MIxing down

[sslizec]

Recorded a couple of tracks and now I want to mix down. I go to "export', audio mixdown and choose mp3. The result I get is really surprising...the quality is extremely bad, like in an old boombox.
I apparently do something wrong, but can't figure out what exactly!???? (I use default setting when chosiing how to save the mixdown)

Thanks

[NYMorningstar]

Guessing I'd say you probably tracked too hot. What was your average lvl when tracking? What quality mp3 are you choosing when exporting?

[Slowjett]

Originally Posted by NYMorningstar

Guessing I'd say you probably tracked too hot.

Doubt it, just sounds like he's describing crappy mp3 compression.

sslizec,
Try using the highest sample rate that the mp3 will allow. In fact just get a different encoder altogether. Find 'LAME' and have cubase use LAME's dll to encode the mp3. It makes quite a difference.

[sslizec]

:Slowjett
-- Try using the highest sample rate that the mp3 will allow.
I use 20 kBit/s; 8000Khz, Stereo
In the list of what's available the highest is 320 kBits/s 44.100 Khz - is the one that I'm supposed to be using?

NYMorningstar:
- Nope, the levels were barely yellow in the monitor window so I doubt it was it. The only thing I can think of is that is that for line signal (keyboard) I use sound card with the guitar input, but I was told that that's not a biggie for home recording as line input will simply sound a bit more quiet and that I should adjust the volume of the input a bit.

Thanks guys.

[Chili]

Originally Posted by sslizec

:Slowjett
-- Try using the highest sample rate that the mp3 will allow.
I use 20 kBit/s; 8000Khz, Stereo
In the list of what's available the highest is 320 kBits/s 44.100 Khz - is the one that I'm supposed to be using?...

Thanks guys.

Yeah, the 20kb/s is going to sound like crap. The 320kb/s will sound much better. Theoretically, 128kb/s is close to radio quality.

peace.

[Seafroggys]

Originally Posted by sslizec

:Slowjett
-- Try using the highest sample rate that the mp3 will allow.
I use 20 kBit/s; 8000Khz, Stereo
In the list of what's available the highest is 320 kBits/s 44.100 Khz - is the one that I'm supposed to be using?

According to Nyquist Theory, you are only hearing up to 4 khz, which is barely the top fundamental of the piano. There's a reason it sounds bad

Yeah, 128 kBit is about Radio Quality, though cymbals always seem to sound flat at that rating. Go with 320, or just render a WAV.

[doctorfungi]

Change it to 320kbps/44.1kHz. Problem solved

If you're making files for an audio CD, however, make sure you export as a 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV file.