Winamp 2.81 Full Suite+ PRO  Plug-In Settings
14.09.02
 
Winamp Menu > Options > Preferences >
 
Options >
 
Process priority class = Normal
(DO NOT exceed this setting.)
 
Plug-ins >
 
Visualization plug-in priority = Normal
 
Input >
 
-Monkey's Audio Player v3.97:
 
Thread Priority = Highest
Normalize = Optional
Default Settings for Normalize
Normalize to = 98%
If peak is below = 90%
Silence Suppression = Check-marked
File Display Method = %1 - %2 - %3
All Other Boxes = Un-Check-marked
 
If you wish to acquire the program for creating .ape files
and much more,
http://www.monkeysaudio.com
 
-CD Reader v2.00 ß3:
 
Performance options
Thread Priority = Highest
 
CDDB tab
Use Internet CDDB = Check-marked
Use local CDDB (cdplayer.ini) = Check-marked
CDDB server address = freedb.freedb.org
Title formatting = %1 - %2 - %3
Configure your drive(s).
 
-Winamp2 Linein v1.11:
 
Your option
 
-Winamp2 MIDI v2.63b:
 
Your option
 
-MPEG Audio Decoder v2.81:
 
General tab
Decode thread priority = Highest
Full File Buffering = 128kb
File association = MP3;MP2;MP1
 
Title tab
Title formatting (default) = %7
Use ID3v1/v2 tags = Check-marked
Title formatting (when ID3 tag is present) = %1 - %2 - %3
 
Decoder tab
Output
Allow stereo output = Check-marked
16-bit output = Check-marked
Quality = Full
Equalizer
Logarithmic EQ selected
Fast Layer 3 EQ = Check-marked
Misc Options
Show avg. bitrate on VBR files = Check-marked
 
Streaming tab
Streaming Data Buffer = 128kb
Shoutcast titles = Both Check-marked
 
 
-Vorbis Decoder v1.2.2:
 
Decoding tab
Priority = Highest
Output format = 16 bits per sample
Dither = Un-Check-marked
Use Replay Gain = Check-marked - Audiophile / Album
Clipping Prevention = Check-marked
Use 6dB Hard Limiter = Un-Check-marked
Preamp: = +0.0
 
Display tab
Title display format: = Use default
Show average bitrate while playing = Un-Check-marked
 
Streaming tab
Buffer size = 128kb
 
-VQF Decoder v1.12a:
 
Title formatting = %2 - %1 - %7
Streaming = 128kb
Limit tags to 1024 characters = Check-marked
Priority = Highest
 
-Waveform Decoder v2.05a:
 
Real-time conversion
All boxes = Un-Check-marked (User Optional)
Convert floating-point to = 16 bit
Expand loops = Check-marked
Playback priority = Highest
 
---------------------------------------------
 
Output >
 
-NullSoft Disk Writer v2.0c:
 
Your option
 
 
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For Listening
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-DirectSound output v2.2.1:
 Should be DEFAULT selection for ALL listening.
 
Device Tab
Device: = Primary Sound Driver (Normally)
 
Buffering Tab
Buffer length: = 2000ms
Prebuffer on start/seek/underrun: = 500ms
Buffer-ahead on track change: = 333ms - 200ms
see note below
 
Fading Tab
Default fade length: = 333ms
Don't abort fadeout when Winamp is shutting down = Check-marked
(Other settings - User Optional)
 
Other Tab
Silence remover = Check-Marked
Cutoff: = -40dB
Volume Control - Enable volume control = Check-Marked
Volume control: = linear
 
Compatibilty Tab
Mixing: = Auto
Delayed DirectSound shutdown = Check-Marked
 
 
If you have any problems Using DSPs with the Standard setting, try
Buffer length: = 500ms - 1000ms
Note that settings below 1000ms may cause you problems with simple
mouse control and scrolling operations which may result in sound
segments repeating until the buffer is refreshed. 500ms is fine if
you do not do a lot of text work or internet browsing.
 
 
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For Encoding
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-MP3 encoder plug-in v1.4:
 
Be certain to establish an Output Directory before configuring.
 
