How audio encoders use psychoacoustic masking to reduce file sizes, and why this process creates audible artifacts in compressed formats.
Understanding what is loudness, how it's measured and why standards exist.
Understanding bit depth, quantization and why float sample rates are needed.
How randomization helps to alleviate the effects of quantization.
Fast mode provides three preset configurations optimized for common broadcast scenarios:
• Small file (AAC 256kbps) - Compressed format balancing quality and file size
• Most compatible (MP3 160kbps) - Universal playback support across all devices
• Production (PCM 48kHz/24bit) - Uncompressed broadcast-quality audio
Each preset handles format conversion with minimal configuration required. Simply select your desired output format from the three options.
The 'Normalize' checkbox applies EBU R128 loudness normalization to your audio files. When enabled, all processed files will meet the -23 LUFS standard with -1 dBTP limiting, ensuring consistent playback levels across your content.
Processing in Simple mode requires just four clicks:
1. Select your files or folder
2. Choose output destination
3. Pick a preset format
4. Click Process
The application processes files individually in the background. Completed files appear in your output folder as they finish, allowing you to continue working while processing continues.
Choosing an audio format means balancing three factors: fidelity (sound quality), compatibility (what devices can play it), and file size. You typically get to pick two.
High fidelity with broad compatibility? Large files (WAV, FLAC). Small files with good compatibility? Lower fidelity (MP3, AAC). High fidelity in small files? Limited compatibility (Opus, modern codecs some devices don't support).
Raw or lossless formats preserve quality but eat storage. Lossy compression shrinks files and plays everywhere, but you're throwing away audio data. Modern codecs can do impressive things with small files, but adoption takes time.
To make the decision easier, we've labeled the encoders in simple mode by their purpose. You'll find three choices: Small file, Most compatible and Production. You'll also find the technical specification of each in the parenthesis.
Normalizing audio means in this case making sure it's up to a loudness standard set by the EBU.
Simply put, checking this button makes sure your audio will sound exactly as loud as everything else on the channel. This should be enabled at all export stages to either make post-processing easier or making sure the audio is up to standard upon final delivery. Read more anout normalization in our Guru pages: Loudness and normalization.
TNT includes the best encoders for each use case.