Encoder Options for Windows Media Audio (.wma) Files

There are two main settings:

1. Audio Codec

   Here you can select a range of possible compression codecs for the audio. These control how the audio is saved and heavily affect the size of the output audio and also the quality of the output. These codecs come pre-installed in Windows and also depend on the version of 'Windows Media Player' you have installed.

   • If you have Windows XP on your computer, see here for a list of codecs that are available for use: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291948/en-us.
   • If you have Windows Media Player 9 or 10 on your computer, you have these additional codecs available to you: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899113.
   • Windows 95/98 users should look at this page for their codec list: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/141801/en-us

   Normally the default selected codec is the best choice, but later versions of DirectX and Windows Media Player may install different codecs. For instance with Windows Media Player 10 you have an option 'Windows Media 10 Professional'. These later version can yield better results and/or a smaller filesize.

2. Audio Bitrate, Sampling Rate, Channels and Method

   This is a set of predefined bitrates and sampling rates. For example: 128kbps, 44khz, stereo, CBR

   What they mean:

   • 128kbps - This is the bitrate and reflects to total size of the audio output file and directly relates to the audio quality and file size. Generally the larger value the better the quality and the larger the output file.
   • 44khz - This is the audio sampling rate. Generally a telephone call is at 8khz while a CD music track is 44khz.
   • stereo - This will be stereo or mono, reflecting the number of audio channels.
   • CBR - This is the optional encoding method (CBR = constant bit rate and you may see values of ABR = average bitrate, VBR = variable bit rate)

   Generally here select the bitrate you wish and the channels (stereo/mono). You should experiment with the bitrate and compare the output quality . Please note that we use the source file's sample rate/channels for the converted file.