Difference between revisions of "EAC Compression Options"

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{{Locked‏‎}}
 
{{EAC guides}}
 
{{EAC guides}}
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This article was updated to reflect compression options in EAC v1.0b2 and later. For information about prior versions see [[http://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=EAC_Compression_Options&oldid=22811 EAC Compression Options (pre-v1.0b2)]].
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{{panel|This article was updated to reflect compression options in EAC v1.0b2 and newer. For information about compression options in earlier versions of EAC, see [[EAC Compression Options (Legacy)]].|color=green}}
  
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In [[Exact Audio Copy]]’s '''compression options''' dialog (keyboard shortcut: {{key press|F11}}) are found all options regarding the creating of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_compression_(data) compressed audio files]. Here the user specifies how EAC is to behave when they press the '''{{code|CMP}}''' Button in the main window or select ''compressed'' items under the ''Action'' menu.
+
In [[Exact Audio Copy]]’s '''compression options''' dialog (keyboard shortcut: {{key press|F11}}) are found all options regarding the creating of [[wikipedia:Audio_compression_(data)|compressed audio files]]. Here the user specifies how EAC is to behave when they press the '''{{code|CMP}}''' Button in the main window or select ''compressed'' items under the ''Action'' menu.
  
 
Note: many options are dependent on the codec or external compressor (encoder). So, often no clear recommendation can be given. It is important that the user has a general understanding of what these settings do and how they possibly change the behavior of EAC and/or the [[codec]]/external compressor.
 
Note: many options are dependent on the codec or external compressor (encoder). So, often no clear recommendation can be given. It is important that the user has a general understanding of what these settings do and how they possibly change the behavior of EAC and/or the [[codec]]/external compressor.
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<!-- ACM is the ancient Windows "Audio Codec Manager" -->
 
<!-- ACM is the ancient Windows "Audio Codec Manager" -->
  
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==Waveform==
+
== Waveform ==
  
−
[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Waveform.png|thumb|EAC '''compression options''', '''Waveform''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Waveform.png|thumb|EAC '''compression options''', '''Waveform''' tab]]
 
This tab allows you to select and choose the options for an internal [[codec]]. After audio data is read from the CD, EAC will pass it to the codec, and will write the codec's output to a file. Generally speaking, EAC’s internal codec support is for writing unusual [[WAV]] files (e.g. containing audio in the [[Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation|ADPCM]] format or as a rare way of storing [[MP3]] data), although the options do allow for writing other formats.
 
This tab allows you to select and choose the options for an internal [[codec]]. After audio data is read from the CD, EAC will pass it to the codec, and will write the codec's output to a file. Generally speaking, EAC’s internal codec support is for writing unusual [[WAV]] files (e.g. containing audio in the [[Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation|ADPCM]] format or as a rare way of storing [[MP3]] data), although the options do allow for writing other formats.
  
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Today, most people ripping music CDs don't use internal codecs; they use an external compressor, which is configured in the ''External Compression'' tab. An external compressor is a separate program that can be run directly from a command shell with various arguments telling it which file to compress, what tags to add, the output filename, etc.
 
Today, most people ripping music CDs don't use internal codecs; they use an external compressor, which is configured in the ''External Compression'' tab. An external compressor is a separate program that can be run directly from a command shell with various arguments telling it which file to compress, what tags to add, the output filename, etc.
  
−
; <big>Wave format</big>
+
:; Wave format
  
 
In this drop down box, all codecs installed on your system are listed. When new codecs are installed, they should show up in this list. The codec to choose depends on what should be achieved with the compression (sample format, compression ratio, etc.).
 
In this drop down box, all codecs installed on your system are listed. When new codecs are installed, they should show up in this list. The codec to choose depends on what should be achieved with the compression (sample format, compression ratio, etc.).
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Windows supports different compression techniques in its WAV format. The compression is done by codecs that can be easily added to or removed from the system if new compression formats arise. EAC itself also wraps some compression DLLs so they look like codecs (e.g. LAME DLL BladeEnc DLL). -->
 
Windows supports different compression techniques in its WAV format. The compression is done by codecs that can be easily added to or removed from the system if new compression formats arise. EAC itself also wraps some compression DLLs so they look like codecs (e.g. LAME DLL BladeEnc DLL). -->
  
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; <big>Sample format</big>
+
:; Sample format
 
   
 
   
 
With this option, different combinations of parameters for the compression and output format can be chosen, such as sample rate, resolution, mono/stereo. Which options are available here depends on the codec selected at the ''Wave format'' option (e.g. some codecs only support 4 bit resolution).
 
With this option, different combinations of parameters for the compression and output format can be chosen, such as sample rate, resolution, mono/stereo. Which options are available here depends on the codec selected at the ''Wave format'' option (e.g. some codecs only support 4 bit resolution).
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Here you can select the sample rate, the resolution and often the compression ratio of the final audio file. The resolution of the CD is 16 bits and the sample rate is 44100 Hz in order to preserve audio CD quality. -->
 
Here you can select the sample rate, the resolution and often the compression ratio of the final audio file. The resolution of the CD is 16 bits and the sample rate is 44100 Hz in order to preserve audio CD quality. -->
  
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If you were to choose ''Microsoft PCM Converter'' as the codec, and ''44,100 Hz, 16 Bit, Stereo'' as the output format, it would be the same as doing an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Book_(CD_standard) uncompressed CD rip].
+
If you were to choose ''Microsoft PCM Converter'' as the codec, and ''44,100 Hz, 16 Bit, Stereo'' as the output format, it would be the same as doing an [[wikipedia:Red_Book_(CD_standard)|uncompressed CD rip]].
  
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; <big>Add ID3 tag</big>
+
:; Add ID3 tag
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
Some formats (e.g. [[MP3]]) support [[ID3|ID3 tags]]. When this option is enabled, EAC will add these tags to the compressed files (only if the internal codec file format supports ID3 tags).
 
Some formats (e.g. [[MP3]]) support [[ID3|ID3 tags]]. When this option is enabled, EAC will add these tags to the compressed files (only if the internal codec file format supports ID3 tags).
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The MP3 format has a special feature: it can store the artist, composer, etc. within the actual file, so that most MP3 players can read and display this information. By selecting this option, a tag will be added after extraction. -->
 
The MP3 format has a special feature: it can store the artist, composer, etc. within the actual file, so that most MP3 players can read and display this information. By selecting this option, a tag will be added after extraction. -->
  
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; <big>Do not write WAV header to file</big>
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:; Do not write WAV header to file
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: ''Default: disabled''
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:: ''Default: disabled''
  
 
The codec only converts the audio data. EAC writes it to a file. This parameter determines whether to include a WAV header in the file.
 
The codec only converts the audio data. EAC writes it to a file. This parameter determines whether to include a WAV header in the file.
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For some files (e.g. MP3) Windows provides a codec to read WAV files, but the format itself should not be wrapped by a WAV header. So if you want to create .mp3 files, you should activate this option and specify that extension below. -->
 
For some files (e.g. MP3) Windows provides a codec to read WAV files, but the format itself should not be wrapped by a WAV header. So if you want to create .mp3 files, you should activate this option and specify that extension below. -->
  
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; <big>File extension for header files</big>
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:; File extension for header files
−
: Recommended: '''.raw'''
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:: Recommended: '''.raw'''
  
 
When the ''Do not write WAV header to file'' option is enabled, a filename extension for the output files can be specified here (e.g. ''.mp3'' for MP3 files). If the above option is disabled, this setting gets greyed out automatically.
 
When the ''Do not write WAV header to file'' option is enabled, a filename extension for the output files can be specified here (e.g. ''.mp3'' for MP3 files). If the above option is disabled, this setting gets greyed out automatically.
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If you have selected the above option, you may specify any filename extension. On MP3 compression you would probably use the string .mp3 in this control. -->
 
If you have selected the above option, you may specify any filename extension. On MP3 compression you would probably use the string .mp3 in this control. -->
  
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; <big>Quality setting</big>
+
:; Quality setting
−
: ''Default: Low quality (fast)''
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:: ''Default: Low quality (fast)''
−
: Recommended: '''High quality (slow)'''
+
:: Recommended: '''High quality (slow)'''
  
 
Some internal codecs support a quality setting to choose between a higher quality of the output files or faster encoding speed. If quality is the only matter, leave this option at the default, which is ''High quality (slow)''.
 
