Question about audio quality degradation

[arkjack]

A critique came back with a comment of ' muddiness'. After thinking about it, the question came to mind as to how much of the muddiness might have been added from the conversion to the MP3 compressed file. When I produce the track, its at 16 bit 44.1khz. When I convert the track to MP3 which I've been doing in itunes, I believe the sample rate of 44/1 stays the same, but I think the bit rate drops significantly. I know there is a loss of audio data, but wonder if that contributes to the muddiness of the track mix and the loss of space and separation between the instruments that the screener is picking up on.This is probably covering old ground, but inquiring minds want to know.ArkJack

[andreh]

Hi Ark-Usually the term "muddiness" in reference to a mix implies an overabundance of lower mid/upper low frequencies (~150-350hz) that tend to cloud higher frequencies and detract from a tracks's clarity. I don't think moderate MP3 compression would cause this problem...usually it's higher frequencies that can get brittle/harsh/warbly when comressed to MP3's.Can you post the mix in question for us to listen to?Kindly,André

[silvercord]

Before i dug deep into my pockets to buy some good monitor speakers...i used (PLEASE point and laugh at me:) glorified 2,1 computer speakers and (actually) some decent Audio Tech. reference headphonesboth the speakers and the headphones 'colored' the soundresulting in a very bad mastering of ALL:( my trackseverything was mr. muddyArkJack, you may want to find your fav. eq/ mastering proggyand experiment adjusting the 100hz to the 1.5k range and see if your mixsounds a bit more free of that mudthese days i have been using Isotope Ozone 3 mastering plug in and i LOVE it~try it out, im sure you are going to enjoy seeing your mix comealive!peacegeoff