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Vorbis 1.3.3 in 256 kbit/s section

Published Date 3/28/12 10:51 AM

According to Xiph.Org new release of popular Vorbis audio codec was out on 2012.02.03. It contains only bug, doc and security fixes (no quality improvements). Previous version – 1.3.2 – was released on 2010.11.02.

The latest Vorbis encoder was added to 256 kbit/s section with the following settings:

Vorbis VBR@256.4 (Xiph 1.3.3) - Ogg Vorbis, 256.4 kbit/s FBR
CODER: OggEnc v2.87 (libVorbis 1.3.3)
- usage: oggenc2 -q8.2 ref.wav
- 44100 Hz Stereo
DECODER: OggDec v1.9.7 (libVorbis 1.3.1)
- oggdec ref.ogg

As usually encoding was made with OggEnc utility and decoding – with OggDec utility without dithering.

What is Vorbis codec

Ogg Vorbis is a fully open, non-proprietary, patent-and-royalty-free, general-purpose compressed audio format for mid to high quality audio and music at fixed and variable bitrates. It means that you can freely encode and distribute your music in high quality without paying to anyone.

The Vorbis bitstream format was frozen in 2000 and all bitstreams encoded since will remain compatible with all future releases of Vorbis.

Extensive FAQ about Vorbis format is on Xiph.Org.

Where to download Vorbis codec

Vorbis encoder, decoder and other tools are available for all major platforms. Visit Vorbis.com to get them.

SoundExpert thanks David for this codec suggestion. We also received other suggestions on the codec and plan to add it to different SE bitrate sections. Your proposals are still welcome.

SoundExpert encourages you to take part in listening tests. All SE ratings including Vorbis ones exist only thanks to visitors like you. Testing is short and easy, visit our Testing Room for simple 1-2-3 instruction.

Please, remember, downloading a test file from SoundExpert you will not necessarily get a test file of Vorbis 1.3.3. SoundExpert testing is blind testing – you don't know the device you test. This is the only reliable way of getting true audio quality ratings, free from any cheating and various human senses other than perception of sound quality. After you have sent your grade you will see the device you tested.

Thank you in advance!
SE Team.

By Serge Smirnoff

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