conversion_project/AUDIO_CONFIG_GUIDE.md
2026-08-20 10:51:14 -04:00

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# config.xml - Audio Bucket Configuration Guide
## Audio Bucket Structure
The audio buckets in `config.xml` define the bitrate tiers used for audio encoding based on channel count.
### Current Configuration
```xml
<audio>
<stereo>
<low>128000</low>
<medium>160000</medium>
<high>192000</high>
</stereo>
<multi_channel>
<low>384000</low>
<medium>448000</medium>
<high>640000</high>
</multi_channel>
</audio>
```
## Bitrate Usage by Resolution and Channels
### Stereo (2 Channels) - All Resolutions
- **720p**: Up to `high` (192 kbps) if needed
- **1080p**: Up to `high` (192 kbps) if needed
- **4K (2160p)**: Up to `high` (192 kbps) if needed
Stereo bitrates are the same across all resolutions.
### Multi-Channel (6+ Channels)
#### 1080p (Max 6 channels)
- **Minimum**: `low` (384 kbps)
- **Default**: `medium` (448 kbps)
- **Maximum**: `medium` (448 kbps) ⚠️ **High tier NOT used**
Reason: Balanced compression for 1080p file size
#### 4K / 2160p (Max 8 channels)
- **Minimum**: `low` (384 kbps)
- **Default**: `medium` (448 kbps)
- **Maximum**: `high` (640 kbps) ✅ **High tier NOW available**
Reason: 4K containers larger; can better accommodate higher quality audio
#### 720p (Max 2 channels)
- Uses stereo bitrate tier (2 channels)
- Never uses multi-channel tier
## Audio Encoder Selection
### Stereo (2 channels)
- **Codec**: AAC
- **Use Case**: Commentary tracks, all 720p sources
- **Quality**: ~128-192 kbps depending on source
### Multi-Channel (6+ channels)
- **Codec**: EAC3 (Enhanced AC-3)
- **Use Case**: Main audio tracks with surround sound
- **Quality Tiers**:
- Low: Aggressive compression, smaller files
- Medium: Balanced quality/size (default)
- High: High fidelity (4K only)
## Configuration Recommendations
### For 4K HDR Content
```xml
<multi_channel>
<low>384000</low> <!-- Option for aggressive compression -->
<medium>448000</medium> <!-- Standard quality -->
<high>640000</high> <!-- High-quality surround (NEW in 4K mode) -->
</multi_channel>
```
### For Bandwidth-Conscious Setup
Reduce high tier if needed:
```xml
<multi_channel>
<low>384000</low>
<medium>384000</medium> <!-- Same as low to reduce file size -->
<high>448000</high> <!-- Moderate high tier for 4K -->
</multi_channel>
```
### For Maximum Quality
Increase all tiers:
```xml
<multi_channel>
<low>448000</low>
<medium>512000</medium>
<high>768000</high> <!-- Higher quality for 4K -->
</multi_channel>
```
## How the Selection Works
### Example 1: 6-Channel Audio on 1080p
1. Detected: 6 channels, 500 kbps bitrate, 1080p resolution
2. Channel clamping: 6 ≤ 6 (max for 1080p) → stays 6ch
3. Bitrate selection: 500 kbps, 1080p max is `medium` (448 kbps) → uses 448 kbps
4. Output: EAC3 codec, 6 channels, 448 kbps
### Example 2: 8-Channel Audio on 4K
1. Detected: 8 channels, 640 kbps bitrate, 4K resolution
2. Channel clamping: 8 ≤ 8 (max for 4K) → stays 8ch
3. Bitrate selection: 640 kbps is exactly `high` → uses 640 kbps
4. Output: EAC3 codec, 8 channels, 640 kbps
### Example 3: 8-Channel Audio on 1080p
1. Detected: 8 channels, 640 kbps bitrate, 1080p resolution
2. Channel clamping: 8 > 6 (max for 1080p) → **downmix to 6ch**
3. Bitrate selection: 640 kbps → clamped to `medium` (448 kbps) for 1080p
4. Output: EAC3 codec, 6 channels, 448 kbps (downmixed)
## Key Takeaways
- ✅ Stereo bitrates remain unchanged across all resolutions
- ✅ Multi-channel at 1080p: Max `medium` (448 kbps), no downmixing below 6ch
- ✅ Multi-channel at 4K: Can use `high` (640 kbps) for 6-8 channels
- ✅ Audio channels automatically clamped: 720p→2ch, 1080p→6ch, 4K→8ch
- ✅ Bitrate selection respects both detected quality and resolution ceiling