Some internal codecs support a quality setting to choose between a higher quality of the output files or faster encoding speed. If quality is the only matter, leave this option at the default, which is ''High quality (slow)''.
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== External Compression ==
 
== External Compression ==
  
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[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_External_Compression.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''External Compression''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_External_Compression.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''External Compression''' tab]]
 
In this tab, all options for external compressors can be configured. As all settings are highly dependent on the particular compressor, most settings are only described here in general terms because often no specific recommendations can be given; but see the many [[:Category:EAC Guides|EAC guides]] (also linked below) written by Hydrogenaudio users for in-depth advice on topics including configuring various external encoders.
 
In this tab, all options for external compressors can be configured. As all settings are highly dependent on the particular compressor, most settings are only described here in general terms because often no specific recommendations can be given; but see the many [[:Category:EAC Guides|EAC guides]] (also linked below) written by Hydrogenaudio users for in-depth advice on topics including configuring various external encoders.
  
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* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=EAC_and_TAK EAC and] [[TAK]] -->
 
* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=EAC_and_TAK EAC and] [[TAK]] -->
  
−
; <big>Use external program for compression</big>
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:; Use external program for compression
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
To use an external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.
 
To use an external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.
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EAC is able to use so-called command-line encoders. These encoder packages usually come as .EXE files that have to be started with the audio filenames and a bunch of options in a DOS box. EAC will call these encoders automatically and pass them the appropriate parameters. -->
 
EAC is able to use so-called command-line encoders. These encoder packages usually come as .EXE files that have to be started with the audio filenames and a bunch of options in a DOS box. EAC will call these encoders automatically and pass them the appropriate parameters. -->
  
−
; <big>Parameter passing scheme</big>
+
:; Parameter passing scheme
  
 
EAC comes with a few presets concerning external compressors and the required parameter passing scheme; they can be selected with this option (e.g. the ''Bit rate'' box will show all available options after a particular compressor was chosen here). But in general, the capabilities of EAC in passing parameters to external compressors are limited. In order to overcome some of these limitations, you can and should use the ''Additional command-line options'' for to pass parameters. The usual approach is setting the ''Parameter passing scheme'' to ''User Defined Encoder'' and using the ''Additional command-line options'' to specify all the encoding options.
 
EAC comes with a few presets concerning external compressors and the required parameter passing scheme; they can be selected with this option (e.g. the ''Bit rate'' box will show all available options after a particular compressor was chosen here). But in general, the capabilities of EAC in passing parameters to external compressors are limited. In order to overcome some of these limitations, you can and should use the ''Additional command-line options'' for to pass parameters. The usual approach is setting the ''Parameter passing scheme'' to ''User Defined Encoder'' and using the ''Additional command-line options'' to specify all the encoding options.
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There are many command-line encoders out there. Nearly all of them use their own special formats for passing parameters to the program. Here you should select your encoder by name or a scheme that is compatible with your encoder. -->
 
There are many command-line encoders out there. Nearly all of them use their own special formats for passing parameters to the program. Here you should select your encoder by name or a scheme that is compatible with your encoder. -->
  
−
; <big>Use file extension</big>
+
:; Use file extension
  
 
When using a ''User Defined Encoder'' as above, a file extension must be specified here. This should be the extension of the encoded file type (e.g. ''.flac'' when using a [[FLAC]] encoder and ''.mp3'' when encoding to [[MP3]]).
 
When using a ''User Defined Encoder'' as above, a file extension must be specified here. This should be the extension of the encoded file type (e.g. ''.flac'' when using a [[FLAC]] encoder and ''.mp3'' when encoding to [[MP3]]).
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The user-defined command-line encoder allows you to specify any file extension. By this you are able to use any current or future file format. -->
 
The user-defined command-line encoder allows you to specify any file extension. By this you are able to use any current or future file format. -->
  
−
; <big>Program, including path, used for compression</big>
+
:; Program, including path, used for compression
  
 
The absolute path to the program used for compression (e.g. ''C:\Program Files\[[LAME]]\lame.exe''). By clicking on the ''Browse...'' button, this path can be chosen by a file dialog.
 
The absolute path to the program used for compression (e.g. ''C:\Program Files\[[LAME]]\lame.exe''). By clicking on the ''Browse...'' button, this path can be chosen by a file dialog.
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Here you have to specify the location and the name of the .EXE file of your encoder. -->
 
Here you have to specify the location and the name of the .EXE file of your encoder. -->
  
−
; <big>Additional command-line options</big>
+
:; Additional command-line options
  
 
Here additional parameters for the external compressor can be specified. To configure the additional command-line options, you can use the placeholders listed below (taken from the [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/support/faq/ EAC FAQ]. For a comprehensive overview and by-version comparison of command-line placeholders, as well as those for [[EAC Options|Naming the output file]], please see the dedicated page about [[EAC placeholders]].
 
Here additional parameters for the external compressor can be specified. To configure the additional command-line options, you can use the placeholders listed below (taken from the [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/support/faq/ EAC FAQ]. For a comprehensive overview and by-version comparison of command-line placeholders, as well as those for [[EAC Options|Naming the output file]], please see the dedicated page about [[EAC placeholders]].
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| %albumcomposer% || CD composer
 
| %albumcomposer% || CD composer
 
|-
 
|-
−
| %albuminterpret% ||– CD performer
+
| %albuminterpret% || CD performer
 
|-
 
|-
 
| %% || The ‘%’ character
 
| %% || The ‘%’ character
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As you can see, the command-line options of LAME (e.g. <code>-V 0</code>, <code>--ta</code>, <code>--tt</code>, etc.) are used in conjunction with the EAC placeholders (e.g. <code>%artist%</code>, <code>%title%</code>, etc.) to control LAME using this command-line.
 
As you can see, the command-line options of LAME (e.g. <code>-V 0</code>, <code>--ta</code>, <code>--tt</code>, etc.) are used in conjunction with the EAC placeholders (e.g. <code>%artist%</code>, <code>%title%</code>, etc.) to control LAME using this command-line.
  
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More examples are given in the article [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=EAC_and_Lame EAC and LAME],  which -by the way- recommends enabling the ''Add ID3 tag'' option (in contrast to what is said below).  
+
More examples are given in the article [[EAC_and_Lame|EAC and LAME]],  which -by the way- recommends enabling the ''Add ID3 tag'' option (in contrast to what is said below).  
 
In this case using the command-line parameters have no effect because EAC immediately overwrites the tags written by the encoder.
 
In this case using the command-line parameters have no effect because EAC immediately overwrites the tags written by the encoder.
  
  
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; <big>Bit rate</big>
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:; Bit rate
  
 
What is shown in this drop-down box depends on the ''Parameter passing scheme'' selected and specifies the bit rate/quality settings of the external compressor.  This setting is also used to calculate the approximate size of the compressed tracks shown in EAC's main window.
 
What is shown in this drop-down box depends on the ''Parameter passing scheme'' selected and specifies the bit rate/quality settings of the external compressor.  This setting is also used to calculate the approximate size of the compressed tracks shown in EAC's main window.
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Here you can select a bit rate for the encoded file. At least 128 kbits are recommended. -->
 
Here you can select a bit rate for the encoded file. At least 128 kbits are recommended. -->
  
−
; <big>Quality setting</big>
+
:; Quality setting
−
: ''Default: High quality''
+
:: ''Default: High quality''
−
: Recommended: '''High quality'''
+
:: Recommended: '''High quality'''
  
 
Many encoders offer the choice between better quality or faster encoding speed. This option is designated to choose between these two settings, but the precise behavior depends on what is selected on the ''Parameter passing scheme'':
 
Many encoders offer the choice between better quality or faster encoding speed. This option is designated to choose between these two settings, but the precise behavior depends on what is selected on the ''Parameter passing scheme'':
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Some encoders support the quality setting, using it to compress either with higher quality or with higher speed. -->
 
Some encoders support the quality setting, using it to compress either with higher quality or with higher speed. -->
  
−
; <big>Delete WAV after compression</big>
+
:; Delete WAV after compression
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
If this setting is enabled, EAC automatically deletes the extracted WAV file after compression. If you do not need these files (of course the compressed files are kept) after extraction/compression, leave this option enabled.
 