Encoder library: = lame_enc.dll ( Set path to \Winamp\Plugins\lame_enc.dll )
Set output frequency to: = 44100 ( Box = Check-marked - User optional)
Min bitrate = 256
Max bitrate = 320
VBR enabled = Check-marked
Quality = Maximum left or one position less ( Big file )
Preset = CD ( or Studio )
Channels = Stereo
All other boxes = Un-Check-marked
Output directory = Select a Directory for Output. Your option, but should be unique.
 
-Lame MP3 Writer plug-in v1.6.1:
 
Be certain to establish an Output Directory before configuring.
Settings = High quality VBR
Preset = CD or Studio
Channels = Stereo
Force = Un-Check-marked
Bit Reservoir = Check-marked
Resample = Check-marked (44100 - User optional)
All other boxes = Un-Check-marked
Bitrate Mode
Variable BR = Spot ( Selected )
Min Bitrate = 224 - 256
Max Bitrate = 320
Xing Frame = Check-marked
Quality = high ( 0 )
Output Directory = Select a Directory for Output. Your option, but should be unique.
 
( lame_enc.dll should be found in \Winamp\Plugins\ )
 
-Chun Yu's MP3 Writer plug-in v3.0:
 
Be certain to establish an Output Directory before configuring.
 
Select a Directory for .MP3 file Output. Your option, but should be unique.
Kilobits/second ( min for VBR/ABR ) = 256 - 320
Joint Stereo = Un-Check-marked
Variable Bit Rate = Selected
VBR/ABR Settings
VBR Quality = 0
Max Bitrate = 320
Encoding Quality = CD or Studio
Output Filename Formatting = %#. %p
Show speed statistics after encoding each file = Un-Check-marked ( Normally - User optional)
Encoder Thread Priority = Highest
Add ID3-Tag to Output = Check-marked
 
-Ogg Vorbis encoder plug-in v1.53:
 
Be certain to establish an Output Directory before configuring.
 
Bitrate control = VBR ( Selected )
Quality = 1.00 ( Maximum right on scale )
ABR = Unselected ( Normally - User optional )
Recommended ABR settings:
Nominal bitrate = 600
Min. bitrate = 500
Max. bitrate = 700
Select a Directory for .OGG file Output. Important that it is unique.
Set input thread priority to normal = Un-Check-marked
 
Also included in this edition is the release version of OGGDropXPD v1.0rc3
It is in the main Winamp folder and is launched by double-clicking the OGG Icon.
When launched, right-click inside the OGGDrop box to open the menu.
To use, simply drag a .wav or other suitable file into the OGGDrop box and
release. The conversion will start automatically.
 
If you wish to expand your abilities in 'ripping' from CDs, please try the excellent free program
CDex from http://www.cdex.n3.net
 
 
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For Listening
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-waveOut plug-in v2.0.1:
and
-Gapless waveOut plug-in v1.03:
 
 Second choices for listening. Lower quality.
- Use ONLY if you have problems with DirectSound output v2.2.1 -
- See note below. -
 
Device: = Primary Sound Driver
Buffer length = 2000ms ( Default )
Prebuffer: = 0ms
Gapless transition check: = 200ms
Volume control = enable
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Only
DirectSound ouput,
waveOut and
Gapless waveOut
will provide audio playback output.
All other Output selections will encode, during which time there will be no playback output.
 
In addition, you will note that the perceived sound output level is much higher when using
either of the two waveOut plug-ins. This is caused by a function of Windows.
You should, in order to make correct quality comparisons, set the volume level in the Winamp
main unit to 50% if you are using the waveOut plug-ins and 100% if you are using the
DirectSound plug-in. These are accurate values to recommend if you wish to make
comparative judgments.
 
The above 'recommended' settings are intended to provide maximum stability, performance and
high audio quality. They are not intended for minimum resulting files sizes.
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DSP/Effect >
(Important - See notes below re: MuchFX² operation for selection of DSP Plug-Ins)
 
-TomSteady Agc v1.5 DSP:
 
Volume Control:
Desired Real Volume = 94%
Volume Slide Smoothness = 7 - 8
High Quality Mixing = Check-marked
(If you are MMX capable, try = Un-Check-marked)
Boost Audio = Check-marked
Stereo Echo:
Echo Enabled = Un-Check-marked
Information:
Maximum Filter Volume = The user cannot configure this setting.
It is done automatically by the program. Higher values give more even response and less variation in output. With practice and observation you will quickly learn which of your music tracks is most effective in causing the program to rapidly reach high levels... i.e. values above 1,000.  Values above 2,000 are completely normal and desirable. Above 10,000 is common.
After you have discovered the track(s) which quickly raise the Maximum Filter Volume to high levels, simply play that track, or the portion of the track, first... This will establish the desired high levels and you will then have a very balanced sound-level output for all proceeding tracks.
Remember that the TomSteady Agc DSP does not retain the performance settings between launches of the program.
It is not necessary to 'push' the attainment of a suitably high Maximum Filter Volume if you do not wish to... The program will achieve this function for you fairly rapidly, depending on the type of music you are playing, of course.
 
If you have problems with what some people mistakenly call pumping, meaning the sound seems to swell up and down in output level, see DirectSound output v2.2.1
In addition, do not use TomSteady if you are using another DSP with AGC enabled. You DO NOT want two AGCs running concurrently or 'chained'.
I would recommend using TomSteady as your default AGC and disabling the function in Dee or any other AGC capable plug-in.
 
( Note: The TomSteady program will place a file named   tomsteady.ini   in your root directory. This is normal. Do not attempt to move it to your Winamp directory.)
 
-Dee DSP v1.20:
 
Do not be deceived by the simple appearance and controls. For the majority of users and applications it is excellent.
The presets for Dee v1.20, which are included with the Winamp 'assembly version' which I do, are very carefully thought out, measured and tested. For the majority of music tracks I would recommend either the ' 1 DEFAULT START ' or the ' 2 DEFAULT START Extra' setting. Play with it and learn what the different values do. Preset 3 is nearing or over the 'edge'... 4 and 5 are for fun and intellectually deaf people !
I have not yet included a so-called 'classical' preset. For this type of music and general recording quality I would recommend using preset 1 or preset 2 and experiment with simply reducing 'TREB FRQ' . You may also wish to experiment with disabling HI-FREQ, but I would recommend this only in the case of 'classical' or perhaps piano based 'sweet' or jazz.
 
But, remember the most important aspect of using any DSP effect...
DO NOT equate a rise in sound level with any improvement in 'quality' !
This is a natural human response and is completely incorrect. Louder is NOT better.
You must make any and ALL judgements only after you are certain of working with equal sound level output.
See the IMPORTANT NOTE: above, under Output > .
The differences in true accurate sound quality improvement when working with .mp3 and many other formats is often very subtle. Booming bass, screaming/honking mid-range and shrieking treble are not the goals.
 
When working with any of the 'normal' Winamp DSP plug-ins, do not 'chain' them. You will only create a distorted noise.
The only exception to this which I have found through many tests is using TomSteady in chain with ONE other DSP plug-in.
However, as mentioned above under TomSteady Agc v1.5 DSP, DO NOT enable AGC In Dee DSP v1.20 (or any other AGC capable plug-in) if you are using TomSteady.
 
Also, not all digital audio files will be 'improved' by the use of DSP filters. Do not be surprised, for example, if a particular
track or group of tracks sound best without any DSPs filtering, and in such a case perhaps use TomSteady only.
The main benefit in using the DSP Plug-ins is with .mp3 format files...
You may find a reduction in sound quality if you use the DSP filters when playing .ogg format files and almost certainly when playing .ape format files.
 
-Dee DSP v2:
 
The majority of comments made above, re: Dee v1.20, also apply to the new Dee2.
It is included here for your evaluation with a limited number of presets, two of which were created by me.
I have made no tests regarding the Shoutcast presets.
Be sure to contact Michal's site and follow further developments of Dee2.
And, please, support him.
 
-Adapt-X: DirectX Plug-in Adaptor:
 
It is exactly what the name implies. With this plug-in, the world of DirectX DSP plug-ins becomes available for use with Winamp.
There are an ever growing number of sources for these plug-ins. SonicFoundry is one very good source and there are now some DirectX plug-ins included with the latest DX Media, as well. This comes as standard in the latest Windows Media Player. Look for .DMO files. The Adapt-X plug-in will look for you !
There are many other sources and the numbers are growing. The DirectX 'format' of DSP plug-ins is as close to professional grade as you are ever going to get without spending many, many mega-bucks !  The SonicFoundry / Zone offerings are extremely clean and high-quality. There are many sources for DirectX DSP pre-sets and full programs. Search ! You will be rewarded.
 
 
-Chronoton II Time Warper Module v2.0:
 
From the same author of the Adapt-X DirectX Plug-in Adaptor.
A deceptively simple in appearance, yet very high quality,
Pitch and Speed Control DSP.
 
This DSP plug-in is not displayed by default due to the 'always on top' nature of it's display.
 
-MuchFX²:
 
All DSP Plug-Ins are available for use through the MuchFX² DSP Control Module.
Simply click on the + mark in order to add an installed DSP to your selection...    - removes them.
A Check-Mark in MuchFX² indicates that the DSP is enabled. Click in the box to enable/disable.
When a selection is high-lighted, clicking on CFG will open the configuration menu for the selected DSP.
Double-clicking on a DSP selection will also open the relevant configuration menu.
You can alter the displayed order of the available DSPs by high-lighting a DSP plug-in and using the UP and Down Arrows.
MuchFX² must be selected in Options > Preferences > Plug-ins > DSP/Effect - It should always be the default setting.
 
 
General Purpose >
 
Transparency plug-in v1.2
Nullsoft Windowshade Docker Plug-In v0.72
LoopMaster Plug-In v1.1
MagAmp
Skin Deleter v1.0
 
The LoopMaster Plug-in works well and is very useful for learning
chords or lyrics or whatever. Anything you want to 'loop' for whatever reason.
It works.
 
Only one note about MagAmp: Do not use it with the Winamp Base Skin
if you have enabled the Skinned function. There will be no serious problems,
but your screen will fill with cascading error messages for as long as you
hold your cursor in the extreme upper-left corner of your screen.
Try it ! But, you will have to clear each screen individually !!!
 
Skin Deleter v1.0 does what it says. You can configure it in a variety of ways
to suit your needs. (Unfortuanately, Skin Deleter v1.0 will not function correctly with the alternative language Plug-Ins as it is not recognized by them as a proper menu item. It will only function with the default English language module.)
 
 
 
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Final notes:
 
If you do have any problems with sound quality with the Winamp player, you must first and foremost consider the quality and performance and compatibility of your sound card and suitable drivers.
99% of all problems are directly related to inadequate sound cards.
If you experience 'skipping' or 'popping' during playback you should consider the need to properly
Defragment Your Hard Disk Drive.
A fragmented condition of your files on your HDD will very often be the source of problems, and not the Winamp program.
For an excellent Hard Disk Defragmenter, try Diskeeper 7.0 from http://www.execsoft.com/
 
For maximum audio quality when 'ripping', in most instances, select Constant BitRate - CBR or Variable BitRate - VBR or select LAME .mp3 320kbps, or OGG Vorbis VBR.
 
When first using the VERITAS CD Recording Plug-in v2.0, if a message appears stating that the correct 'engine' is not installed on your machine, and the message is asking if you wish to download the latest version of the 'engine', answer 'yes'.
However, if you do not manage to link to their site, go to your folder  \Winamp\Plugins\Veritas CD Recording Engine Installer\ and simply double-click on the only file within that folder. The 'engine' will be automatically loaded.
Note that this Plug-In will ONLY burn to a maximum of 650MB, regardless of whether or not you may be using a 700MB disk.
 
When you launch the G-Force v2.2 VIS, you will probably receive a message that Apple Quicktime 5 is not installed on your machine.
Do not worry about it.
It is not required and not having it does not effect the performance of G-Force v2.2 as it is configured in this package.
I do not recommend installing Quicktime 5 unless you have a specific need for it.
You will also occasionally see an error message indicating that a 'particle file' could not be loaded... Again, this is not a problem and is simply a result of the changed configurations.
 
DO NOT X Close the G-Force v2.2 window while music is playing.
 
 
Have fun and don't forget to search occasionally for newer versions and updates...