Double Bass Differences between .aif and .mp3 files?

[Jack Clark]

I've made both .aif and .mp3 files of the same .mus files that I've made with Finale Songwriter2010. When I play them back, even through an amp and speakers, my ears can't hear any difference. But the .aif files take up ten times as much room as the .mp3 files. Is there any reason that .aif files are preferable?

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

AIFF is a form of audio file which uses no compression, much like a WAV file. This means that what you are recording gets recorded exactly as it was, with no corners cut (aka-CD quality). MP3 files use varying amounts of compression to make the files smaller and more "portable", but the real heart of your question can only be answered if you know the bit rate of the mp3 file. The standard seems to be 128kbps, at which point if you are listening on a good system most people will hear a difference between that and an uncompressed file. As the sampling rate of the MP3 goes higher, so does the sound quality: at 192 kbps, I can barely hear a difference between the two, and even then sometimes it's my imagination. Below 128, all sustaining sounds (cymbals, reverb tails, etc.) start to sound really grainy.

 

[Leeners]

Also, certain types of playback devices can only play certain file types. For instance, an iPod can only play back mp3, mp4, and AAC files (correct me if I am wrong here). You can't play AIFF files on your native iPod. If you want to check out a forum where "audiophiles" really get into this stuff, check out:

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I have a very nice pair of IEM's (in ear monitors), and I could not hear the difference between an AIFF and mp3 (higher bit rate) file of the same song. Therefore it is not worth it to me to go with the larger file.

If I posted that on the other forum, I would be stoned.

It IS worthwhile, however to spend a little money to get yourself a nice pair of headphones or "ear-phones" so you can really hear the bass line clearly.

 

[shastaband]

Also, certain types of playback devices can only play certain file types. For instance, an iPod can only play back mp3, mp4, and AAC files (correct me if I am wrong here). You can't play AIFF files on your native iPod.

All my iPods play AIFF files just fine. (iPods synched to Mac computers. Can't comment on PCs. I don't do windows.)

 

[Jack Clark]

Just what I needed to know. Thanks very much, guys.