If this setting is enabled, EAC automatically deletes the extracted WAV file after compression. If you do not need these files (of course the compressed files are kept) after extraction/compression, leave this option enabled.
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EAC has to extract the audio track uncompressed to the hard disk first in order to pass the filename to the encoder. It is possible to keep that uncompressed file along with the compressed one, or to delete the uncompressed one. -->
 
EAC has to extract the audio track uncompressed to the hard disk first in order to pass the filename to the encoder. It is possible to keep that uncompressed file along with the compressed one, or to delete the uncompressed one. -->
  
−
; <big>Use CRC check</big>
+
:; Use CRC check
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''disabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''disabled'''
  
−
Some encoders have the ability to store a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclic_redundancy_check CRC] checksum (cyclic redundancy check) in the resulting (compressed) file. This might be used then to check the consistency of this file during playback. But enabling this CRC check has two major drawbacks: First, this will add 16 bits (the CRC value) on every frame of the encoded file and will possibly increase the file size considerably. Second, many encoders do not support this feature very well because of calculating wrong CRC checksums. So usually players will simply ignore this information. This option also has no effect at all when selected ''User Defined Encoder'' at the ''Parameter passing scheme''. Thus having more disadvantages, it is generally recommended to disable this option regardless of the encoder used.
+
Some encoders have the ability to store a [[wikipedia:Cyclic_redundancy_check|CRC]] checksum (cyclic redundancy check) in the resulting (compressed) file. This might be used then to check the consistency of this file during playback. But enabling this CRC check has two major drawbacks: First, this will add 16 bits (the CRC value) on every frame of the encoded file and will possibly increase the file size considerably. Second, many encoders do not support this feature very well because of calculating wrong CRC checksums. So usually players will simply ignore this information. This option also has no effect at all when selected ''User Defined Encoder'' at the ''Parameter passing scheme''. Thus having more disadvantages, it is generally recommended to disable this option regardless of the encoder used.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
Some encoders support the storage of a checksum within the audio file to allow the ability to check the consistency of the file on playing. If this is enabled, the encoder will write a CRC checksum, but beware, as some encoders have a bug that calculates the wrong checksum, and so many players ignore the CRC field. -->  
 
Some encoders support the storage of a checksum within the audio file to allow the ability to check the consistency of the file on playing. If this is enabled, the encoder will write a CRC checksum, but beware, as some encoders have a bug that calculates the wrong checksum, and so many players ignore the CRC field. -->  
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When ''User Defined Encoder'' is chosen, this setting allows additional parameters to take effect using the <code>%crcenabled%…%crcenabled%</code> placeholder, otherwise it has no effect.
 
When ''User Defined Encoder'' is chosen, this setting allows additional parameters to take effect using the <code>%crcenabled%…%crcenabled%</code> placeholder, otherwise it has no effect.
  
−
; <big>Add ID3 tag</big>
+
:; Add ID3 tag
  
 
When this option is enabled, EAC writes [[ID3]] tags to the compressed files.  Make sure only to use this setting with mp3 files.  Formats such as flac, TAK, WavPack, Monkey's Audio and Ogg Vorbis were not intended to use ID3 tags and adding such tags may cause problems.
 
When this option is enabled, EAC writes [[ID3]] tags to the compressed files.  Make sure only to use this setting with mp3 files.  Formats such as flac, TAK, WavPack, Monkey's Audio and Ogg Vorbis were not intended to use ID3 tags and adding such tags may cause problems.
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The MP3 format has a special feature: it can store the artist, composer. etc., within the actual file, so that most MP3 players can read and display this information. By selecting this option, a tag will be added after extraction. -->
 
The MP3 format has a special feature: it can store the artist, composer. etc., within the actual file, so that most MP3 players can read and display this information. By selecting this option, a tag will be added after extraction. -->
  
−
; <big>Check for external programs return code</big>
+
:; Check for external programs return code
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
When this setting is enabled, EAC checks the return code of an external compressor. When the external compressor returns an error code (e.g. because of a wrong command-line parameter was used), EAC shows this error message in a dialog box. So, it’s recommended to enable this option in order to diagnose any errors.
 
When this setting is enabled, EAC checks the return code of an external compressor. When the external compressor returns an error code (e.g. because of a wrong command-line parameter was used), EAC shows this error message in a dialog box. So, it’s recommended to enable this option in order to diagnose any errors.
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== Additional External Compression ==
 
== Additional External Compression ==
  
−
[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Additional_External_Compression.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''Additional External Compression''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Additional_External_Compression.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''Additional External Compression''' tab]]
−
{{panel|This entire tab is hidden in '''[[EAC_Options#Tools|beginner mode]]'''.|color=yellow}}
+
{{panel|This entire tab is hidden in '''[[EAC_Options#beginner_mode|beginner mode]]'''.|color=yellow}}
  
 
The option to use a second external compressor was introduced in EAC v1.4.  
 
The option to use a second external compressor was introduced in EAC v1.4.  
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−
; <big>Use an additional external program for compression</big>
+
:; Use an additional external program for compression
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
  
 
To use the additional external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.
 
To use the additional external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.
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{{panel|When not enabled, all of the options below this option are greyed out.}}
 
{{panel|When not enabled, all of the options below this option are greyed out.}}
  
−
All options for the '''''additional external compressor''''' are similar to (yet independent of) the '''''external compressor''''' options (except for the '''Delete WAV after compression''' option, which only needs to be enabled once for both external compressors).
+
All options for the '''''additional external compressor''''' are similar to (yet independent of) the '''''external compressor''''' options (except for the '''Delete WAV after compression''' option, which only needs to be enabled once for both external compressors because the WAV is only written one time).
  
−
''see the [[EAC_Compression_Options#External_compression|External Compression]] tab for additional information.''
+
''see the [[#External_compression|External Compression]] tab for additional information.''
  
 
== Comment ==
 
== Comment ==
  
−
[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Comment.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''Comment''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Comment.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''Comment''' tab]]
 
This tab offers options regarding the ID3 tag comment field and/or the contents of the %comment% placeholder.
 
This tab offers options regarding the ID3 tag comment field and/or the contents of the %comment% placeholder.
  
−
; <big>Use LAME command-line encoder/decoder for decoding MP3 files</big>
+
:; Use LAME command-line encoder/decoder for decoding MP3 files
−
: ''(Default: disabled)''
+
:: ''(Default: disabled)''
  
 
{{panel|This option is usually greyed out. To make it available, a [[LAME]] executable (lame.exe) has to be placed in the EAC directory. This has to be done manually.}}
 
{{panel|This option is usually greyed out. To make it available, a [[LAME]] executable (lame.exe) has to be placed in the EAC directory. This has to be done manually.}}
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When selected, EAC will make use of the decoding unit of the LAME executable instead of the Fraunhofer MP3 codec. For that the LAME compressor must reside in the EAC directory. If the Fraunhofer codec is not available, the LAME decoder will be used automatically (if installed). -->
 
When selected, EAC will make use of the decoding unit of the LAME executable instead of the Fraunhofer MP3 codec. For that the LAME compressor must reside in the EAC directory. If the Fraunhofer codec is not available, the LAME decoder will be used automatically (if installed). -->
  
−
; <big>Construction of the ID3 tag comment field on extraction</big>
+
:; Construction of the ID3 tag comment field on extraction
  
 
When the option ''Add [[ID3]] tag'' in the ''External Compression'' tab is enabled, this setting specifies what information should be stored in the comment field.  
 
When the option ''Add [[ID3]] tag'' in the ''External Compression'' tab is enabled, this setting specifies what information should be stored in the comment field.  
 
: or
 
: or
 
When the option ''Add [[ID3]] tag'' is ''NOT'' enabled and tagging is completely done via command-line parameters, this setting specifies the contents of the "%comment%" placeholder, which can then be included in the command line of each newly encoded file. The "%comment%" placeholder can be used for any type of tag (not just ID3).
 
