How can a 192kbps mp3 be broadcast quality?

[augietaylor]

I'm confused about submitting to Taxi's posting.

The posting says the song should be broadcast quality and yet I can only upload mp3s that are only up to 192kbps in size.

This is what it says on the Taxi Upload Your Music page.

I'm confused - how can a 192kbps mp3 be broadcast quality?

Any help to clarify the steps I need to take is appreciated!

Thanks.

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

The mp3 is for listening/demo purposes, and utilized for its small file size. Ultimately if your song is signed, they will require hi-res WAV or AIFF

[Len911]

upload it at 320 kbps

[WeWillWriteUaSong]

You can not. TAXI requires all mp3s be uploaded at 192k

[Len911]

It's probably best to call and ask. It was discussed before on a Taxi Tv episode, I don't remember which one, but it's been a while back.

For most submissions it probably doesn't make a difference, but if you changed the policy to 320kbps, it would cost more for a larger data base because that is what everyone would upload, but otoh if someone believes it does make a big difference, it's not really that much bigger. And finally, if you like to bend the rules, it's likely the only rule you can bend and get away with!

I'm not gonna tell you what to do, except for I think I did before,lol, Maybe someone will recall the particular episode.

[stevebarden]

Even though the instructions say 192 kbps I always upload at 320 kbps and it’s never been a problem.

[augietaylor]

Awesome, this is great, thanks all the good info and opinion!

[Casey H]

As said, it's definitely good enough for a screening listen. One major taxi friendly library still screens at 128K! A good song and mix will stand out for screening even at those bit rates.

I caution strongly against ignoring anyone's stated guidelines, especially a music library/publisher. If the instructions are 192K max, follow them. If the instructions are 128K, follow that. For example, that major library I mentioned about asks for 128K for screening. I hear all the time how people ignore that and upload 192K or 320K. All I can say is that is unprofessional and will one day bite you in the butt. FOLLOW GUIDELINES TO A "T"!! Just because you've gotten away with it, doesn't at all mean it's good, professional practice.

I have over 30 songs with that library and they all were auditioned at 128K.

Trust me, your tracks for Taxi submissions don't need to be screened at 320K.

Be a pro!
Casey

[cassmcentee]

I agree with Casey 100% be Pro!

My feeling is, if at 192 it doesn't sound Broadcast quality, something is wrong with the mix
At the Rally we watched an editor edit a TV show musically, the majority of the files she used were MP3's
We did ask about it and I believe the reply was that that was normal for her and the library she was using. (Did anyone else catch that moment?)

[Len911]

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's unprofessional, it's more of a misdemeanor than a felony, just as guidelines aren't the same as a specification. Most submissions will probably be rejected for not meeting the listing requirements, but there is that small chance of being accepted other than broadcast quality. Sonnox makes a couple products where you can compare the difference between different mp3 bit sizes on a song, and I think it depends, cymbals seem to really make a difference imo.

I use speed limits as a guideline,lol, there's an area outside of town, nothing around, that's 25, I usually do 35, however, I do 55 or 60 on the interstate where the limit is 70.

I hear all the time how people ignore that and upload 192K or 320K.

Is gossip unprofessional?

Use your own judgment.