FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

[NoOne]

When converting some FLAC files to MP3 there seems to be too much bass in the resulting MP3's and it sounds very distorted. It seems to be only with 1 album that I have tried. There is no ReplyGain information for these files so I'm wondering what is causing this. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[LtData]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Are you running any DSP effects on these files?
What is the frequency and channels of your source FLAC file?
What is the frequency and bitrate of your mp3 file?

[NoOne]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

I'm not running any DSP effects and I don't see any in the the Music Converter, where would that be? The FLAC files are 44.1k stereo and the MP3's are the same.

[LtData]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

DSP effects are found on the window where you choose your codec and destination directory. It is a "PowerPack DSP" button. Make sure the left column is empty.
What is the bitrate of the outputted mp3 files?

[ChristinaS]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

DSP effects are available through the DSP button you see in the windows for dMC once it offers you a choice of codecs. Click on that and see if there's no DSP effect already enabled. You will have that as long as you have the POwerpack - and you must have it since you can convert to mp3.


But also make sure you are not using any preset equalizer when you play back those mp3's.

Depending on the bitrate you are converting to it's possible certain frequency ranges either get lowered or emphasized as well.

[NoOne]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Ohh haha I forgot about that DSP button. It was right in front of my face there. Anyways there are no DSP effects selected. I want the outputted MP3 files at 320Kbps. I also tried it 2 more times with the same results.

When I played them back, I played both an MP3 and a FLAC file one after another to compare. Both with an equalizer setting and without. Same result (although obviously with the EQ on it was much more noticeable).

EDIT: I just tried 1 track with a lower MP3 bitrate (192kbps) and still the same problem. :(

[ChristinaS]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Convert a flac file to standard PCM wav, 44.1KHz, 16-bit, 2-channel stereo.

How does that sound?

Next convert the wav to mp3.

[NoOne]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Ok, the wav sounded fine, but when I converted the wav to MP3 it happend again.

So basicly I assumed it's a problem with the MP3 decoding in dbpoweramp (corrupted file or something?). So I tried other programs, CDex and Winamp.

Same problem with both of these. I'm stumped.

[GSV3MiaC]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Ok, the wav sounded fine, but when I converted the wav to MP3 it happend again.

So basicly I assumed it's a problem with the MP3 decoding in dbpoweramp (corrupted file or something?). So I tried other programs, CDex and Winamp.

Same problem with both of these. I'm stumped.

iirc all those programs are using the same (LAME) MP3 encoder to generate the MP3. You could try some different encoding options, or you could try the FhG
codec to see if that does any better. Or you could just face up to the fact that MP3 is past it's "use by" date, and pick a better lossy encoding system.

[ChristinaS]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Are you using headphones or speakers on your pc to listen to your mp3?

I am asking because my soundcard is acting up and some audio files sound bad when played through the speakers but good when played through the headphones. I haven't bothered to try to figure out exactly what it is that's doing this - I ordered a new soundcard instead :p

[xoas]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

I wonder whether it makes any difference if you encode to Alt Preset Insane vs. No Preset, 320 kbs, constant bitrate (cbr)? You might try this to see if it makes a difference. While Alt Preset Insane is supposed to be 320 kbs, cbr, it may have other tweaks of other variables which might affect the sound for better or for worse.

Best wishes,
Bill

[NoOne]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

GSV3MiaC, The other programs do indeed use the LAME encoder but they both have their own encoders built in.
I cannot use a different lossy encoder as my collection needs to be portable and support different devices.

ChristinaS, I do listen to my music on my computer through headphones as well as speakers and I know its not a problem with my soundcard as this problem only happens with these files.

xoas, there are some minor tweaks between Alt Preset Insane vs. No Preset, 320kbps cbr but the changes are so minor that it's indistinguishable. And I have tried both.

[LtData]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Have you mabye tried the Blade mp3 encoder? It is supposed to be best at high bitrates. Mabye see if it gives you the same results?

[NoOne]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

I don't think I want to use an encoder that is no longer being developed/supported (http://bladeenc.mp3.no/). Thanks though.

[Spoon]

Re: FLAC to MP3 Bass Problems

Blade is pretty old, Lame out performs it at all bitrates. Try this:

Encode your FLAC to wave and look at it in a wave editing program (SoundEngine is a free one). Then encode to lame, then encode that lame to wave and have a look in soundengine. It will be obvious if the volume has increased looking at the wave form, play both wave files inside sound engine.