When the option ''Add [[ID3]] tag'' is ''NOT'' enabled and tagging is completely done via command-line parameters, this setting specifies the contents of the "%comment%" placeholder, which can then be included in the command line of each newly encoded file. The "%comment%" placeholder can be used for any type of tag (not just ID3).
−
: The following options are available:
 
  
−
* '''<big>Write the comment text of the CD into ID3 tag comment field</big>''' ''(Default: enabled)'': The text entered in the main window's "Comment" textbox is written into the comment field.
+
The following options are available:
 +
 
 +
:; ◯  Write the comment text of the CD into ID3 tag comment field
 +
:: ''(Default: enabled)''
 +
:: The text entered in the main window's "Comment" textbox is written into the comment field.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
Using the option, EAC will write the text entered in the main windows CD comment for the ID3 tags of the given CD -->
 
Using the option, EAC will write the text entered in the main windows CD comment for the ID3 tags of the given CD -->
  
−
* '''<big>Write “Track <tracknumber>” into ID3 tag comment field</big>:''' Track number is written into the comment field.
+
:; ◯  Write “Track <tracknumber>” into ID3 tag comment field
 +
:: Track number is written into the comment field.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
ID3 tags have the ability to store a comment field within them. It is possible for EAC to store different strings into it automatically on creation. In this case EAC will store the track number into the comment field. -->
 
ID3 tags have the ability to store a comment field within them. It is possible for EAC to store different strings into it automatically on creation. In this case EAC will store the track number into the comment field. -->
  
−
* '''<big>Write CRC checksum into ID3 tag comment field</big>:''' A track’s [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclic_redundancy_check CRC checksum] is written into the comment field.
+
:; ◯  Write CRC checksum into ID3 tag comment field
 +
:: A track’s [[wikipedia:Cyclic_redundancy_check|CRC checksum]] is written into the comment field.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
EAC will write into the comment field the track’s CRC checksum, which should be the same on a second error-free extraction, but of course only for offset-corrected reads or drives of the same model. -->
 
EAC will write into the comment field the track’s CRC checksum, which should be the same on a second error-free extraction, but of course only for offset-corrected reads or drives of the same model. -->
  
−
* '''<big>Write freedb ID into ID3 tag comment field</big>:''' A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedb freedb] ID is written into the comment field.  
+
:; ◯  Write freedb ID into ID3 tag comment field
 +
:: A [[wikipedia:Freedb|freedb]] ID is written into the comment field.  
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
When using this option, EAC will put the freedb ID (a hexadecimal number with 8 digits) into the ID3 tag comment field. This can help to retrieve album information for a single track from freedb at a later time. -->
 
When using this option, EAC will put the freedb ID (a hexadecimal number with 8 digits) into the ID3 tag comment field. This can help to retrieve album information for a single track from freedb at a later time. -->
  
−
* '''<big>Write following text into ID3 tag comment field</big>:''' Text of your own choice is written into the comment field.
+
:; ◯  Write following text into ID3 tag comment field
 +
:: Text of your own choice is written into the comment field.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
Using this option, EAC will write the same string into the comment field of all ID3 tags it creates. This string may be specified below and may have a maximum length of 29-30 characters for ID3V1. -->
 
Using this option, EAC will write the same string into the comment field of all ID3 tags it creates. This string may be specified below and may have a maximum length of 29-30 characters for ID3V1. -->
Line 366: Line 374:
 
This string is written to all ID3 tag comment fields and may have a maximum length of 30 (V1.0) or 29 (V1.1). For ID3 V2 there is no length limitation. -->
 
This string is written to all ID3 tag comment fields and may have a maximum length of 30 (V1.0) or 29 (V1.1). For ID3 V2 there is no length limitation. -->
  
−
==ID3 Tag==
+
== ID3 Tag ==
  
−
[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_ID3_Tag.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''ID3 Tag''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_ID3_Tag.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''ID3 Tag''' tab]]
  
 
This tab offers some options regarding the [[ID3]] [[tag]]ging capabilities of EAC. Note that the option {{code|''Add ID3 tag''}} in the ''External Compression'' tab has to be enabled for ''MOST'' of these settings to have an effect (the exception being the {{code|''cover image''}} settings).
 
This tab offers some options regarding the [[ID3]] [[tag]]ging capabilities of EAC. Note that the option {{code|''Add ID3 tag''}} in the ''External Compression'' tab has to be enabled for ''MOST'' of these settings to have an effect (the exception being the {{code|''cover image''}} settings).
Line 374: Line 382:
 
In the first two settings you choose if you want ID3v1 tags, ID3v2 tags or both!
 
In the first two settings you choose if you want ID3v1 tags, ID3v2 tags or both!
  
−
; <big>Write ID3v1 tags</big>
+
:; Write ID3v1 tags
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
  
 
[[ID3v1]] tags are stored in a 128 byte block at the end of the file, are limited in size and fields but a legacy standard for older players. Some modern players (e.g. itunes) will ignore this tag.   
 
[[ID3v1]] tags are stored in a 128 byte block at the end of the file, are limited in size and fields but a legacy standard for older players. Some modern players (e.g. itunes) will ignore this tag.   
Line 382: Line 390:
  
  
−
; <big>Write ID3v2 tags, using a padding of {{code|'' n  ''}} kB</big>
+
:; Write ID3v2 tags, using a padding of {{code|'' n  ''}} kB
−
: ''Default: enabled / 4''
+
:: ''Default: enabled / 4''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled / 4'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled / 4'''
  
 
With this option enabled, EAC writes [[ID3v2]] (ID3v2.3) tags to the encoded files. Because ID3v2 tags have a lot advantages over ID3v1 tags (e.g. [[wikipedia:Unicode|Unicode]] support) and are supported by modern players, it is recommended to enable this option.
 
With this option enabled, EAC writes [[ID3v2]] (ID3v2.3) tags to the encoded files. Because ID3v2 tags have a lot advantages over ID3v1 tags (e.g. [[wikipedia:Unicode|Unicode]] support) and are supported by modern players, it is recommended to enable this option.
Line 392: Line 400:
 
As ID3v2 tags are usually placed in front of a file, there may be a problem with altering or adding tags once the file is written. If tags are added or existing tags are becoming bigger, the ID3 chunk in a file will need some more space. In the worst case, the whole audio file has to be rewritten, which may be time consuming.
 
As ID3v2 tags are usually placed in front of a file, there may be a problem with altering or adding tags once the file is written. If tags are added or existing tags are becoming bigger, the ID3 chunk in a file will need some more space. In the worst case, the whole audio file has to be rewritten, which may be time consuming.
  
−
This is where padding comes into play. When using padding, some additional space is added to the file while encoding to store such added or growing tags. In this case, the file does not have to be rewrittten completely, only this additional padding space is used when tags are added or altered. This makes adding/altering tags a lot more convenient and faster. The only disadvantage of padding is that the encoded files are a little bigger. EAC suggests a padding size of 4 KB. This means that every encoded file will be 4 KB bigger in size compared to a file which does not use padding. So if it is likely that you change or add some tags after the file has been created, then you should leave this option at 4 KB (or fit it your needs). If saving space (e.g. for mobile usage) is more important for you, then you can set this setting to 0 KB.
+
This is where padding comes into play. When using padding, some additional space is added to the file while encoding to store such added or growing tags. In this case, the file does not have to be rewritten completely, only this additional padding space is used when tags are added or altered. This makes adding/altering tags a lot more convenient and faster. The only disadvantage of padding is that the encoded files are a little bigger. EAC suggests a padding size of 4 kB. This means that every encoded file will be 4 kB bigger in size compared to a file which does not use padding. So if it is likely that you change or add some tags after the file has been created, then you should leave this option at 4 kB (or fit it your needs). If saving space (e.g. for mobile usage) is more important for you, then you can set this setting to 0 kB.
 
