MusicMatch MP3Pro?

Posted by: ashmoore

MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 11:45

Just got the newest MusicMatch and wonder if anyone has used MP3Pro on the empeg?
I must have been living under a rock for the last few months, what the heck is MP3Pro???
I guess that "rock" is called a 10month old son Also the same reason my player has yet to make it into my truck.
Oh well......
Posted by: svferris

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 11:55

Since the empeg doesn't have the MP3Pro encoder on it, a 64kbps MP3Pro file will sound like a 64kbps MP3 file.

The decoder is what makes it sound better than a normal MP3 file. I think they basically apply the same type of DSP effects that DFX does.

Personally, I think MP3Pro is pretty cool, especially for streaming applications (like Radio MX). But, overall, people aren't that impressed with it.
Posted by: tfabris

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 11:55

if anyone has used MP3Pro on the empeg?

MP3Pro is not supported. The FAQ entry is here.
Posted by: BartDG

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 11:58

Mp3Pro is a new Mp3 standard, which basically comes down to the same sound quality with half the file size.
I don't believe it will ever be a success because :

1) software developers have to pay Fraunhoffer to put it in their product. (this also applies to Empeg if they want their players to play the format, the exact reason why I believe it's never going to happen)
2) it's not completely backwards compatible with MP3 - you'll need an additional plugin or it will sound horrible.
3) the only plus I know of -the smaller file sizes- is not that big a plus in the first place, especially since large HD's have become reasonably cheap.
Posted by: ashmoore

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 19:27

Thanks guys, I thought as much but wanted to make sure.
I will likely stick with the venerable EAC/Lame combination for creating my MP3s (non Pro).
Personally I think that 64K sounding like 128 is still no use compared to VBR which gets to 320K if it needs to.
Although in MusicMatch I don't actually use the radio/internet/cddb/"now playing" features at all, I still love MusicMatch and will be using it for my PC based library and playlisting for quite a while yet.
It would be nice to have a 'lite' version that dropped all of the movie playing/ internet radio etc, but that doesn't sell new copies does it
Posted by: svferris

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 19/06/2002 22:59

It would be nice to have a 'lite' version that dropped all of the movie playing/ internet radio etc

I've been pushing for that for over two years now. It would be great, but don't know if it will ever happen. But, I can at least say it's on the backburner.
Posted by: altman

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 20/06/2002 05:03

Actually, it sounds more like a 32kbit mp3 file; every other frame is an mp3pro frame. It'll play, but sounds pants (22kHz as opposed to 44, for starters).

Hugo
Posted by: ashmoore

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 20/06/2002 20:20

Hugo,
I have to ask....
the last time I heard 'pants' was in Scotland and the chances of anyone this side of the pond understanding it are extremely remote.
Has its use spread to south of the border? (the scoland/england one)
You are correct by the way it does indeed sound very poor, I will stick to vbr.
Posted by: mtempsch

Re: MusicMatch MP3Pro? - 21/06/2002 02:20

"Pants" has been used, and explained, on the BBS before. Look here...

/Michael