How To Find An Encoder Mp3

Introduction

An MP3 encoder is a useful tool that allows conversion of audio files of other formats, like WAV and WMA, to the widely popular MP3 format that consumes less space. Conversion to MP3 is carried out through elimination of some parts which makes the output be produced after having undergone some sort of data loss, but this is barely discernible to the average listener. Various types of MP3 encoders are available that are based on different algorithms for creation of the MP3 output.

Step 1

While it may seem that there are too many MP3 encoders to choose from, most of them are based on either of 4 encoding engines because of patents and the basis of the MP3 format that is popular today. This makes it easier to choose which encoder to use.

Step 2

LAME is the most popular freely available MP3 encoder that began as a project in 1998 and continued improvements were seen in it up to very recently. It boasts high quality and has a very high bit-rate. The bit-rate determines the quality of sound – a higher bit-rate means a larger file size, but also a better sounding MP3 output.

Step 3

Download.com provides another free MP3 encoder that has high reviews and good ratings – it is specifically for converting WAV files which are the more common audio format for conversion to MP3. Fraunhofer Encoders produce codecs that work as MP3 converters – they hold most patents because they are the organization that basically invented the MP3 format and promoted it. Their encoders have various features, involving ranges of available bit-rates and high quality.

Step 4

Xing MP3 encoder may not offer the best quality in terms of sound, but this encoder is knows as being the fastest. Disturbances in sound quality will hardly be noticeable to the average listener, but a musician will be able to pick out the faults. Their encoding technique minimizes file size and balances sound quality with it, and is available for purchase for only $19.95. BladeEnc also offers a fast bit-rate but is overall a little slow. Finding this encoder online can prove to be a little tricky because distribution of it has officially been halted.

Step 5

ImTOO MP3 encoder is another known converter; its specialty is that it switches formats from almost any audio format into MP3 form. While many more such encoders are boasted of online, one should always check reviews and sample the encoder if it is freely available on the internet first.

Tips

Finding the right MP3 encoder is based mostly on the tradeoff between the file size and the level of quality that you desire. If you require an encoder for professional reasons and/or are a musician, a high quality encoder that churns out large file sizes will be right for you. Casual music listeners can do with a free codec such as LAME or find a basic converter that comes with many music software packages. Downloadable MP3 encoders are the easiest to access, while those that are bought have special codes for operating them similar to other software key codes.

Comments