Max Help

# Max Help: Encoding

- Ripping |
- Tagging |
- Encoding |
- File naming

Max can automatically encode ripped tracks into a myriad variety of lossy and lossless formats.

Max can also convert audio files on your hard drive from one format to another while retaining most of the metadata. To convert a file, select Encode File... from the File menu.

## Lossy

Lossy formats degrade the quality of an audio file to conserve hard drive space. They are the best choice for portable audio players and if you are short on hard drive space.

### MP3

MP3 is the most widespread audio format on the internet. It provides a good balance of quality and small file sizes.

To enable Max to encode your CD to MP3, check the MP3 checkbox under the Built-in tab under Formats in Max's preferences.

For advanced configuration, see MP3.

### Ogg Vorbis

Ogg Vorbis is an open-source codec intended to be a license-free replacement for MP3.

To enable Max to encode your CD to Ogg Vorbis, check the Ogg Vorbis checkbox under the Built-in tab under Formats in Max's preferences.

For advanced configuration, see Ogg Vorbis.

### AAC

AAC stands for "Advanced audio codec" and is the official successor to MP3. It can achieve better quality audio files with lower file sizes and is the default codec for iTunes and the iPod.

To enable Max to encode your CD to AAC, select the first MPEG4 Audio in the Type section, then select AAC in the Kind section, then click Add Format. The default Quality and Bitrate settings will produce high-quality audio files.

## Lossless

### FLAC

FLAC stands for Free Audio Lossless Codec, and is an open-source format to compress audio losslessly.

To enable Max to encode your CD to FLAC, check the FLAC checkbox under the Built-in tab under Formats in Max's preferences.

### Ogg FLAC

Ogg FLAC is FLAC inside an Ogg container. There's no difference in file size or quality, but if you want to edit the compressed audio or multiplex it with a video layer, then Ogg FLAC is the better choice.

To enable Max to encode your CD to Ogg FLAC, check the Ogg FLAC checkbox under the Built-in tab under Formats in Max's preferences.