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What is SoundExpert

Audio metric that makes a differenceSoundExpert (SE) is an independent non-commercial audio research project, which provides audio quality ratings of sound equipment and technologies such as mp3, aac, wma ... encoders and portable players (to be extended). It is the home for innovative music-based audio metric which works both for objective audio measurements and for listening tests. SE is in beta state because the new audio metric and corresponding listening test design are not widely adopted by audio engineers. So, please, use our ratings with caution.

The new listener-centric audio metric allows to perform objective audio measurements using real-life music material and various technical signals, not only sine waves. Such measurements:
• correlate well to human perception of sound quality
• are valid for digital audio
• do not contradict traditional audio metric but extend it
• are understandable to people without technical background
• can be performed at home using any recording device

The first practical application of the new measurement method can be found on the Portable players page.

The new listening test design helps to hear sound artifacts which are normally beyond threshold of human perception. The core of the new design is sound artifacts amplification technology (SARTAMP), which is backed by the new audio metric. Such amplification is particularly important for testing high-bitrate encoders and high quality audio equipment. This technology is used in SE listening tests since 2005. The tests are blind - participants don't know the particular device they assess. Resulting quality scores are completely unbiased and free from marketing and advertising noise.

Live Listening Tests @SoundExpertThe ratings of encoders are computed in real time while participants of the listening tests send their grades to the rating system. The more participants - the more devices and technologies can be tested. 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 grade. Details are in the test file. The more accurate grades - the more reliable ratings.

Detailed but still easy to understand overview of SE distributed listening tests is in the paper Live Listening Tests @SoundExpert.

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The main idea behind SoundExpert project is consumer control over sound quality of various audio equipment and technologies on the market. Production side deserves clearly defined feedback from consumers.

 

 

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Vorbis 1.3.3 in 256 kbit/s section

Vorbis 1.3.3 in 256 kbit/s section

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 [email protected] (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.

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Audio-Transparency Initiative
Audio-Transparency Initiative