mp3 or wav?

212121 · Post by **212121** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:10 pm

hi! i know that new versions of ableton can work with mp3 files but they use a cache and work them like wav files, right?

should i start to buy .wav from beatport? they cost a lot more (for me), i don't think i can notice better sound from a 320kbs mp3 or a .wav file.
other than id-TAGS is there anything that changes if i move from mp3 to wav? (the file size of course LOL)

but if ableton and other software work with .wav (even if they can "handle" .mp3) i think i should use .wav

do you think it's safe/good to buy 320kbs and convert them to wav? or should i just buy .wav?

Meef Chaloin · Post by **Meef Chaloin** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:16 pm

you'll get better quality with wavs. as far as i know even if you convert a 320 mp3 to wav you will still have the same quality as the mp3 was. So if you cannot tell the difference between 320 & wav its probably just easier & cheaper to buy mp3s.

212121 · Post by **212121** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:27 pm

yes but .wav are .wav

what i mean with that is that if ableton really uses a cache to work with .mp3 you can save some CPU work, etc and just work with .wav it would be more simple! and .wav can be used with many other software, it's the standard!

those who understand more about this subject please reply, thanks!

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:47 pm

Most of the people on the AbletonLiveDjs.com site just use wavs. Either they download the files in wavs originally, or if they're low on cash, they DL the 320kbps MP3's, and convert those to wavs to DJ with. You're right, Live decodes all MP3's as wav files anyway, so the only benefit of MP3's is smaller file size. External hard drives are cheap enough these days that I don't even consider file size an issue personally.