TFM Audio Tool - vbr mp3 to ac3 "echo" problem

[brettski]

The PS3 won't play the audio of XviD files with vbr mp3 when using a flashdrive. The majority of downloaded TV shows are this combination. So I thought I would try the TFM audio tool to convert the vbr mp3 to ac3. This worked with no problem; however when I mux the new ac3 with the original XviD video (using VirtualDub Mod), the played file has a slight echo. I tried the same method, but used Aiseesoft Audio Converter instead of the TFM audio tool, and there was no echo. I have tried over 10 files and all have the echo when the vbr mp3 audio is converted using TFM, but no echo when using Aiseesoft to convert the vbr mp3 to ac3. Any ideas what is causing the "echo"?

[The_Mask]

Maybe because the standard setting for AC3 in TFM is surround mode. So maybe the PS3 creates the echo from that.

[brettski]

Thanks for answering. To be sure that I understand, even if "Upmix the audio to 5.1 channels" is NOT chosen, TFM audio tool still outputs AC3 in surround mode (I am using v. 1.0.9.1 beta). Would I have to choose "Downmix the audio to stereo" then; even when the original audio is only stereo?

[The_Mask]

No, you don't understand. When you choose upmix then the AC3 will have 6 channels so surround tag isn't needed anymore. When the output is 2 channels you can set a surround tag so that a hardware decoder can create a little bit of surround of it. So the output result is 2 channels but it has a surround tag that will inform some hardware decoders to create a surround sound. That could be it. But I'm not sure. You could create a 2 channel wav file and use EncWavToAC3 to create a wav file with the surround tag off. (It uses Aften also but you can set all options manually).

[brettski]

Thanks. I tried a file choosing "Downmix the audio to stereo" and there was no echo with the resulting AC3. So hopefully that will solve the problem.