<!-- NumericUpDown ToolTip text:
 
<!-- NumericUpDown ToolTip text:
 
Because the ID3V2 tag is written at the start of a file, it would be difficult to edit such a tag once written. You could reserve some space for later usage and additions. If no space would be reserved, an edit operation will result in copying the whole file. -->
 
Because the ID3V2 tag is written at the start of a file, it would be difficult to edit such a tag once written. You could reserve some space for later usage and additions. If no space would be reserved, an edit operation will result in copying the whole file. -->
Line 399: Line 407:
  
  
−
Several of the following settings are dependent on other settings you enabled above. The recommendations below are based on the ISO-8859-1 (Latin 1) character set, which is widely supported by hardware/software. Depending on what your hardware and/or software supports and want language(s) you need, you may need to chanfe so of the settings.
+
Several of the following settings are dependent on other settings you enabled above. The recommendations below are based on the ISO-8859-1 (Latin 1) character set, which is widely supported by hardware/software. Depending on what your hardware and/or software supports and what language(s) you need, you may need to change a few of the settings to suit your needs.
 
    
 
    
−
; <big>Use ID3v1.1 tags instead of ID3v1.0 tags</big>
+
:; Use ID3v1.1 tags instead of ID3v1.0 tags
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
When this option is enabled, [[ID3v1.1]] tags are used instead of [[ID3v1|ID3v1.0]] tags. The only difference between the two is that the former can additionally store a track number. Because most players are capable of reading ID3v1.1 tags, it is recommended to enable this option.  
 
When this option is enabled, [[ID3v1.1]] tags are used instead of [[ID3v1|ID3v1.0]] tags. The only difference between the two is that the former can additionally store a track number. Because most players are capable of reading ID3v1.1 tags, it is recommended to enable this option.  
Line 409: Line 417:
 
In the newer ID3 format V1.1 it is possible to store additionally the track number on the CD in the ID3 tag. Most newer players are compatible with the newer standard, but not all, possibly resulting in a comment with a funny character at the end. -->
 
In the newer ID3 format V1.1 it is possible to store additionally the track number on the CD in the ID3 tag. Most newer players are compatible with the newer standard, but not all, possibly resulting in a comment with a funny character at the end. -->
  
−
; <big>Use ID3v2.4.0 tags instead of ID3v2.3.0 tags</big>
+
:; Use ID3v2.4.0 tags instead of ID3v2.3.0 tags
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''disabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''disabled'''
  
 
ID3v2.4 is the latest development of this standard and has a few advantages over ID3v2.3 (e.g. allows usage of [[wikipedia:UTF-8|UTF-8]] character encoding). However, support for ID3v2.4 has not historically been very universal. If you have a need for ID3v2.4 tags and your hardware and software supports it then feel free to enable this option.
 
ID3v2.4 is the latest development of this standard and has a few advantages over ID3v2.3 (e.g. allows usage of [[wikipedia:UTF-8|UTF-8]] character encoding). However, support for ID3v2.4 has not historically been very universal. If you have a need for ID3v2.4 tags and your hardware and software supports it then feel free to enable this option.
Line 418: Line 426:
 
When selected EAC will use the newer ID3V2 tag standard version 2.4.0 instead of 2.3.0. There may be incompatibilities with tagger or player software using the new tagging standard. -->
 
When selected EAC will use the newer ID3V2 tag standard version 2.4.0 instead of 2.3.0. There may be incompatibilities with tagger or player software using the new tagging standard. -->
  
−
; <big>Use track format xx/xx in ID3v2 tags (e.g. 01/16)</big>
+
:; Use track format xx/xx in ID3v2 tags (e.g. 01/16)
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
ID3v1 is only able to store the track number itself (e.g. "05"). With ID3v2 it is possible to store also the number of total tracks (e.g. "05/15"). If you wish to keep this information with your files, leave this option enabled.
 
ID3v1 is only able to store the track number itself (e.g. "05"). With ID3v2 it is possible to store also the number of total tracks (e.g. "05/15"). If you wish to keep this information with your files, leave this option enabled.
Line 426: Line 434:
 
Usually track numbers will be stored in the ID3V2 tags the same way as in ID3V1, with only the track number stored within the tag. With ID3V2 it is possible to store the track number as well as the total number of tracks. Most programs will display the information as track number/total tracks. -->
 
Usually track numbers will be stored in the ID3V2 tags the same way as in ID3V1, with only the track number stored within the tag. With ID3V2 it is possible to store the track number as well as the total number of tracks. Most programs will display the information as track number/total tracks. -->
  
−
; <big>Use unsyncronization scheme on ID3V2 tags </big>
+
:; Use unsyncronization scheme on ID3V2 tags  
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''disabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''disabled'''
  
 
MP3 audio data is identified by a sync signal at the beginning of the MP3 frame. Most modern players will ignore a similar pattern when found in the ID3v2 tag but some [older] players may mistake the pattern as a valid sync signal and attempt to play the tag.
 
MP3 audio data is identified by a sync signal at the beginning of the MP3 frame. Most modern players will ignore a similar pattern when found in the ID3v2 tag but some [older] players may mistake the pattern as a valid sync signal and attempt to play the tag.
Line 439: Line 447:
 
The MP3 format has a special sync pattern (FFFx), which might show up in standard tagging fields. In order to improve readability by a MP3 player, it is possible to make sure that no synchronization pattern shows up in the tagging data (as it can’t confuse the tagging data with real MP3 data). But quite much players do not obey the standard and thus can’t extract the tags correctly anymore as e.g. the Windows Media Player. Thus it is not recommended to use this scheme (even though it would be the correct choice)! -->
 
The MP3 format has a special sync pattern (FFFx), which might show up in standard tagging fields. In order to improve readability by a MP3 player, it is possible to make sure that no synchronization pattern shows up in the tagging data (as it can’t confuse the tagging data with real MP3 data). But quite much players do not obey the standard and thus can’t extract the tags correctly anymore as e.g. the Windows Media Player. Thus it is not recommended to use this scheme (even though it would be the correct choice)! -->
  
−
; <big>Write ID3V2 tags using UTF16</big>
+
:; Write ID3V2 tags using UTF16
−
: ''Default: disabled''
+
:: ''Default: disabled''
−
: Recommended: '''disabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''disabled'''
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
Standard ID3V2 tags only allow ISO-8859-1 characters. If you want other languages with specific character sets, it will be necessary to use this flag. Without this flag, EAC will try to encode the tag fields using multibyte encoding, but this is not recommended, as some players will not show the correct text (as it doesn’t know the correct code page). The downside is that some players doesn’t accept Unicode ID3V2 tags at all - so you need to try out what fits you best. -->
 
Standard ID3V2 tags only allow ISO-8859-1 characters. If you want other languages with specific character sets, it will be necessary to use this flag. Without this flag, EAC will try to encode the tag fields using multibyte encoding, but this is not recommended, as some players will not show the correct text (as it doesn’t know the correct code page). The downside is that some players doesn’t accept Unicode ID3V2 tags at all - so you need to try out what fits you best. -->
Line 451: Line 459:
 
The next settings handle the CD cover image (if one exists).  
 
The next settings handle the CD cover image (if one exists).  
  
−
; <big>Add cover image to ID3V2 tag </big>
+
:; Add cover image to ID3V2 tag  
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
  
 
When a CD cover image exists ''and''  
 
When a CD cover image exists ''and''  
Line 469: Line 477:
 
If the current CD information has a cover image included, it will be added to the ID3V2 tag. This is not possible for all compression schemes, for command line encoder it need to be specified using the %coverfile% option (probably in conjunction with %hascover%...%hascover% enclosures, as this option triggers %hascover%). One thing using LAME and let it do the tagging is that it will only work with newer LAME versions and only accept images up to a limit of 128kB in size. Further, large image sizes will increase the created file sizes dramatically, e.g. if you have an image of 1 MB in size and add it to all 20 tracks of a CD, you will end up with 20 MB more harddisk space used! -->
 
If the current CD information has a cover image included, it will be added to the ID3V2 tag. This is not possible for all compression schemes, for command line encoder it need to be specified using the %coverfile% option (probably in conjunction with %hascover%...%hascover% enclosures, as this option triggers %hascover%). One thing using LAME and let it do the tagging is that it will only work with newer LAME versions and only accept images up to a limit of 128kB in size. Further, large image sizes will increase the created file sizes dramatically, e.g. if you have an image of 1 MB in size and add it to all 20 tracks of a CD, you will end up with 20 MB more harddisk space used! -->
  
−
; <big>Write cover image into extraction folder</big>
+
:; Write cover image into extraction folder
−
: ''Default: enabled''
+
:: ''Default: enabled''
−
: Recommended: '''enabled'''
+
:: Recommended: '''enabled'''
 
When this option is enabled and a CD cover image exists, the file will be saved to the extraction folder using the ''Naming scheme'' below.
 
