your opinion about digital files

[kelly]

hey all.
I'm preparing the digital files for the download that comes with the new Circulatory System album. I've had a few requests for either FLAC or WAV files as opposed to just MP3s. So I'd like some people to weigh in and let me know what you prefer...

[jdrawmeasheep]

FLAC is fancy, sure, but keep the masses in mind! Most people don't even know what FLAC is and would probably have trouble converting it.

As for WAV, I still don't know what it even stands for.

[seamantis]

MP3's for me however I think you should include FLAC files as an alternative. They seem to be quite popular but it would be nice to have a perfect rip of the record. Will this include the bonus disc?

[Abel]

320kb/s MP3 and FLAC. I think everyone can agree that they don't want this album in a low bitrate. And the option of FLAC would definitely make people who know how to use it extremely happy.

Actually, I have nothing against WAV either. And WAV will play in everything (iTunes, WMP, etc.) without needing to convert. WAV files are huge though, but I seriously wouldn't mind downloading a gigantic file to be able to hear this album losslessly.

Basically, I'm saying give people multiple choices. Then everybody wins - I don't think anyone who voted for MP3 would argue against also releasing it losslessly. Thanks for asking us, Kelly.

I voted "other?" in place of "all."

[Crazy Gnome]

i like MP3 the best. Everytime i get a FLAC file i just convert it to MP3. so theres really no point of having them on my computer

[Dihnekis]

I think at least an option for the flac people would be nice. That way those who don't want it won't waste their space and your bandwidth, but people like me who like flac are happy too.

I already ordered the vinyl though, and will probably just do a flac rip of it so it doesn't really matter either way.

[Mimi_Merlot]

I agree. although i prefer mp3 because i would convert it too mp3 anyway, there should be an option for flac as well.

[Abel]

It gives people the option of choosing which bitrate they'd like. When you buy a CD you have the same option available, and the one thing I hate about digital downloads is that they usually give you a low bitrate file instead of the full sonic range of music.

[DaJe]

MP3 would work fine with everyone, and provide compatibility, and I'm sure a lot of people would like it. I would say though, that both MP3 and FLAC should be offered. Those who don't care will just use MP3, and those who really want it can still get the FLAC. Don't bother with WAV, partly because the files are just too big. FLAC works just as well in place of it. I can say that I definitely know plenty of people who would prefer to get the FLAC version of it if they can. But doing just FLAC would probably end up being too selective, so then you can have MP3 as well for everyone who needs it.

[rogersbowne]

FLAC is fancy, sure, but keep the masses in mind! Most people don't even know what FLAC is and would probably have trouble converting it.

As for WAV, I still don't know what it even stands for.

You know what's hard too, Math. Maybe we shouldn't bother teaching it schools. No reason for anyone to bother learning anything new. FLAC is lossless which is how you should want to hear music. Thanks