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MAX Sound HD, can someone explain this?

post #1 of 3
11/3/11 at 1:55pm
Thread Starter 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sugar-rautbord/post_2596_b_1070159.html

 

After watching the spider man sample, i agree it sounds "better" to my ears, but i am not sure why.  There is no way a 128kbps mp3 is going to sound better than the lossless file.  Maybe im missing something. 

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post #2 of 3
11/3/11 at 2:23pm

I see three things at work here:

  • Glorified EQ. Not only are certain frequencies boosted to make the sound more dynamic (especially bass), but the "HD" clips are also louder overall. People perceive loud as good.
  • Slight crossfeed effect
  • Expectation bias from the logo they flash

 

It's easy to make an MP3 sound better than a lossless file. It's impossible to make an MP3 sound exactly like a lossless file. They aren't restoring the sound in any way, just enhancing it with special effects.

 

Oh yeah, listen to the Notebook section. Clearly an added reverb effect.


Edited by Head Injury - 11/3/11 at 2:24pm
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post #3 of 3
11/3/11 at 4:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Head Injury View Post

I see three things at work here:

  • Glorified EQ. Not only are certain frequencies boosted to make the sound more dynamic (especially bass), but the "HD" clips are also louder overall. People perceive loud as good.
  • Slight crossfeed effect
  • Expectation bias from the logo they flash

 

It's easy to make an MP3 sound better than a lossless file. It's impossible to make an MP3 sound exactly like a lossless file. They aren't restoring the sound in any way, just enhancing it with special effects.

 

Oh yeah, listen to the Notebook section. Clearly an added reverb effect.



Correct on all points!

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