The Official #Mp3Cable Homepage

#Mp3Cable is the Official No.1 MP3 channel & a Top 3 channel on GalaxyNet.

MP3 relies on the fact that the human ear dosen't work as well as you might have thought. Your brain can't process a lot of the information that the ear picks up, so why bother with it? Several years ago, a group of specialists worked out which types of sounds you can & can't hear using a psycho-acoustic modelling.

They found that the human ear is good at hearing mid-range noises, while not so good at high & low pitched noises. Your ear can hear these noises, but you can't make anything out of them. Thus these noises can be heavily compressed without you noticing. This is called perceptual coding.

The MP3 standard divides the frequency spectrum into 576 frequency bands & compresses each band according to how much information you can hear in that band. Low & high noises are highly compressed, while the mid-range noises not as much.

Sounds are also compressed in stereo - if a sound is identical on both stereo channels, it's stored only once in the MP3, but it's played back on both channels when the file is decompressed & played. All this put together gives you small & high quality audio files known as MP3.

There is some loss of quality, but most people can't really tell the difference between a CD & an MP3 track.

Recommended players:

Winamp - The most popular MP3 player around, best array of tools to play/work with MP3s/WMAs, and it's FREE !
Sonique - Boasts the best MP3 decoder & GUI, and it's FREE !
iTunes 3 - For Mac users only. It's FREE !

You could make your own MP3s by using an Audio Ripper & an Encoder.
An Audio Ripper would copy the song directly off your audio CD into a .WAV file.
.wav files are usually quite large, the standard size being 10mb per min of music.
Recommended rippers: WinDAC, Audiograbber

An Encoder is then needed to compress this file into 1/10 of its original size.
Recommended Encoders: Producer, AudioCatalyst, CDex

Generally, a higher bitrate (measured in kbps e.g. 128kbps) translates into a higher quality of sound, truer to its original, but also larger in size.
Recommended bitrate: 128kbps & higher

A combined audio ripper & encoder called MusicMatch Jukebox is highly recommended. It is FREE.

Sometimes MP3s do not seem to handle higher pitches well & noise results, although things have improved over time.
Classical music is a very telling genre when it is encoded into MP3.

Back to top

MP4 is another name for MPEG-4. It is a video format meant for digital streaming over the internet. The file extension is .ASF . Most probably you have already downloaded some ASF files over on the internet or in IRC. You can use Windows Media Player to play this type of files. Do not confuse MP4 with MP3. They have no relations at all. Many servers are known to serve ASF files in #Mp3Cable.

Questions On WMA:

1. What is WMA?

WMA(Windows Media Audio) is a file format developed by Microsoft that is similar to MP3s. It is rumored to have a smaller & better sound quality file than MP3. However, the file size will only be smaller if encoding is done below 96kbps. Anything above 96kbps will be an overkill for WMA. The average file size of WMA encoded at 96kbps is around 40-60% smaller than an MP3.

We have tested lots of WMA files & found that WMA have lower bass quality & higher treble pitch. So for those who are into high bass music, it is still better to get MP3. Moreover, this lesser known format, like the VQF which has already died out, is very likely to suffer the same fate.

For more information, visit here for more details. Although WMA has its advantages, we do not recommend WMA files for the reason : You can't mix songs using ShoutCast.

2. Do WMA files sound better than VQF files? What about MP3?

The WMA format is an improvement over the VQF format in that it handles lower frequencies (bass) much better and still maintains the high quality of higher frequency (treble) data that the vqf format is known for; in some instances, better. Those who listen to chinese music/songs would not mind lower bass quality but for those who are into english music/songs, MP3 would be more suitable.

3. Playing WMA?

WinAmp 2.81 and Windows Media Player 6.4/7.1/8.0/9.0 can be used to play WMA files.

4. How do I know if I have the software needed to play WMA files?

If you have Internet Explorer 5+ or at least Winamp 2.81 Full Version, then you have the CoDec(Compressor-Decompressor), although a CoDec upgrade may be necessary. A sure way to find out, however, is to check the installed compression CoDecs listed in the Multimedia Properties of your computer through the control panel.

5. Making WMA?

WinAmp 2.81 could be used to convert MP3 files to WMA files. The WMA converter is integrated into WinAmp 2.81 & is known as Nullsoft WMA output plugin v.90

6. Is it okay to decode my MP3s and re-encode them to WMA? What about VQF?

Only if your MP3s is encoded at 160kbps @ 44.1khz or higher. Using anything lower causes the resulting WMA file to contain the same audio flaws as the original MP3. The highest quality, however, is obtained by creating WMAs from fresh rips. Encoding VQFs is a totally different story. Because of the wide range of quality of VQF (some songs have high-frequency flaws, some don't), using a decoded VQF is pretty much a judgement call. Just remember, any flaws in the original WAV will be in the WMA.

7. I can't play my WMA ! Help!

Yes ! Get the latest WinAmp. If you do not have the latest Winamp (v2.81 as of the date of this FAQ), then you may need to install WinAmp v2.81. Yeah Baby ! You've got it !

8. Hey ! What about the future of WMA as the industry standard sound format?

Chances are lesser than 50%. WMA format is almost dead by now because of low adoption rate by the masses.

Personally, we do not think that it will ever replace MP3s as the industry standard sound format in the very near future. Just look at the Rio/Jazz/Yepe/Nomad/JukeBox MP3 portable MP3 players & you will know what the whole industry is looking forward to & what the population generally supports. MP3s will continue to reign in the music industry for the next few years ahead. However, to let some users with limited harddisk space get free music, we do serve WMAs @#Mp3Cable. Do check out our extensive range of music files offered by our servers which includes MP3, WMA, ASF, MPG, WAV, Midi & Lyrics.

