Free MP3 editor that doesn't degrade (fvck up the sound!)?

**Blast9** · 13th March 2007

Tried a couple, but they are truly dreadful --- make a 192k file sound like a 64k one!

Any decent freebie editors?

Or do I have to pay?

If so, which one?

Cheers

rtx · 13th March 2007

Hi,

You Windows or Mac? For OS X, one of the few (only?) programs that I know that can losslessly edit mp3's (as well as WAV, AIFF, etc) is Rogue Ameoba's Fission:
http://www.rogueamoeba.com/fission/

It's not free, but at $32 it's not super-expensive either.

I'm not sure about the windows side, but I'm sure they're out there.

**Blast9** · 13th March 2007

Cheers... Come to think of it... Both Mac (OS 9.2.2 luddite) and PC would be good. Thanks for the tip!

Mafiso · 13th March 2007

I like using itunes.

I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but then my ears aren't particularly sensitive to a lot yet.

loujudson · 14th March 2007

I turn them into WAV to edit. There is nothing you can do with MP3 that doesn't degrade, nature of the beast. You can't even hear it without conversion!

But maybe I'll try Fission and see...

Lou

14th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mafiso

I like using itunes.

I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but then my ears aren't particularly sensitive to a lot yet.

Itunes has about the worst mp3 encoder ever. Because they want you to use aac.
If you want to decrease filesize, and not quality, just use LAME.

**Blast9** · 14th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mafiso

I like using itunes.

I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but then my ears aren't particularly sensitive to a lot yet.

Me too, but you can't edit an MP3 with iTunes

Quote:

Originally Posted by zwaps

Itunes has about the worst mp3 encoder ever. Because they want you to use aac.
If you want to decrease filesize, and not quality, just use LAME.

Really?! I've never heard that from anyone.

I believe one of the editors I used had LAME as the encoding widget, but anyway will check for any out there that use it.

noone · 14th March 2007

Although mp3 compresses the bitrate and hence degrades the sound quality, I found 320kbps to be an alright compromise. I use Freerip. Don't really know how it holds up against other rippers, but at least you get to choose 320 or WAVE. I wouldn't go lower than 320 personally.

**Blast9** · 14th March 2007

Can freerip edit a file though?

Krecording · 2nd October 2007

What do people think of the Mp3 conversion option in Pro Tools?

loujudson · 2nd October 2007

Protools MP3 is okay - but you have to re-buy it for $20 each time you upgrade. I use it mainly for exporting mix samples.
L

13th March 2007	#1
Blast9 Moderator Joined: Dec 2003 Location: London Posts: 4,598 Thread Starter	Free MP3 editor that doesn't degrade (fvck up the sound!)? Tried a couple, but they are truly dreadful --- make a 192k file sound like a 64k one! Any decent freebie editors? Or do I have to pay? If so, which one? Cheers __________________ :: New Album "Rooms" out now http://www.andymitchellmusic.com :: twitter > http://twitter.com/mitchellmusic - http://www.twitter.com/theyardbirds

13th March 2007	#4
Mafiso Gear nut Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 137	I like using itunes. I haven't noticed any sound degradation, but then my ears aren't particularly sensitive to a lot yet. __________________ Eric Milos Clear Lake Recording Studios - North Hollywood

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13th March 2007	#2
rtx Gear interested Joined: May 2006 Posts: 17	Hi, You Windows or Mac? For OS X, one of the few (only?) programs that I know that can losslessly edit mp3's (as well as WAV, AIFF, etc) is Rogue Ameoba's Fission: http://www.rogueamoeba.com/fission/ It's not free, but at $32 it's not super-expensive either. I'm not sure about the windows side, but I'm sure they're out there.

14th March 2007	#5
loujudson Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,684 2 Reviews written	I turn them into WAV to edit. There is nothing you can do with MP3 that doesn't degrade, nature of the beast. You can't even hear it without conversion! But maybe I'll try Fission and see... Lou

14th March 2007	#8
noone Gear Head Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 69	Although mp3 compresses the bitrate and hence degrades the sound quality, I found 320kbps to be an alright compromise. I use Freerip. Don't really know how it holds up against other rippers, but at least you get to choose 320 or WAVE. I wouldn't go lower than 320 personally.

2nd October 2007	#10
Krecording Gear nut Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 89	What do people think of the Mp3 conversion option in Pro Tools?