[sanne]

While listening to some albums I just encoded to FLAC, encoding level 8 with FLAC frontend, I noticed the volume level was considerably lower than with my mp3's of the same albums. anyone know why this is?

 

[DLP]

Don't remember exact details, but as I recall MP3s boost the volume somewhat, depending on how which encoder you use (don't think LAME does). How do the FLAC sound compared to the WAV? Also, as I recall FLAC frontend has an option for replaygain. Was that checked?

 

[sanne]

no replygain was not checked, what exactly is that and should I have it checked?

 

[sgrossklass]

FLAC w/o Replaygain should be (I dare saying: is) exactly as loud as the original. MP3, however, tends to not preserve the absolute volume levels and is best used with both the encoder and decoder supporting Replaygain. The Replaygain info basically says how much the output level has to be corrected. I've seen up to -6 dB or so.

 

[Helter Skelter]

Only -6dB? HA! I've got a few albums here that replaygain scanned at -11dB!

Then again, I've also got a few that replaygain actually applies a small amount of gain to (mostly calssical stuff).

I weep over the lack of consistency. But I guess that's what replaygain is for, right?