WAV vs. MP3: Are MP3's good enough quality to make a recording?

duane
Posts: 217
Joined: 2006-06-29
Producers: Mix2r.com was set up to allow the complete workflow of creating a song from start to finish online. Currently we are using MP3's for tracks when we upload and I would like to get your opinions. Here is what I think I want to do to test it out: 1. i will record a guitar track to a metronome and upload it 2. someone else can record the drums tracks online 3. others can then record new guitar and bass tracks 4. a vocalist can record and upload the vocals tracks 5. a producer can take all the individual tracks and put the finishing touches on the song. During this process, I would like to see if the MP3's for tracks are substantially different in quality that the WAV's and have both versions available to compare afterwards. I am curious to see if the higher quality of the wav files gets buried during the mix process or if it is really a large different. I am going to set up a new project under Mix2r.com and upload the fist tracks then advertise for a drummer.

Eddy Bugnut
Eddy Bugnut's picture
Posts: 68
Joined: 2006-11-04
No Way In Hell.
I imagine that there is no way in hell that building a recording using mp3 files, which first of all are 16 bit, can have the same "potential" as working with 24 bit wave files. That's not to say you can't do some killer stuff but that stuff would probably be more appropriate for Internet distribution rather than CD release. But mp3s are an efficient way to exchange ideas. Maybe at some point we can set up some form of FTP system for members to transfer .wav files.. On the other hand there is always Windows Messenger. BTW, Duane, great job on the search engines! I'm blown away at how fast you guys got that happening.

duane
Posts: 217
Joined: 2006-06-29
THanks - wasn't quite sure
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maynard
maynard's picture
Posts: 11
Joined: 2006-07-19
I agree w bugnut. Of course,

I agree w bugnut.
Of course, most people will be listening on mp3 players or "consumer" home stereo's and may not be able to hear a distinct difference... but therin lies the perrenial question... do you cater to the lowest common denomonator or push things forward? I know most engineers, producers and musicians wouldn't accept less than the best quality possible.

I read somewhere that FTP is on it's way here. Awesome!