pitfalls. Anybody know where I can get an R50 cheaper than $230? Thanks. - To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
MD: MP3 jstereo and listening tips
Alexander Dietrich wrote: After reading about how horribly bad bladeenc is even in c't magazine, I decided to encode a couple of wav files with both bladeenc and lame and listened to them one after the other (on headphones) and also switching files during the song. Personally, I can't hear the difference between the two, maybe it's only noticeable when you listen to classical music. c't magazine wrote that bladeenc sounds completely crappy at 64 kbps while lame is fairly good, but who encodes at bitrates that low anyway ? I use lame because it's said to be better, and I was wondering about one thing: is joint stereo degrading or enhancing sound quality ? Again I encoded the wav songs with stereo and jstereo and again I couldn't hear a difference and all the files were exactly the same size. Stereo vs. jstereo is a tradeoff, so one can't be said to be "better" or "worse", just different. Joint stereo takes some of the frequency bands that are (mostly) shared between the two channels and encodes them in mono for extra resolution. This saves bits and gives a better overall sound but loses a bit of stereo separation. Sometimes if I'm listening VERY carefully to a jstereo encoded track I think I can hear what sounds like part of the instrument's sound at the proper stereo position and the rest of the sound sitting in the center; a very strange frequency split effect. 99% of the time, however, my ears are fooled. Generally, the encoder will automatically choose joint stereo for bitrates below a certain threshold (usually 160, but I believe LAME chooses 192 to be safe). Personally, I always encode at a high enough bitrate (192 or 256) that the encoder will choose stereo anyway, so I don't have to worry about it. BTW, this may be obvious to some of you, but when doing a listening test, the most important thing, even more important than your choice of speakers or headphones, is your state of mind. Here's my advice: Always close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax as much as possible. Let yourself go into the flow of the music and imagine the instruments sitting on a sound stage inside your head (w/ headphones) or in front of you (w/ speakers). The first things to suffer in MP3 or other compression are the subtle echoes and other cues that give you the feeling of listening to a real space. Without them, compressed music has a tendency to sound slightly muffled or fuzzy, esp. in comparison to the CD original. Don't let your concentration be distracted by the world around you, as you want to give the music your full attention in order to pick up the subtleties. Do your best to slow your breathing and bring yourself into an altered, meditative state. Finally, "Just Say No", and "Don't Do Drugs", but.. if you're an adult and have access to some decent cannabis, I highly recommend taking a little for heightening sensory perception and the ability to detect subtle distortions in sound. I know of no other drug which can heighten the mind's ability to focus and drill down on a particular sense (taste, touch, hearing, sight) without actually distorting the senses (at low doses). Even more useful, it can give the ability to slow down time in one's head, offering even more "CPU cycles" for your brain to listen carefully to the tiniest and quickest details of a song, and since music is generally both performed and listened to in real-time, this ability becomes very useful... hence its popularity among musicians. Speaking of drilling down, I should note that it's impossible to listen to all parts of a song at once, so don't even try! Even if you think you're listening to every instrument at once, your brain is really rapidly switching between all of them (this serial nature of the brain has been confirmed by recent neurological experiments; it's much less parallel than we once thought). This means that you're not really giving ANY individual component the attention it deserves. Instead, focus on one part at a time, let the other parts fade into the background, and consciously switch your focus between parts. Does the high hat sound different? How about the snare drum? How about that acoustic guitar part? Do the instruments sound alive and "bright" (brightness being the result of high frequency upper harmonics)? If a choir is singing, can you pick out one or two strong individual voices with headphones? Focus on the smallest possible piece of the music, and then focus on the smallest possible component of that. In this way, you'll increase the musical detail you can resolve, and quite possibly improve your enjoyment of the music as you'll discover in it worlds of detail that you might have completely glossed over in the past! OT: What I said in the last paragraph is equally true for sight. Many people strain their eyes and eventually require glasses by staring at a fixed point, or by trying to see everything at once, when in the normal eye, only the very small point at the
