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New Nero AAC Codec 1.5.3.0 in 192 kbit/s group
free nero aac codec 192 nero aac 1.5.3.0 nero encoder
The latest version of free Nero encoder has been just added. According to SE site statistics 192 kbit/s group is the most visited now. So it will be populated with contenders first of all. Thank you,
Cultural evolution @home
cultural evolution darwintunes distributed project
One more Distributed Human Project appeared on the internet. DarwinTunes models cultural evolution using music as an example. The project assumes that there is an analogy between darwinian evolution
Vorbis Xiph(1.2.3) vs. aoTuVb5.7 @80kbit/s
ogg aotuvb5.7 libvorbis 1.2.3 vorbis
It was correctly mentioned by visitors of the site that Ogg Vorbis encoders at SE are a bit outdated now. The more so as there were some developments in this field during 2008-2009. Vorbis encoder
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What is SoundExpert

SoundExpert.How it works.SoundExpert (SE) provides audio quality ratings of sound equipment and technologies such as mp3, aac, wma ... encoders, portable players, sound cards, amplifiers ... (only coders at the moment, though).

The ratings are based solely on results of blind listening tests when listeners don't know the particular device they test. So the values are completely unbiased and free from any marketing and advertising noise.

SoundExpert provides ratings thanks to visitors who take part in testing. The more number of participants - the more devices and technologies could be tested. The ratings are computed in real time while new grades are returned by visitors. The testing procedure is simple and short enough that anyone, including you, can participate. Just download a test file (≈3Mb), listen it (≈15s) and send back your judgment. Details are in test file. The more accurate grades - the more reliable ratings.

SoundExpert is independent non-commercial research project. It's in beta state because it uses new listening test design and audio metrics which are not widely adopted by audio engineers. The key feature of this new method is possibility to hear sound artifacts which are normally behind the threshold of human audibility. So, please, use these ratings at your own risk. Detailed but still easy to understand explanation of SE internal mechanics is in the article "SoundExpert. How it works".

The main idea behind this service is consumer control over sound quality measurements of various audio equipment on the market. SE, being a distributed human project, combines tiny efforts of audio gear users for carrying out this task.