FLAC files instead of mp3?

[strauss]

I was wondering if it is possible/allowed to post files in FLAC format?

It retains the audio quality because it's losless compression.
This way we maybe could also post some gear shootouts/examples?

Here's more info on flac.

[jdunn]

I mentioned this in some other threads too. FLAC files are way bigger than your typical mp3, but I'm all for it. They take forever to upload of course, unless you've got a T1 connection. T Mobile Wifi Hotspots are great if there's one near you.

I dont like the sound of "way bigger"



Folks wanting really high quality files shareing can use the Personal Messaging section in the Chat room to share ANY type of files.

Or set up FTP sites & pass codes.



Jules
Gearslutz.com admin

[preben]

mp4..???

[BevvyB]

How about aac?

bit better...

[jdunn]

mp4 and AAC are pretty much the same thing as far as I know, or at least they use the same compression engine. They are a bit better than mp3's, they supposedly stream better, and here's the thing Jules. mp4/AAC actually has better sound quality than mp3 with smaller file sizes.

So, maybe it would be worth adding mp4 to the accepted upload types. Not everybody has to use them, but for those who want to, why not? And if a lot of people start complaining that they can't play them, I guess it could always be revoked. There's some links I'll be glad to post where PC users can find programs that play these files (if they don't have them in their current media player already).

FLAC would probably be best on private servers with links posted here, etc...

Will Itunes on a Mac OS9 play mp4?

[Tim L]

mp3's are a format pretty much everyone can use easily... I'd hate to see that messed with myself.

Post the mp3 with an offer to send alternative format files to those who request it. That's my pair of pennys...

[jdunn]

Jules, I'm really not sure, as I haven't used OS 9 for a long time. If you're still using Mac OS 9 for music apps, I understand. However, be aware that you are putting yourself through torture on a daily basis. OS 9 is a freaking dinosaur compared to OS X. OS X is so friendly and cool I can't believe it. At least for things other than audio, you really should try it.

I don't see anything wrong with allowing other file types to be uploaded, whether it's mp4/AAC or Ogg Vorbis, whatever, as long as it's not too large. If PC people can't or won't take the time to update their player, no big deal really, it's their choice.

Nobody is going to get hurt by allowing mp4 to be uploaded to the mp3 area. FLAC is just too big. Last night I tried to upload a FLAC to one of my servers. After two hours, it was about half way finished, and I went to bed expecting it to be finished when I woke up. The damn connection died out. FLAC is totally stupid unless you have a T1 line in my opinion. Downloading is not a problem, but uploading is.

[jdunn]

I would like to see Ogg Vorbis (.ogg) added as an upload option for the mp3 section here. They are nice small files, supposedly sound better than mp3, and it's a totally free codec. Here's a quote I found:

For newbies, Ogg Vorbis is the first license-free codec. Developed by Xiph, "Ogg Vorbis is a completely open, patent-free, professional audio encoding and streaming technology with all the benefits of Open Source". In this world where almost every story on digital music seems to include the words "litigation" or "monopoly" Ogg offers a potentially strong contender to the powers of Microsoft on one side and RCA's control of the MP3 format on the other.

There's a free app for Mac OS X and OS 9 that encodes them. It also includes the Ogg Vorbis Quicktime Component, which lets you play and encode .ogg files w/ I Tunes. I'm sure there's a number of Ogg Vorbis apps for PC too. Here's a link to the Mac one:

Ogg Drop - Free Software Link

So once again, I am strongly urging Jules and friends to add .ogg to the upload options. Here's another link to the main developer's page. The FAQ is interesting. Apparently they have no plans to ever charge for the encoder/decoder.

Ogg Vorbis project main page - link