Export Multiple Issue with MP3/Project Rate

[WeirDave]

I have an annoyance to vent about.

When using the export multiple function after I have ripped an album that I have recorded at 96kHz saving to flac works fine. When you go save as MP3 it prompts you for the Resample rate. That part I am fine with BUT since i am exporting multiple tracks there should be a checkbox or something that allows me to not have to choose the rate for every track.

Hopefully this makes sense,

WeirDave

[steve]

I appreciate your point WeirDave, but I have no doubt that if we change that we will get another user saying "why can't I specify different rates per track like I could previously?"
Fortunately there is a very simple workaround. Change the "Project Rate" (lower left corner of the main Audacity window) before you export as MP3. The highest rate supported by MP3 is 48000 Hz, less for low bit rates.

[WeirDave]

I appreciate your point WeirDave, but I have no doubt that if we change that we will get another user saying "why can't I specify different rates per track like I could previously?"
Fortunately there is a very simple workaround. Change the "Project Rate" (lower left corner of the main Audacity window) before you export as MP3. The highest rate supported by MP3 is 48000 Hz, less for low bit rates.

If you had the checkbox I described both parties would be happy. They could leave it unchecked and I could check it. Just sayin' - lol

[WeirDave]

I will try switching the project Rate before I save the MP3 files and see what happens. It won't mess up the FLAC save right?

[steve]

It won't mess up the FLAC save right?

FLAC can handle 96000 Hz, so if you want a 96kHz FLAC file, leave the project rate at 96000 for the FLAC export, then change it before exporting as MP3.
Audacity uses the "Project Rate" whenever exporting. The problem with MP3 comes because MP3 has a maximum sample rate.

[WeirDave]

It won't mess up the FLAC save right?

FLAC can handle 96000 Hz, so if you want a 96kHz FLAC file, leave the project rate at 96000 for the FLAC export, then change it before exporting as MP3.
Audacity uses the "Project Rate" whenever exporting. The problem with MP3 comes because MP3 has a maximum sample rate.

Got it. Thanks Steve that worked like a charm.

[WeirDave]

It won't mess up the FLAC save right?

FLAC can handle 96000 Hz, so if you want a 96kHz FLAC file, leave the project rate at 96000 for the FLAC export, then change it before exporting as MP3.
Audacity uses the "Project Rate" whenever exporting. The problem with MP3 comes because MP3 has a maximum sample rate.

Got it. Thanks Steve that worked like a charm.

No harm in doing it the other way around either is there?

[steve]

No harm in doing it the other way around either is there?

In reality, a sample rate of 96 kHz does not really gain anything more than bigger files and a greater chance of the computer "dropping" a few samples.
Below 44.1 kHz, the sample rate is very important because it determines the upper cut-off frequency - the maximum frequency that can be represented for a specified sample rate can not be greater than half the sample rate. As an example, if the sample rate is 16 kHz, then the maximum possible frequency that can be recorded is 8 kHz, and with an 8 kHz cut-off, music will sound a bit muffled. Above 44.1 kHz the sample rate does not really matter because no-one can hear anything above 22.05 kHz, not even gifted children. However, if you really want 96 kHz FLAC files, just ensure that the Project Rate is 96000 Hz when you export. I doubt that you will actually hear any difference between a 96 kHz FLAC file and a 44.1 kHz FLAC file (though big numbers can have a strong placebo effect).

[waxcylinder]

In reality, a sample rate of 96 kHz does not really gain anything ...

Especially if you are using those to produce compressed MP3 files as your final production file, as WeirDave is doing

[WeirDave]

No harm in doing it the other way around either is there?

In reality, a sample rate of 96 kHz does not really gain anything more than bigger files and a greater chance of the computer "dropping" a few samples.
Below 44.1 kHz, the sample rate is very important because it determines the upper cut-off frequency - the maximum frequency that can be represented for a specified sample rate can not be greater than half the sample rate. As an example, if the sample rate is 16 kHz, then the maximum possible frequency that can be recorded is 8 kHz, and with an 8 kHz cut-off, music will sound a bit muffled. Above 44.1 kHz the sample rate does not really matter because no-one can hear anything above 22.05 kHz, not even gifted children. However, if you really want 96 kHz FLAC files, just ensure that the Project Rate is 96000 Hz when you export. I doubt that you will actually hear any difference between a 96 kHz FLAC file and a 44.1 kHz FLAC file (though big numbers can have a strong placebo effect).

If I record an album at 96 kHz, I am ensuring that I have all the information I can possibly have within the recording itself. If I want any other format in the future I can utilize that file to create the other files ensuring accuracy for those as well.

You are correct that on most recordings you would be unable to audibly hear the difference between a 24/96 FLAC and a 16/44 FLAC. In my case I am also required to submit a copy in that format and bigger files mean bigger credits, so in my case not really a placebo, I actually benefit!