(Variable Bit Rate) basically adjusts the amount of data used to
encode the sound according to what is needed. VBR typically
sounds better, but older MP3 players may not be able to use it.
mono vs stereo - This is pretty self explanatory, but it is important
to realize that a stereo signal does not necessarily take twice as much
space as a mono signal. (Ain’t compression skwewy?)
Encoding MP3 Files
To encode audio to MP3, start up AudioCatalyst. At the bottom of
the window, you can select files to encode from either an audio file
(such as AIFF) or from a CD. Add From File chooses audio files,
and Add From CD chooses tracks from a CD. The songs will be
shown in the list in the left side of the window.
To encode the files, press encode. AudioCatalyst will prompt you for
a location to save the files to. Once you determine the location,
AudioCatalyst will begin encoding.
The player button in the AudioCatalyst window is a convenience
feature allowing you to launch an MP3 player from AudioCatalyst. We
have included QuickTime 4 in this package which
comes with a player, but you may use any player
you wish. To select which player you’d like to come
up, go to the Player menu and select Set Player.
Playing MP3 Files
Playing MP3 files is as easy as selecting the file to play. This player is
the QuickTime 4 Movie Player.
Select an MP3 file by clilcking on the File menu and dragging to New
Movie. You will have the familiar browsing windows. When playing
files, remember that the volume on the front of this player is further
adjusted by the master volume for the computer in the Sound
Control Panel.
To get the balance, bass and treble controls, click on the
::
button.
