Checking the Quality of Encoded Audio Files Using the Blind Modes

To make sure that you only rely on your ears when checking the encoder quality, you can use the Blind modes to compare the encoders without knowing which encoder is playing.

Procedure

  1. Open the audio file that you want to check in different encoding qualities.
  2. In the Master Section, right-click the effect slot in the Playback Processing pane, and select Steinberg > Encoder Checker.
  3. In the Encoder Checker, click in the first field and select a factory preset or select Edit to specify a custom audio file format.
  4. Optional: Specify more audio file formats.
  5. Do one of the following:

    • To compare only the encoders, activate Blind (Encoders). For this function, at least 2 encoders must be selected.

    • To compare the encoders and the original sound, activate Blind (Encoders + Original Sound).

  6. Play back the audio file.
  7. Use the up/down or left/right arrow keys to switch between the encoders.
  8. Use the + and - keys to rate the encoder that you are listening to.
  9. Deactivate Blind mode.

Result

The encoder that you have heard last is highlighted and you can see the ratings of the encoders.

After Completing This Task

If you have found the best encoder for your needs, click Render to render the audio file to the selected audio file format.