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Hi All,

Im recording a self hypnosis download and got very good quality with a .wav file but it was too big (177mb) for my server. So I converted it to .mp3. But, the .mp3 file at 41000hz sounds too slow and garbled. I reconverted at 48000 and sound like Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Seems like mp3 work at 44000 hz but that sampling rate isn't supported by mp3 format.

Anyone know I can improve the voice quality and still get a small file?

thanks,
C

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dvdhawk Mon, 03/02/2009 - 01:31

44100 is still industry standard for all commercial CDs.
I'd be shocked if your conversion software doesn't support it.

What software are you using for the conversion?

Does the software offer the option of leaving the incoming sample rate alone? I believe you may be doing an unnecessary conversion along with the necessary one.

Let me know if that makes any sense to you.

Good luck.

RemyRAD Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:05

You are most definitely doing something wrong. 44.1kHz, 16-bit stereo is used regularly, by TV & radio stations to receive announcer tracks. In fact most announcers these days, deliver in that manner. So you are experiencing operator error. You start with 44.1kHz, 16-bit stereo .wav recording. From your master .wav track, you then convert to 128 kilobits per second, MP3 at 44.1kHz, 16-bit stereo. It should be 100% acceptable sounding regardless of what site you are using for upload/download. If you don't like their data compression, you can use services like, "You Send It" and others that don't screw with your audio like listening sites do.

Programs like Adobe Addition include a quality MP3 codec. With good master recordings, comes good conversions. There are programs that will take your CD & rip to MP3 for music listening purposes. Some of those can be found for free. Everything else you've done as obviously been wrong in your approach. So try to find a CD to MP3 Ripper program. Create yourself a quality sounding CD first, then rip. That's a more goof proof way for you to produce your product. In fact, I may have a hypno therapy recording coming up soon? This will be for a local psychologist. You also certainly don't want your vocal processing to be too aggressive for this sort of spoken word recording. It needs to sound relaxing, not like top 40 radio.

If you need further help, let me know?
Ms. Remy Ann David

anonymous Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:23

thank you all

Wow,

what a great forum - you all are very generous with your time and info.

Yes, my mistake on 44 not being supported by .mp3 - it certainly is.

As this was my first project I learned that I must set the preferences to 41000 hz on the Audacity program BEFORE recording. I thought I could just set it during conversion and go from 22050 to 41000 without a problem since .wav allowed me to do that just fine.

Right now I'm using the simple Free MP3 Converter software. I can see there is a lot of potential here and am really glad to be learning from you all.

thanks again,

Christine