When this option is enabled and a CD cover image exists, the file will be saved to the extraction folder using the ''Naming scheme'' below.
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
<!-- ToolTip text:
 
The cover image of a CD (if existent) will be written in the extraction folder under the name folder.jpg (or in whichever file format it is stored). -->
 
The cover image of a CD (if existent) will be written in the extraction folder under the name folder.jpg (or in whichever file format it is stored). -->
−
; <big>Naming scheme: </big>
+
:; Naming scheme:  
−
: ''Default: %albumartist% - %albumtitle%''
+
:: ''Default: %albumartist% - %albumtitle%''
 
This is similar to the filename naming scheme for audio files. You can use placeholders or a fixed name (e.g. ''folder'' or ''cover''). The file extension (e.g. ''.jpg'' or ''.gif'') will be added automatically.
 
This is similar to the filename naming scheme for audio files. You can use placeholders or a fixed name (e.g. ''folder'' or ''cover''). The file extension (e.g. ''.jpg'' or ''.gif'') will be added automatically.
 
<!-- Namening scheme: %albumartist% - %albumtitle%
 
<!-- Namening scheme: %albumartist% - %albumtitle%
Line 534: Line 542:
 
== LAME DLL ==
 
== LAME DLL ==
  
−
[[Image:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Lame_DLL.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''LAME DLL''' tab]]
+
[[File:EAC_v1.x_Compression_options_Lame_DLL.png|thumb|right|EAC '''compression options''', '''LAME DLL''' tab]]
 
If this tab is visible, EAC detected {{code|lame_enc.dll}} in the Program Folder.
 
If this tab is visible, EAC detected {{code|lame_enc.dll}} in the Program Folder.
  
Line 551: Line 559:
  
 
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/support/faq/ EAC FAQ (placeholders for command-line options)]
 
* [http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/en/index.php/support/faq/ EAC FAQ (placeholders for command-line options)]
−
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclic_redundancy_check Wikipedia: CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)]
+
* [[wikipedia:Cyclic_redundancy_check|Wikipedia: CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)]]
−
* [http://www.sonicspot.com/guide/wavefiles.html The Sonic Spot: Wave File Format]
+
* [http://www.sonicspot.com/guide/wavefiles.html The Sonic Spot: Wave File Format] {{webarchive|https://web.archive.org/web/20141226210234/http://www.sonicspot.com/guide/wavefiles.html|2014-12-26}}
−
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resource_Interchange_File_Format Wikipedia: RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format)]
+
* [[wikipedia:Resource_Interchange_File_Format|Wikipedia: RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format)]]
−
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Id3 Wikipedia: ID3]
+
* [[wikipedia:Id3|Wikipedia: ID3]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Category:EAC Guides|Compression Options & EAC]]

Latest revision as of 11:35, 2 October 2023

This page has been locked to avoid vandalism. If you would like
to suggest changes to it, please use the discussion page or the forum.
Exact Audio Copy guides
Configuration
Compression
Other

This article was updated to reflect compression options in EAC v1.0b2 and newer. For information about compression options in earlier versions of EAC, see EAC Compression Options (Legacy).

In Exact Audio Copy’s compression options dialog (keyboard shortcut: F11) are found all options regarding the creating of compressed audio files. Here the user specifies how EAC is to behave when they press the CMP Button in the main window or select compressed items under the Action menu.

Note: many options are dependent on the codec or external compressor (encoder). So, often no clear recommendation can be given. It is important that the user has a general understanding of what these settings do and how they possibly change the behavior of EAC and/or the codec/external compressor.


Waveform

EAC compression options, Waveform tab

This tab allows you to select and choose the options for an internal codec. After audio data is read from the CD, EAC will pass it to the codec, and will write the codec's output to a file. Generally speaking, EAC’s internal codec support is for writing unusual WAV files (e.g. containing audio in the ADPCM format or as a rare way of storing MP3 data), although the options do allow for writing other formats.

An internal codec is a CBR (constant bit rate) audio converter library managed through the Windows Audio Compression Manager (ACM) legacy interface, and it typically has a filename ending in .acm. Windows comes with a few such codecs installed already. These aren’t programs you run directly; they’re just converters invoked from within another program, e.g. EAC.

All options are greyed out here if Use external program for compression in the External Compression tab is ticked. When using an external compressor, you of course cannot use an internal codec so settings on this tab will be ignored.

Today, most people ripping music CDs don't use internal codecs; they use an external compressor, which is configured in the External Compression tab. An external compressor is a separate program that can be run directly from a command shell with various arguments telling it which file to compress, what tags to add, the output filename, etc.

Wave format

In this drop down box, all codecs installed on your system are listed. When new codecs are installed, they should show up in this list. The codec to choose depends on what should be achieved with the compression (sample format, compression ratio, etc.).

Sample format

With this option, different combinations of parameters for the compression and output format can be chosen, such as sample rate, resolution, mono/stereo. Which options are available here depends on the codec selected at the Wave format option (e.g. some codecs only support 4 bit resolution).

If you were to choose Microsoft PCM Converter as the codec, and 44,100 Hz, 16 Bit, Stereo as the output format, it would be the same as doing an uncompressed CD rip.

Add ID3 tag
Default: disabled
Recommended: enabled

Some formats (e.g. MP3) support ID3 tags. When this option is enabled, EAC will add these tags to the compressed files (only if the internal codec file format supports ID3 tags).

Do not write WAV header to file
Default: disabled

The codec only converts the audio data. EAC writes it to a file. This parameter determines whether to include a WAV header in the file.

Although it has become a de facto standard that WAV files contain 16 bit, 44.1 kHz stereo PCM audio data (as on audio CDs), what actually makes an audio file a WAV file is not the format of the audio data itself but the presence of a WAV header at its beginning. The header specifies which data chunk(s) are in the file (normally there's just a single chunk consisting of all the audio), info about what format it’s in, and possibly some other rudimentary metadata. When such a header is present, EAC will ensure the output filename ends with .wav.

If you have chosen a codec that outputs PCM data, then you probably do want a WAV header and filename ending in .wav, so this option should be enabled. But if you have chosen a codec that outputs MP3 or Ogg Vorbis data, then the WAV header is optional, and in fact is probably not what you want, unless you have a specific need to put the compressed audio into a WAV file.

For example, if you choose an MP3 codec, and you have this option disabled, then you'll generate an ordinary MP3 file, and therefore you should enter .mp3 in the next box (file extension for headerless files) to make sure it has a helpful filename. But if you choose an MP3 codec and you have this option enabled, then you'll generate an MP3 file that begins with a WAV header, and the filename will end in .wav, and is likely to be confusing.

File extension for header files
Recommended: .raw

When the Do not write WAV header to file option is enabled, a filename extension for the output files can be specified here (e.g. .mp3 for MP3 files). If the above option is disabled, this setting gets greyed out automatically.

Quality setting
Default: Low quality (fast)
Recommended: High quality (slow)

Some internal codecs support a quality setting to choose between a higher quality of the output files or faster encoding speed. If quality is the only matter, leave this option at the default, which is High quality (slow).

Note: EAC offers this choice of quality settings even if the selected codec doesn't use it.

External Compression

EAC compression options, External Compression tab

In this tab, all options for external compressors can be configured. As all settings are highly dependent on the particular compressor, most settings are only described here in general terms because often no specific recommendations can be given; but see the many EAC guides (also linked below) written by Hydrogenaudio users for in-depth advice on topics including configuring various external encoders.

