If you’re the proud owner of a high-quality FLAC file music library, don’t worry about the bit rate (sample rate). But for lossy formats like MP3 or AAC, it is the bit rate that determines the sound quality. The previous default value was 128 kbps, today you just need to convert to 320 kbps. Almost any converter that converts from FLAC to MP3 should offer this setting.
Opinions differ about the bit rate: some do not hear the difference between an MP3 with 128 kbps and an MP3 with 320 kbps, others do. But if you start with a FLAC file, you should get the most out of your file and convert more than a few kilobits per second (kbps).
FLAC or MP3: do you hear the difference?
It’s a topic worth discussing, like in the hi-fi world: is there a difference between FLAC and MP3 files? The answer: yes, certainly!
If you don’t hear a difference, it’s not so much the file format, but the computer the song is playing on. If you listen to the same song in MP3 and FLAC format, you will notice a clear difference. A FLAC file simply contains more information. If you play this in a good installation, you will clearly hear the added value. Take the test yourself!
Hi-fi enthusiasts speak deeper. Music sounds fuller and more realistic. The best test is to switch between FLAC and MP3, because switching back to MP3 exposes gaps in the soundtrack. These frequencies are really beyond the audible range of people, or so they thought, but they still seem to be perceived.
However, the MP3 quality is sufficient for use in an MP3 player or smartphone. Although you can hear even finer nuances of the sound through the headphones, you can test it at home. Ambient volume also plays a role when traveling.
Lossless formats, such as the open source FLAC format, are the new standard. In terms of quality, they are comparable to a conventional CD, but take up much less storage space. This is made possible by a “smarter” compression process: while storing the same amount of digital information as on a CD, you save up to 30 percent more space. Therefore, if you want to digitize your CD collection, today it is important to use a lossless format like FLAC.
FLAC files not working? Make them compatible
However, there is also a small drawback to the FLAC format. Many playback devices, such as MP3 players, cannot play FLAC files, only MP3 files. However, it is not necessary to buy a new MP3 player with FLAC support. The audio converter (Mp4Gain), which converts FLAC files to MP3 files, can be found in this website
Once you download Mp4Gain, you can quickly convert your FLAC files to MP3. Then you can use them on a suitable MP3 player or similar device.
