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Topic: School me on MP3 players |
erik
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Posted 28 May 2006 8:12 pm |
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I just bought this 256mg. I haven't loaded the software yet but I wonder. If I drag and drop MP3 files on to this thing are they the original files? Meaning they leave my computer? Or are they copies?
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-johnson
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 29 May 2006 1:48 am
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your windows Explorer should give you the option to MOVE or COPY...
If you are using XP, you shouldn't really need any software, it should just find it's own way via USB...
And , if you select MOVE..yeh man, they are off the PC..
here's my new MP3, Wave Recorder/Player
http://www.zzounds.com/item--EDIR1
I picked up an R-1 a few weeks back...couldn't be more pleased..stuck in a 1 gig CF card..[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 29 May 2006 at 02:51 AM.] |
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erik
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Posted 29 May 2006 2:41 am
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That recorder you bought is serious business. I'm very happy with my choice as it only cost $40, has FM (mono), FM record, voice record, 5 band EQ. I don't need large capacity as I am usually only groovin' to a few tunes at any given time. The voice recorder is great when the song ideas hit.
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-johnson
[edited] answered own question.[This message was edited by erik on 29 May 2006 at 05:01 AM.] |
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erik
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Posted 29 May 2006 4:08 am
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I downloaded the minimum software and the user's guide. I experimented with sample MP3s first. I just opened the drive in Explorer and dragged the files I wanted on it and it automatically made copies, didn't ask. Works fast, no issues. I'm not impressed with the sound quality. My files are 192kps. They certainly sound better on my computer. But anyways, I bought this primarilly to bring these tracks to my auto using the cassette converter I also purchased. I plan to buy a car in the near future and don't care to waste money on a new audio head unit.
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-johnson
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 30 May 2006 3:16 am
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Erik, sounds like you it it down now..
have fun !
T |
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John Daugherty
From:
Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Posted 30 May 2006 7:13 am
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Erik, I doubt that the MP3 player is the cause of poor sound quality. It is more likely your playback system.
It sounds to me, like you are removing the files from your computer when you drag them to the MP3 drive.
My method is: In windows explorer,while holding the "ctrl" key, click on all the files you want to transfer. Then, "right-click" and choose "copy". Now, "right-click" on the drive which represents your MP3 player and choose "paste".
Your files will be transfered to the MP3 player, but will remain in your computer.
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www.home.earthlink.net/~johnd37
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erik
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Posted 30 May 2006 4:12 pm
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John, I'm sure it's copying because the files are still on my desktop and they play. As regards the sound quality I am quite sure that MP3s, to my ear, are missing a generous amount of sonic texture. I have this same issue with newer synthesizers that use digital compression. I have 3rd generation cassette tapes that have more music in them than these MP3s. My player has a 5 band EQ. Maybe if I had 15 bands I could hear everything. My opinion: compressed digital = thin and hollow.
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-johnson
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John Daugherty
From:
Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Posted 30 May 2006 5:18 pm
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At a bitrate of 192 kbps, I can't imagine it sounding bad. Maybe my ears are not that good, but I have made MP3s at 48kbps that sound pretty decent to me. They are not as good as the wave files, but they are not too bad.
The sound samples of my album on my website are 64 kbps. This was necessary to provide a quick download. It also uses less space on my limited space website. If the samples included the entire song I would have made them a 32 or 48 bitrate.
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www.home.earthlink.net/~johnd37
[This message was edited by John Daugherty on 30 May 2006 at 06:23 PM.] |
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basilh
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 31 May 2006 1:40 am
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Eric if you can hear that a cassette sounds better than an mp3, then either the mp3s are badly recorded or your playback of them is faulty. There is NO other option that I can see.
Basil |
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Dave Potter
From:
Texas
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Posted 31 May 2006 6:56 am
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Well, the topic has drifted some, but, here's another idea. Suprisingly, I couldn't find the supported bit rates of the player on Creative's own website, but I did find it here, 32 - 320Kbps, apparently.
My thought is that, if your mp3 files really are 192kbps, and they sound thin, you might check the settings on the player to see if it might be set to play mp3s at a low bitrate. 128kbps should be more than adequate to achieve CD quality sound. Just a thought.
This is my latest toy - *30GB*.  [This message was edited by Dave Potter on 31 May 2006 at 08:14 AM.] |
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erik
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Posted 31 May 2006 2:49 pm
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Dave, two features on your new player:
Supports MP3, OGG, WMA (ASF) and WAV file formats and restores lost harmonics of digital music to its original clear sound with the BBE technology.
MP Enhance: Sound effects that compensate for lost parts of digital sound.
Is it possible the circuitry in my player is just inferior because of the price point? The files sound very good on my desktop when played through my Creative Player (software). But if I want some oomph I usually use the EQ setting effects, it really adds punch. With the portable MP3 player it seems no matter what EG setting I use some part of the recording is burried. I've played the MP3s through 2 players at home and through my cassette deck in the car... no noticable issues if using CD or cassette.
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-johnson
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Dave Potter
From:
Texas
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Posted 31 May 2006 3:00 pm
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Eric -
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| Is it possible the circuitry in my player is just inferior because of the price point? |
I suppose it's *possible*, but I'd be surprised if it were so. Creative doesn't make "audiophile" stuff, but, I would expect for a player like yours to able to produce listenable mp3 audio.
Did you check to see if there is any setting you can change that may improve the playback quality?
About the only other thing that comes to mind would be, how are you listening to the player when you notice the "thin" quality - playing it into your car with the cassette adapter, earphones/headphones, etc? Could that be the weak link?
Those other "enhanced" features on my Cowan A2 are "icing on the cake" - not required for good quality mp3 listening; in fact, I EQ things a bit, to accommodate my age 61 cumulative hearing losses, but I don't mess much with those other things.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 31 May 2006 at 04:13 PM.] |
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