Best software to convert mp3?

[mgsvr]

Recently, I used to use Nero 6 to convert my 320k mp3 to 192k mp3, however, I just notice that their are quality loss using Nero 6. In my previous past (years ago), I used to use MusicMatch to convert things like that but I don't know if it's take some info out of my MP3 like what Nero did or not. I don't use Musicmatch anymore?

Well, I know there is Besweet. However, that thing have too many option that it might ruin my mp3. For instant, the one that have L & R...downmix and stuff. And the new Beswet gui "Belight" is not working for me.

Anyway, is there any software that can convert from 320k to 192k without any loss info like what Nero 6 did? I heard that iTunes have the option too, but I don't if the thing is good or not. Or should I get the new Musicmatch?

Thanks

[lumis]

there will always be quality loss when converting audio from one compressed format to another (even if it is the same), although the loss may be minimal, there is still loss. i like the lame encoder, its free & kickass

[redwudz]

You might try Audacity. (Freeware) It uses the LAME plugin for MP3 conversion. Fairly easy to use and lots of options and it's free.

[mgsvr]

Well, I know there is a slight minimal loss in quality when convert from a high birate into smaller birate. However, I don't think we can notice any at all from 320 -> 192. Maybe that's just me. You can notice a lot when convert 192 -> 160 or 128k.

Anyway, thanks for the two software guys. But do you know any other program that is "popular" enough (Free or not free is not matter). I just want a popular program that everyone can trust. I don't know if Audiacity or Lame Encoder is high quality as Besweet or not.

Besweet is cool, but too many option. If I mess it up, it will ruin my mp3s.

[celtic_druid]

BeSweet uses lame for mp3 encoding as probably does Audacity and most other free mp3 encoders.

LAME is generally considered the best mp3 encoder, although that does depend somewhat on bitrates and the version used.

LAME (unless compiled with --disable-decoder) can decode mp3's so all you need to do is something like: lame.exe --preset 192 input.mp3 output.mp3, although using something else like dbPowerAMP or foobar2k you can probably have the id3 tags copied across automatically. Otherwise there are numerous programs for copying/manipulating tags.

[mgsvr]

Well Nero 6 also use the Powerpack Lame Mp3 Encoder as well. So should I stick with Nero 6 (take away the IDtag after it encode)? I don't think Musicmatch or itune even use Lame to convert mp3.

Anyway, is dbPowrAMP a good program? thanks

[Denvers Dawgs]

dbPowerAMP used many times.....does the job

[mgsvr]

Alright thanks. Gonna use it to transcode to 192k. Btw...do you think you can notice any artifact at all?

[CBC]

The only way to find our for yourself is to try it. What do you have to lose?
Although, personally, I would NEVER re-encode mp3 files to mp3 files at a lower bitrate. At least not if it was something I'd want to keep to listen to more than a few times. Lossy to lossy re-encode does no good to the music.