Foobar2000 for Windows - Setup Guide
From Benchmark
Benchmark's guide for configuring Windows-based media players
General strategies for setting up your computer for high quality audio playback
*this article was researched using FooBar2000 0.9.2. Some information in this article may not apply to different versions of this software. Email us to report any errors or discrepancies, or if you would like more information on this topic.
Contents |
Overview
FooBar performed very well. It was able to play all sample-rates and word-lengths. The output resolution (word-length) of the volume control is configurable within the software. It also has a dither feature to prevent volume control truncation distortion, and properly play 24-bit audio with 16-bit hardware.
Recommended Player Settings
- OUTPUT FORMAT SET TO MAX SUPPORTED BY HARDWARE
- The "Output Data Format" should be set to the maximum word length (bit depth) that your audio hardware supports. For the Benchmark DAC1 USB, this should be set to 24-bit. For other devices, it is important to consult the manual or a manufacturers representative to determine the maximum supported word length of the computer interface (most outboard DAC's only support 16-bit over USB!!). Do not set this to a value that is higher then the hardware supports!!
- This can be done by going to:
File->Preferences->Playback->Output->Output Format/Postprocessing
- Read more about word-length, and how it affects the quality of your audio.
- VOLUME SET TO MAX (0.00dB)
- This can be done by going to:
File->Preferences->Playback
- The volume control in Foobar2000 is of sufficient quality that it will not cause noticeable sonic degradation. However, depending on several factors, a digital gain reduction may increase the noise floor of your playback system
- Read more about digital volume control, and how it affects the quality of your audio.
- TURN OFF 'Replaygain'
- This can be done by going to:
File->Preferences->Playback
- Set 'Sourch mode:' to 'none'
- Set 'Processing:' to 'none'
- Set both 'Preamp' settings to '0.0dB'
- BYPASS ALL AUDIO PLUG-IN'S AND AUDIO 'ENHANCEMENTS'
- All DSP and plug-in's should be disabled. This can be done by going to:
File -> Preferences -> Playback -> DSP Manager
- Read more about how DSP and plug-ins affect your audio
Known Problems
There are no known problems with regards to Foobar's sonic quality.
Articles about Computer Audio Setup
For more articles about specific media players and/or operating systems, see the Category:Setup Guides list of guides.
