MP3s are good files to use for the uploading of your audio discs. These compressed files are small in comparison to WAV files, thus making them ideal for uploading, please note however the MP3s are ?the sample rate of CD quality. The audio reproduced from an MP3 file is difficult for the average ear to differentiate from the same audio played back from a standard CD. The best reproduction is accomplished by using WAV files. These files are generally 40 to 50 MB in size each. Uploading 4 or 5 WAV files is quite feasible.
There is a difference in quality between the two audio formats. The .mp3 format was designed for quicker file transfers over the internet. It is lossy data compression; meaning "insignificant" data is removed thereby decreasing the file size to approximately 1/7th of the original file size.
To the common ear, the difference in audio quality is negligible. To an audio engineer, or someone who listens intently to music often, there will definitely be a significant/noticeable loss in quality. There is normally a degradation in:
1) the clarity of the upper frequencies and
2) the "punchy-ness" of the lower frequencies.
Also, depending on the quality of the conversion, and bit-rate and sample-rate used, sometimes a noticeable "phaser" effect is introduced.
The downside to working with. wav files is the significant increase in file size. Uploading this type of a file will result in a much longer transfer time when uploading.
The answer to the question, "Is there a difference between the two formats?", is "yes". Is the difference noticeable? That depends on the listener and how "good" their speakers and listening environment are.
More tips about Mastering CD Duplication.
