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[johnivyj]

I'm new to JRiver and I'm wondering why there is a difference in Sample kHz and kbps rates from files I rip to ones my friend rips using Media Center.

My FLAC files are ripped using default settings pretty much and a sample of the results would be 44.1kHz FLAC 780kbps.

My friend's sample rates seem to to higher: 96kHZ or 192kHz and kbps are double or triple to mine.  192kHz FLAC 5056kbps. I probably can't hear the difference but wonder why. ?

I have seen digital downloads for purchase with these higher rates.  Is there a setting in Media Center that is limiting/throttling my results?

[Dawgincontrol]

Are these exact same files?

[Hendrik]

Unless you specifically override it, the output sample rate after converting to FLAC would match the input sample rate of the original file. While you can add DSP to adjust it, we don't believe that changing the sample rate when converting to FLAC is particularly meaningful, and preserving the original audio perfectly is a better choice.

[Awesome Donkey]

In addition, resampling to higher or lower sample rates is a lossy conversion. To add what Hendrik said, there's really no reason to resample to higher sample rates, you actually don't gain anything from it. In fact, you're losing audio data by resampling (which again is a lossy conversion).

You should always play files at their native sample rates. However if you *really* want to resample, using DSP Studio > Output Format is the best way to do it. The other alternative is finding "hi-res" downloads from sites that sell them like HDtracks, but do keep in mind most "hi-res" files are sourced from the same masters the CD releases are, so you might need to do your homework on what "hi-res" purchases are worth it.

[johnivyj]

Thanks for the follow up. 

These must be digital download files then.

Other than ripped files, I was looking at converting results also. I converted some wave files and the settings did change: 48kHz FLAC 741kbps

It sounds like I ought to leave well enough alone and stick to the defaults when Converting, Ripping, and Output.  Files are being burned to disc or sent to my phone.

Let's consider this post as completed.

Thanks again.

[larryrup]

Not quite sure this is on topic, but sure could be an enhancement request.

Could you add a sample rate option for Flac files when using the convert format or rename, move, copy features?  The MP3 selections allow for 128, 320 (etc) selection, but as far as I can tell, you can't alter a flac file in this manner, say for copying to a  stick for playing in the car, where the built in DAC only supports Cd quality and my source file is 96 or 192 K.  Would be useful.  If I'm missing how to do this, do tell.  Now I'm force to use say Audacity, and it requires many steps where JRiver's utility like on MP3's, it quick and easy.

Thanks

[Awesome Donkey]

Bitrate doesn't matter for lossless files like FLAC, APE, etc. It only matters for lossy files like MP3s as it's an indication of (potential) quality, e.g. a 320kbps MP3 being better "quality" than a 192kbps MP3. It looks like you have bitrate and sample rate mixed up here, they're two different things.

[larryrup]

I'm with you on my confusion between sample rate and bit rate. 

What would be real handy for me is to be able to convert a Hi-Res flac file to a lossless CD quality flac as, hi-res files played at home can be handled by outboard DAC hardware, but my car won't play them.  Here I am forced to convert these to MP3's, which is not the end of the world, but it would be nice to convert them to a lossless flac (CD quality) that the cars player (and built in DAC) can handle.  It's also handy to share a file with my son, who can only play the file on his phone, so again, the only option is convert to mp3.

 So if this a feature to add that is not developer time consuming and usefull for all (Jim has ask input on in the past), here she is!

LarryRup

[terrym@tassie]

Larry, AD has already described how to convert the sample rate for FLAC files:

However if you *really* want to resample, using DSP Studio > Output Format is the best way to do it

To clarify here is how to convert a 96kHz flac to a 44.1kHz flac:
First select file(s) then use Tools>Library Tools>Convert format.
Select flac encoder and then in Options>Audio select 'Apply DSP' then select 'DSP settings'.
In DSP settings select 'Output format' and left click on  'Sample Rate Input 96,000 Hz' and set Output to 44,100 Hz (You could also do the same for Input 192,000).
Close DSP and Options.
You can then save these settings as a preset for future use using the 'Preset' option so next time you can just go to 'Preset' and load your saved preset for file conversion.

Then convert the file(s) and enjoy listening in the car...

Hope this is helpful and clear and I suggest you try just one file first to check your settings are correct.

Terry

[larryrup]

Thanks so much.

I am familiar with and have seen those optional settings.  I wrongly assumed it might take like...equalizer settings and somehow apply them to the file ..maybe it will.  I could not comprehend how it might do that, so I avoided use of those options.  I quite often use and set output format to down size files in real time like on a portable bluetooth speaker and it works really well (there great in the bathroom for showers with music!) So those settings in output format will be applied and written to the file when using the convert format by choosing apply DSP.  I was a bit dense in insisting in my brain that the DSP settings were only applied real time when playing a file.  Excellent info.  Thanks

LarryRup