Encoding with FLAC frontend

[no leaf clover]

Hey everyone,

I've got a question about encoding files with FLAC frontend.

If this isn't the correct part of the forum please move this to a part that better fits the subject.

When I encode files in FLAC frontend, there is this box which says Encoding options.

You can choose the level of encoding. When I open FLAC frontend it is set at 6 but you can also choose 8 for example as highest level.

Can anybody tell me what the level of encoding means? Because I don't know. I'm not an audio expert.

Which level is the best to encode audio files to FLAC?

[aeiseleusa]

Hi there here is all the info you need.
http://flac.sourceforge.net/faq.html#general__asymmetry

Taken from this web site:
Why do the encoder settings have a big effect on the encoding time but not the decoding time?

It's hard to explain without going into the codec design, but to oversimplify, the encoder is looking for functions that approximate the signal. Higher settings make the encoder search more to find better approximations. The functions are themselves encoded in the FLAC file. Decoding only requires computing the one chosen function, and the complexity of the function is very stable. This is by design, to make decoding easier, and is one of the things that makes FLAC easy to implement in hardware.

Hope this helps.

[no leaf clover]

I was at that website but didn't see that question listed under FAQ.

What I really want to know is: should I encode files on level 6 of encoding (standard) or on level 8 (highest level)?

Does that affect the quality of the encoded file?

[Krzych]

I think huge part of my audio shows was done in 8th level. That may mean it's the most popular and the best encoding option for flacs. Not sure also, but seems like it's like that.

[wolf]

it doesn't matter actually. Levels just means how much it will compress it in how long.

Level 8 = longer time to convert to flac and smaller file
Level 5 = shorter time to convert flac and medium size file

if you have a fast computer, just do Level 8, or level 5.

The higher the number, the more the compression, but any level you choose, the files will be loseless so it's really upto you

[no leaf clover]

Thanks! That's what I wanted to know.