mastering level to mp3

[romelpotter]

Can anyone help, i am going nuts with this,

I am using Cubase sx vs1 with wavelab and what ever i do when i master my tracks to mp3, they are just to quiet and lack real depth, always they sound muddy down the lows and never crystal clear. in wavelab they sound fine only once i have created the mp3 file and uploaded it, compaired to other files its shite!!! please can anyone help me, i have tried using a maximiser, it helped but only a little, i have a delte 10 10 goingthrough a behringer europap mixer.

[xfive]

Well first off, what resolution are you recording the original wav as?
And what bitrate are you encoding the mp3?

[romelpotter]

all the origional recording done in 44.1 16 bit and 128 kbps mp3

not sure if recording in 32 bit/48 khz would make the difference as the files are mixed down from cubase in the same 44.1 it was recorded in. also in playback they sound fine. its only when its encoded, i seem unable to reach a loud level,

here's an example that i have tried to get good level but when i have listened to other stuff as comparison, this lacks clarity and freshness

http://www.soundclick.us/fastk6/10/01/freemp3/romelpotter+painkiller.mp3

[xfive]

Well personally I'd do it as 24bit and go to 16 later.... but regardless of that, your problem is that you're using 128kbps encoding.

128 is naaaasty :)
Use 192 or higher.. anything more than 256 (maybe even 192) is probably overkill though.
I use 192 personally. ;)

[romelpotter]

thanks mate i am gonna try that :lol: :lol: but the website i use to upload my filez only acepts 128 :doh: :lol:

[xfive]

Ugh.. thats some weakness.... 128 is the "just barely listenable" stage really... anyone who encodes their collection at 128, or plays out a 128 mp3 or cd burned from one is doing themselves an injustice :shock:

:lol:

[loopdon]

true, i'll give it a listen anyhow.

you could upload it to:

yousendit

http://s11.yousendit.com/

[romelpotter]

cheers for the advice guys :lol: :lol: when its done better i will load it into the techno files section for scrutiny and abuse :lol: :lol: :twisted:

[Milesy]

yes 128 is very nasty.... i make it a rule at least 192. preferably 256

[romelpotter]

feckin ell, i think its down to wavelab, i have just converted a track to mp3 within cubase and its a lot louder and cleaner when compaired to the same track done within wavelab :lol:

[Milesy]

Its all to do with the encoding algorithms they use.
I have a link to a review of different encoders and
cubases own encoder came in top marks compared to
a lot of the other ones like Lame, Fraufenhauer (spelling).

il try find it for you

[romelpotter]

;) :lol: