MP3 noise - is it the PC or the MP3 file?

[wolfereeno]

I'm mastering some of my own stuff - low budget style. It was recorded 24/96 in protools LE and mixed to a 24/96 wav file.

Now I'm trying to create some Mp3's to upload to facebook/ilike etc. Just using Ozone and Sonic Foundry.

But I'm hearing a lot of digital noise - like a fast skipping - in some of my mp3's. Except it doesn't always happen at the same point when I replay. But it does happen a lot.

I'm listening on my Work laptop and there could be a lot of factors. I've downloaded the mp3s so they're not streaming. Ie, it's not the network.

The level on my files is pretty high - is this kind of slightly random noise a sign that the levels are too high?

[fenderbender.]

First dither & convert to 16/44.1 (you could try 24/44.1, but 16-bit is fine), then convert to MP3. I suggest WinLAME set to 320 CBR.

Sometimes a particular WAV file writer won't "play well" with a particular MP3 encoder. The solution in those cases is trial-and-error.

[CJ Mastering]

Since your converting to an mp3, you should make sure your ceiling for the peak limiter is st to -0.4 or -0.5dB so you have no clipping during the MP3 conversion.
Fender mentioned to convert to a wave file first. That's a good idea and he also said using the 320 bitrate. That's another good idea, as thats the closest you'll get to a 16/44 wave file quality
Cj

[wolfereeno]

Thanks! I've started to experiment. I never realized how temperamental MP3's are. But I still wonder if it's my PC. The only issue is others have noticed the same problem on theirs so I'm seeing if this is something I can head off.

Regarding dithering and changing bit rate. Sound forge has a dithering option with several options. Triangular, gaussian, etc. Any recommendations?

As for converting from 96 to 41.1, I just used the resample option.

But I tried all of the above (used triangular dithering.), resampled to 44.1, and saved as a 320k mp3. Still having the problem.

Maybe its just my PC. The stuff sounds OK on my ipod. But the bookers and fans we're trying to reach will be finding us on their computers. And some friends have also noticed the noise.

Also re MP3's is there any reason to use unicode or non-unicode options?

If you want to hear the song in question, here it is:

Ace in the Rain, now with more rain! by Wolfhaven

Thanks!!

[CJ Mastering]

Try a different MP3 converter
Cj

[wolfereeno]

Thanks! I'm trying winlame right now.

[wolfereeno]

Thanks all. Winlame seems to be doing it.

Much thanks!

[ORC]

Ive used both the Lame converter and the fraunhoffer. the lame seems to sound best at 320k the Fraun. at 128k. The Lame seems really grainy at
128k. I hear some mp3's and they sound all phazey and semi stereo, basically just total crap. I think its wise to create a full db of extra headroom for 128k files. I have actually created some 128's that sound pretty darned good using a db down mix and fraunhoffer. Good Luck!!!!