|
MP3 Decoder Review -
SCMPX
SCMPX by
Shinji Chiba
-- Review
courtesy of David Robinson
| Decoder
Source: |
CH3 http://www.din.or.jp/~ch3/index_e.html
|
| Version: |
v1.51 © 1999 Shinji
Chiba
|
| Similar
products: |
none
|
| Verdict: |
Poor |
| VBR: |
All |
| Full
file: |
Always |
| Major
Flaws: |
Default
"Hi-Fi" mode adds aliasing,
Audible low frequency problems with some
files |
| Minor
Flaws: |
Low
level accuracy is poor |
| Output
level: |
correct |
| 1-bit
relative accuracy: |
Fair |
| 1-bit
absolute accuracy: |
Fair |
"SCMPX is a free independent MPEG
audio player and encoder/decoder. To convert files, simply click the
convert icon. The "Hi-Fi" mode adds distortion, so this
was disabled for these tests.
SCMPX fully decoded all CBR files, and
most VBR files, though there was a small skip at the end of one of the
Lame encoded VBR files. It exhibited the 100Hz
bug for lame encoded files, and also cut out at a number of
frequencies during the sine-wave sweep, just like winamp
2.62.
Lame encoded files aside, SCMPX adds
small errors above 15kHz to both channels of 128kbps encoded files.
These are probably inaudible, but still undesirable. Finally, the low
level mathematical accuracy of SCMPX, as revealed by the Least
Significant Bit test is not as good as the best. The low
level sine wave becomes more noisy when decoded by SCMPX than by one of
the correct decoders.
For these reasons, SCMPX cannot be
recommended as an mp3 decoder.
EXTRA NOTE: In
"Hi-Fi" Mode, SCMPX would have been judged as one of the worst
decoders on test. The audibility of the distortion added by the
"Hi-Fi" mode depends on your system and ears. To some, it will
sound like an improvement or brightening of the sound. To others it will
sound as if the tweeter of their loudspeaker has been damaged."
--
Review courtesy of David Robinson
|