General recommendation: To avoid unwanted side effects and to be able to configure the encoding process in every detail, User Defined Encoder should be used as Parameter passing scheme and all options should be specified via the Additional command-line options only.

"Side effects" basically means that it is a little complex what options have which effect when another Parameter passing scheme is specified (e.g. some settings are ignored completely). These side effects are explained in the following parameters, but specifying User Defined Encoder and using the command-line options only is a lot more convenient.

As mentioned above, there are also a few articles with details about how to configure EAC to use particular encoders:

  EAC and AAC
  EAC and ALAC
  EAC and FLAC
  EAC and FLAC (FFMPEG)
  EAC and Lame
  EAC and LossyWAV
  EAC and Monkey's Audio
  EAC and Musepack
  EAC and Ogg Vorbis
  EAC and Opus
  EAC and QAAC
  EAC and TAK
  EAC and WavPack


Use external program for compression
Default: disabled
Recommended: enabled

To use an external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.

When not enabled, all of the options below this option are greyed out.


Parameter passing scheme

EAC comes with a few presets concerning external compressors and the required parameter passing scheme; they can be selected with this option (e.g. the Bit rate box will show all available options after a particular compressor was chosen here). But in general, the capabilities of EAC in passing parameters to external compressors are limited. In order to overcome some of these limitations, you can and should use the Additional command-line options for to pass parameters. The usual approach is setting the Parameter passing scheme to User Defined Encoder and using the Additional command-line options to specify all the encoding options.

Use file extension

When using a User Defined Encoder as above, a file extension must be specified here. This should be the extension of the encoded file type (e.g. .flac when using a FLAC encoder and .mp3 when encoding to MP3).

Program, including path, used for compression

The absolute path to the program used for compression (e.g. C:\Program Files\LAME\lame.exe). By clicking on the Browse... button, this path can be chosen by a file dialog.

Additional command-line options

Here additional parameters for the external compressor can be specified. To configure the additional command-line options, you can use the placeholders listed below (taken from the EAC FAQ. For a comprehensive overview and by-version comparison of command-line placeholders, as well as those for Naming the output file, please see the dedicated page about EAC placeholders.

placeholders
placeholder meaning
 %source% Source filename
 %dest% Destination filename
 %original% Original filename (without temporary renaming)
 %ishigh%…%ishigh% Text “…” only when “High quality” selected
 %islow%…%islow% Text “…” only when “Low quality” selected
 %haslyrics%…%haslyrics% Text “…” only when lyrics exist
 %hascover%…%hascover% Text “…” only when storing cd cover is enabled and cover exists
 %crcenabled%…%crcenabled% Text “…” only when “CRC checksum” selected
 %title% Track title
 %genre% MP3 music genre
 %year% Year
 %cddbid% freedb ID
 %artist% Track artist
 %lyrics% Lyrics
 %lyricsfile% Filename of lyrics text file (ANSI)
 %bitrate% Bitrate (“32?..”320?)
 %comment% Comment (as selected in EAC)
 %tracknr% Track number
 %totalcds% Total number of CDs in the given CD set
 %cdnumber% Number of the CD
 %composer% Track performer
 %trackcrc% CRC of extracted track
 %coverfile% Filename of CD cover image
 %numtracks% Number of tracks on album
 %albumtitle% CD title
 %albumartist% CD artist
 %albumcomposer% CD composer
 %albuminterpret% CD performer
 %% The ‘%’ character

So, an exemplary EAC 1.0b2 or newer command-line for the LAME MP3 encoder could look like this : 

-V 0 --vbr-new --ta "%artist%" --tt "%title%" --tl "%albumtitle%" --tg "%genre%" --ty "%year%" --tn "%tracknr%" --tc "%comment%" %source% %dest%

As you can see, the command-line options of LAME (e.g. -V 0, --ta, --tt, etc.) are used in conjunction with the EAC placeholders (e.g. %artist%, %title%, etc.) to control LAME using this command-line.

More examples are given in the article EAC and LAME, which -by the way- recommends enabling the Add ID3 tag option (in contrast to what is said below). In this case using the command-line parameters have no effect because EAC immediately overwrites the tags written by the encoder.


Bit rate

What is shown in this drop-down box depends on the Parameter passing scheme selected and specifies the bit rate/quality settings of the external compressor. This setting is also used to calculate the approximate size of the compressed tracks shown in EAC's main window.

In the case that User Defined Encoder is selected as the Parameter passing scheme, this setting does not have an effect unless the %bitrate% parameter is specified in the Additional command-line options.

Quality setting
Default: High quality
Recommended: High quality

Many encoders offer the choice between better quality or faster encoding speed. This option is designated to choose between these two settings, but the precise behavior depends on what is selected on the Parameter passing scheme:

If User Defined Encoder is chosen, this option does not have an effect unless the %ishigh%…%ishigh% and %islow%…%islow% parameters are used in the Additional command-line options (see below).

When any other Parameter passing scheme is used, this setting is reflected on the particular encoder. When using LAME for instance, High quality corresponds to the -h switch, whereas Low quality uses the -f switch (in this case, these switches specify the "Noise shaping and psycho acoustic algorithms", means choice between quality and encoding speed). This is another reason that it is advisable to use a completely custom User defined encoder; but if you do use another scheme, you will probably want to ensure that High quality is selected.

As already mentioned above, with this setting it is also possible to configure the Additional command-line option even further: by delimiting chosen portions of your command line with the placeholders %ishigh% and %islow%, you can specify two alternate settings for the external compressor to use depending on this option. The following example (simplified) shows how to use this feature (again with LAME): 

%ishigh%-V0%ishigh% %islow%-V5%islow% --vbr-new %source% %dest%

In this case, if the High quality option is chosen, LAME will encode with -V0; whereas it will encode at -V5 when Low quality is selected.

Delete WAV after compression
Default: enabled
Recommended: enabled

If this setting is enabled, EAC automatically deletes the extracted WAV file after compression. If you do not need these files (of course the compressed files are kept) after extraction/compression, leave this option enabled.

Use CRC check
Default: enabled
Recommended: disabled

Some encoders have the ability to store a CRC checksum (cyclic redundancy check) in the resulting (compressed) file. This might be used then to check the consistency of this file during playback. But enabling this CRC check has two major drawbacks: First, this will add 16 bits (the CRC value) on every frame of the encoded file and will possibly increase the file size considerably. Second, many encoders do not support this feature very well because of calculating wrong CRC checksums. So usually players will simply ignore this information. This option also has no effect at all when selected User Defined Encoder at the Parameter passing scheme. Thus having more disadvantages, it is generally recommended to disable this option regardless of the encoder used.

When User Defined Encoder is chosen, this setting allows additional parameters to take effect using the %crcenabled%…%crcenabled% placeholder, otherwise it has no effect.

Add ID3 tag

When this option is enabled, EAC writes ID3 tags to the compressed files. Make sure only to use this setting with mp3 files. Formats such as flac, TAK, WavPack, Monkey's Audio and Ogg Vorbis were not intended to use ID3 tags and adding such tags may cause problems.

Another possibility to include ID3 tagging is to use the external compressor itself to tag the resulting files. This would be done via the Additional command-line options. Indeed, it is recommended to use this where available, as seen in the above example command lines for LAME. (If this option is enabled and tagging instructions are included in the command line, the latter have no effect because EAC immediately overwrites the tags written by the encoder.

Check for external programs return code
Default: disabled
Recommended: enabled

When this setting is enabled, EAC checks the return code of an external compressor. When the external compressor returns an error code (e.g. because of a wrong command-line parameter was used), EAC shows this error message in a dialog box. So, it’s recommended to enable this option in order to diagnose any errors.


Additional External Compression

EAC compression options, Additional External Compression tab

This entire tab is hidden in beginner mode.

The option to use a second external compressor was introduced in EAC v1.4.

The external compressor on the previous tab needs to be enabled or ALL settings on this tab will be greyed out.


Use an additional external program for compression
Default: disabled

To use the additional external compressor, this setting needs to be enabled.

When not enabled, all of the options below this option are greyed out.

