Convert 192 kbps to variable?

[DaGrandMastah]

I have a ton of mp3's that are encoded in straight 192 kbps. I'm currently reorganizing my mp3 library. Is there any benefit in converting those files to variable now? Or does that only benefit if they're at a higher bit rate prior to encoding?

 

[DaGrandMastah]

Also, is this a good bit rate quality? I'm trying to find a match between file size and quality. I can't really tell the difference between 192 and 320 so I've always basically kept my stuff around here....but I just recently discovered the VBR function in iTunes so thinking of going with this:

 

[robduckyworth]

You wont see alot of difference between a 192 CBR and VBR. VBR will probably save you a few Kb, but honestly, a 192 is so small anyway I don't see the point.

VBR basically means that it will encode at different bitrates depending on the complexity of the song. seeing as your tracks are already encoded, you would just be losing quality at this point.

 

[chas_m]

Yes, and I wouldn't encode anything below 256kbps anyway, even if you can't hear the difference. Once you have better equipment for playback you'll notice it more.

 

[DaGrandMastah]

Yeah, as I read more I'm starting to lean more towards 256 kbps as opposed to 192.


Should I do 256 VBR or 256 CBR?

 

[chas_m]

As the name implies, VBR will encode some sections of the music at a LOWER bitrate, so the quality would therefore be a bit worse (though whether you'd notice is another matter). So you want CBR in most cases IMO. VBR is for people who are REALLY tight on space, but doesn't really make the files that much smaller in most cases.

 

[holada]

i use only 320 and i can tell the difference. they are not that much bigger and the quality is way better! i'd say there is no need to convert the 192 files.