Bit Rate determines the encoding quality of the CD / LP rip. The higher the bit rate, the higher the quality, but also the larger the file size. This is where the compromise can arise, player Storage Capacity vs. Audio quality. We can calculate the highest possible Bit Rate available to you given your Collection size and player storage.

Encoding Format depends on your music player(s). MP3 format is the most compatible, playing on phones, PCs, In-car systems, IPod, Zen. AAC is the replacement for MP3 and mostly only supported by Apple. WMA is Microsoft's alternative encoding format playing on most equipment & PCs. Other formats are more niche so check your (future) equipment capability.

Variable Bit rate .vs. Constant bit rate. Variable bit produces better quality ripping as it varies the bit rate to match the music. When selecting a VBR bite rate, that is the minimum bit rate that will be used, then if the music demands it, the bite rate will be increased to match. The disadvantage? Check your player supports it!

Premium Ripping is for the ultimate in sound quality. The 3 available formats are the highest quality possible and faithfully reproducing the sound from the CD. 320kbps is an encoded format with the highest bit rate available. FLAC is a lossless format using file compression only. Whereas WAV is lossless with no compression. Make sure about available disc capacity!

Dual Format. A natural extension to our Premium Ripping service. Rip two formats simultaneously. One audiophile quality for your Home Media Server where storage space is not a concern but quality reproduction is. Then a second encoded format ready for your portable media players where capacity is limited and quality can be set to match the listening environment.

Lyrics add a new dimension to your music collection. Have us embed the Album lyrics and set Windows Media Player to display the lyrics for each track as it plays.

Graphical Library add a HTML based Graphical Catalog of your Music Collection with navigation into your collection and real time links to Concert dates, Band news etc..

Which options to use?

192 & above!  We highly recommend using a bit rate of 192kbps or above. Our default is 224kbps MP3 which is considered nearly lossless quality. Remember you can always use your PC as the main music library and let it recode the files when syncing with your portable device. If not using a PC then consider 192kbps to maximise the number of tracks on the portable.

VBR will produce a better quality rip for a similar file size, but make sure your player supports it! Highly recommended for Classical & Heavy metal Genres.

MP3 as the most common and widely supported format and is the best bet if you frequently change your music players. If your an Apple fan, then understandably AAC is the format for you.

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