All options for the additional external compressor are similar to (yet independent of) the external compressor options (except for the Delete WAV after compression option, which only needs to be enabled once for both external compressors because the WAV is only written one time).

see the External Compression tab for additional information.

Comment

EAC compression options, Comment tab

This tab offers options regarding the ID3 tag comment field and/or the contents of the %comment% placeholder.

Use LAME command-line encoder/decoder for decoding MP3 files
(Default: disabled)

This option is usually greyed out. To make it available, a LAME executable (lame.exe) has to be placed in the EAC directory. This has to be done manually.

If this option is enabled then, LAME is used automatically to decode MP3 files (Tools -> Decompress...). This overrides EAC's behavior which uses the Fraunhofer codec for MP3 decoding by default. If the Fraunhofer codec is not available for some reason, the LAME decoder will be used automatically (if found in the EAC directory).

Construction of the ID3 tag comment field on extraction

When the option Add ID3 tag in the External Compression tab is enabled, this setting specifies what information should be stored in the comment field.

or

When the option Add ID3 tag is NOT enabled and tagging is completely done via command-line parameters, this setting specifies the contents of the "%comment%" placeholder, which can then be included in the command line of each newly encoded file. The "%comment%" placeholder can be used for any type of tag (not just ID3).

The following options are available:

◯ Write the comment text of the CD into ID3 tag comment field
(Default: enabled)
The text entered in the main window's "Comment" textbox is written into the comment field.
◯ Write “Track <tracknumber>” into ID3 tag comment field
Track number is written into the comment field.
◯ Write CRC checksum into ID3 tag comment field
A track’s CRC checksum is written into the comment field.
◯ Write freedb ID into ID3 tag comment field
A freedb ID is written into the comment field.
◯ Write following text into ID3 tag comment field
Text of your own choice is written into the comment field.

ID3 Tag

EAC compression options, ID3 Tag tab

This tab offers some options regarding the ID3 tagging capabilities of EAC. Note that the option Add ID3 tag in the External Compression tab has to be enabled for MOST of these settings to have an effect (the exception being the cover image settings).

In the first two settings you choose if you want ID3v1 tags, ID3v2 tags or both!

Write ID3v1 tags
Default: enabled

ID3v1 tags are stored in a 128 byte block at the end of the file, are limited in size and fields but a legacy standard for older players. Some modern players (e.g. itunes) will ignore this tag.


Write ID3v2 tags, using a padding of n kB
Default: enabled / 4
Recommended: enabled / 4

With this option enabled, EAC writes ID3v2 (ID3v2.3) tags to the encoded files. Because ID3v2 tags have a lot advantages over ID3v1 tags (e.g. Unicode support) and are supported by modern players, it is recommended to enable this option.

As ID3v2 tags are usually placed in front of a file, there may be a problem with altering or adding tags once the file is written. If tags are added or existing tags are becoming bigger, the ID3 chunk in a file will need some more space. In the worst case, the whole audio file has to be rewritten, which may be time consuming.

This is where padding comes into play. When using padding, some additional space is added to the file while encoding to store such added or growing tags. In this case, the file does not have to be rewritten completely, only this additional padding space is used when tags are added or altered. This makes adding/altering tags a lot more convenient and faster. The only disadvantage of padding is that the encoded files are a little bigger. EAC suggests a padding size of 4 kB. This means that every encoded file will be 4 kB bigger in size compared to a file which does not use padding. So if it is likely that you change or add some tags after the file has been created, then you should leave this option at 4 kB (or fit it your needs). If saving space (e.g. for mobile usage) is more important for you, then you can set this setting to 0 kB.


Several of the following settings are dependent on other settings you enabled above. The recommendations below are based on the ISO-8859-1 (Latin 1) character set, which is widely supported by hardware/software. Depending on what your hardware and/or software supports and what language(s) you need, you may need to change a few of the settings to suit your needs.

Use ID3v1.1 tags instead of ID3v1.0 tags
Default: enabled
Recommended: enabled

When this option is enabled, ID3v1.1 tags are used instead of ID3v1.0 tags. The only difference between the two is that the former can additionally store a track number. Because most players are capable of reading ID3v1.1 tags, it is recommended to enable this option.

Use ID3v2.4.0 tags instead of ID3v2.3.0 tags
Default: disabled
Recommended: disabled

ID3v2.4 is the latest development of this standard and has a few advantages over ID3v2.3 (e.g. allows usage of UTF-8 character encoding). However, support for ID3v2.4 has not historically been very universal. If you have a need for ID3v2.4 tags and your hardware and software supports it then feel free to enable this option.

Use track format xx/xx in ID3v2 tags (e.g. 01/16)
Default: enabled
Recommended: enabled

ID3v1 is only able to store the track number itself (e.g. "05"). With ID3v2 it is possible to store also the number of total tracks (e.g. "05/15"). If you wish to keep this information with your files, leave this option enabled.

Use unsyncronization scheme on ID3V2 tags
Default: disabled
Recommended: disabled

MP3 audio data is identified by a sync signal at the beginning of the MP3 frame. Most modern players will ignore a similar pattern when found in the ID3v2 tag but some [older] players may mistake the pattern as a valid sync signal and attempt to play the tag.

The unsynchronization scheme inserts one zeroed byte after the first false sync byte in the ID3v2 tag (if found). The first bit in 'ID3 flags' is set to indicate that a false sync pattern was corrected in the ID3v2 tag by the 'unsynchronization scheme'.

Enabling this sounds like a good idea but some modern players (e.g. WMP9) that do not adhere to the complete ID3v2 standard cannot understand the corrections made by this setting.

Write ID3V2 tags using UTF16
Default: disabled
Recommended: disabled

ID3V2.3 tags only allow ISO-8859-1 characters. If you want other languages with specific character sets (and your player supports ID3v2.3 with Unicode characters), you can try enabling this setting.


The next settings handle the CD cover image (if one exists).

Add cover image to ID3V2 tag
Default: enabled
Recommended: enabled

When a CD cover image exists and

the option Write ID3v2 tags... above is enabled and
the option Add ID3 tag in the External Compression tab is enabled

this setting will embed the cover image in the ID3V2 tag.

or

When the option Add ID3 tag is NOT enabled and

tagging is completely done via command-line parameters

this setting enables the %coverfile% placeholder, which can be used with any type of tag that supports a cover image (not just ID3v2).

The placeholder should be used in conjunction with %hascover%...%hascover% conditional enclosures to prevent a 'file not found' error when no CD cover image exists (e.g. to add the cover image to LAME tag via command-line parameters: %hascover%--ti "%coverfile%"%hascover%).


Write cover image into extraction folder
Default: enabled
Recommended: enabled

When this option is enabled and a CD cover image exists, the file will be saved to the extraction folder using the Naming scheme below.

Naming scheme
Default: %albumartist% - %albumtitle%

This is similar to the filename naming scheme for audio files. You can use placeholders or a fixed name (e.g. folder or cover). The file extension (e.g. .jpg or .gif) will be added automatically.

Cover Filename Placeholders
placeholder meaning
 %numtracks% Number of tracks on album
 %albumtitle% CD title
 %albumartist% CD artist
 %albuminterpret% CD performer
 %albumcomposer% CD composer
 %year% Year
 %genre% MP3 music genre
 %cddbtype% freedb type (genre)
 %cddbid% freedb ID
 %comment% Comment (as selected in EAC)
 %totalcds% Total number of CDs in the given CD set
 %cdnumber% Number of the CD
 %% The ‘%’ character

LAME DLL

EAC compression options, LAME DLL tab

If this tab is visible, EAC detected lame_enc.dll in the Program Folder.

The options on this tab will have no effect on a program used on the External Compression tab(s).

The options on this tab are used when the LAME encoder is selected under Wave format on the Waveform tab and External Compression is not enabled.


Issues noted in the EAC News.rtf file: 

  LAME DLL produces defective, stuttering MP3s (bug exists since 1.0 beta 1!). 
  By the way, it seems that only LAME.DLL (VC6 compiled) is compatible with EAC...
Recommended: Do not use lame_enc.dll in EAC v1.0 (and above)

External links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.hydrogenaud.io/index.php?title=EAC_Compression_Options&oldid=37422"