I’ve been working on a large multitrack project in 16/44.1, producing basic mp3 mixdowns along the way to send via email for reference.
After comparing ‘the highest quality’, 320kbps mixdown option in Cubase 6.5.4, the difference between the 16/44.1 audio in the project and the output mp3 is staggering. Also, referencing these mix downs against other 320kbps (or even 192’s and 256’s!) mp3’s from commercially released music reveals a significant loss in high-end clarity, and punch and volume, while .wav mixdowns of the same material are much clearer, punchier and louder.
Is this a known deficiency with the full license 6.5.4 mp3 export/engine? Is there a way to export with higher quality?
As for gear:
Inputs:
Mostly AKGs 214s and AT4050s, SM57s, DI
Audient Pre into RME babyface via ADAT
Mixing/Monitoring/Mastering at 16/44.1 through KRK Rockit 5inch’s and Sony MDR7506 Headphones (to check panning/separation).
Why even bother to reply with such a lame answer? There’s a lot of grumpy immature people on this forum…
It’s obvious that mp3 is not as high quality as 16/44 CD, .WAV, FLAC, etc. That’s not my issue.
The issue is: Why is a commercial mp3 at 320kbps (or even 256 or 192) so much brighter, punchier and louder than a 320 mp3 export from Cubase? As noted above, exporting the same mixdown in .wav (sounds closer to commercial quality) reveals a large difference in sound quality between that and the mp3 export.
There’s a lot of grumpy immature people on this forum…