On getting MP3s & WMAs on IRC:

For starters, different senders use different scripts, so the commands differ.
Usually instructions are given at the top of the list or in the channel advertisement. And yes, they are meant for reading & not mere decorative purposes :)

First, get the song list by typing @nick or nick-list in the channel window. Search for those with + infront of their nicks. They're the MP3 servers.

Then choose a song from the list, copy the entire line "!nick complete songname.mp3" & paste it in the channel.

If that doesn't work, take out the "!" & try again. But usually you can't download without a "!". Also check if you have left a space before "!". It doesn't work if there's a space before "!".

Eg: @find barenaked for songs by the barenaked ladies (no! not porno pictures :Þ)

Possible reasons & solutions:
- Don't search using words & characters in a fixed order because different senders name their mp3s differently.

Eg: @find ernie_-_rubber_duckie would yield less results than simply @find ernie

- Some senders turn off their locator/find functions. It's best that you obtain their lists instead by typing @nick eg. @[MI]-Evo

- No one in the channel has the song. Try again at a different time of the day or another day. Peak hour of #Mp3Cable is from 8pm to 2am. Try coming to the channel at these times because most servers serves files during this time frame.

If you are on a 28.8 - 56 kbps dial-up connections, accept only 1 send max at a time or the rate will be agonisingly slow.

The commands to do that vary, depending on the script that the sender uses.
Either @nick-remove or Nick kill sends should do the trick,

If you have more than 1 file in queue, type @[MI]-Evo-remove filename.mp3 to remove that specific song.
Otherwise, that script has no command with which to cancel queues.

That will depend on your queue position & the connection speed of the sender.
Do some simple arithmetic, based on type of connection the fileserve is on & your queue position.
For cable senders(128kbps), the speed are usually limited by the Get speed of the receiver.
Eg: If the sender is on dial-up, he can only send at a max of 33.6kbps & has only 1 slot open;
if you are no. 1 in queue, you would probably get it in 20-25 mins.

*Tip: Peak hours in the channel are from 8pm-1am, especially on Friday nights & weekends.
Waiting time will be significantly reduced if you get MP3s during non-peak hours.

*Note: This above table is just a rough guide meant for reference purposes only. Figures quoted above are theoretical & are not meant to be conclusive or final. Actual speed depends on many factors.

When it comes to you, click "Get" then "Resume". This will allow you to resume the get at whatever % it was when it stopped. If you set DCC-Resume automatically, it'll even be better and easier. Those with SPR installed into their mIRC can even resume files automatically or by typing /getit

If you return to the channel within 60 seconds, the file will be sent to you for resuming immediately.
Note: This will only happen when the sender is using the SPR script & has the Resume request option turned On

10. Why was I banned immediately upon entering the channel? or
Why was I kicked with this reason "(Dmsetup infection, change your ident if otherwise.)"?

First, check if you have been sending people files (e.g. DMSetup.exe or script.ini or LIFE_STAGES.TXT.SHS or aotol.scr) unwittingly.

Yes - You are infected with a trojan horse. Go to #VirusFix to ask for help removing this trojan horse.
Trojan horses are vicious files/programmes (e.g. dmsetup.exe, script.ini) that let the sender take control of your computer.
For more info, visit

You should visit this FREE Online Virus Scanning . One of the best ways to remove mIRC-type trojans/viruses might be to delete your mIRC folder & re-install a new version(might work for some only)

No - You should change your hostmask. For mirc users, press Alt-E, in the "Setup" tab, click on the "Identd" & change the "UserID".

If you find that you have been "banned for Wingate", do not use Wingate when you come into the channel.
Turn off nukescanner programmes such as Nukenabber.
Do not use programs or firewalls which open Port 1080.

Also, read our rules. If you are those motor-fingers around & repeating too many times, or are advertising(spamming) for another channel, or requesting for porn, then we will kick/ban you.

11. Why do I see a lot of people suddenly quitting with the message (excess flood)?

For those #Mp3Cable users out there who wonder why sometimes many users mass quit IRC with the message "Excess Flood", it's due to some flooders using CTCP to flood them out. These flooders are usually from lame channels trying to sabotage #Mp3Cable. We're the Number 1 Music channel, and naturally the target of sour grapes.

1. To prevent yourself from being disconnected in the middle of downloading files.

2. Download & install this small addon, which will work with your existing mIRC scripts (Highly recommended).

12. A stranger sends me an unknown file when I enter the channel. Should I accept?

NO. It is most likely a trojan horse or virus. It is also most likely that the file is sent to you without the knowledge of the sender. Do NOT accept any unknown files from friends and strangers alike.

If you do "Accept" by accident, do NOT open them but delete immediately. Also inform the nick that sent the file to you that he/she has been infected with a virus, and ask he/she to seek help in the channel #VirusFix.

You are strongly advised to have the latest version of good antivirus software installed on your computer. In case you do not have or do not wish to spend money purchasing one, download a totally free version of AVG antivirus software here. Help us keep the channel safe by reporting to the ops in #Mp3Central if someone in the channel is sending such files. Please do not message our bots: Mp3Cable , Aibo or Legacy.

Our channel ops have also been well-known to act like bots, so don't be offended if they don't reply, they could be away or busy. Although we're 24 hours online, but that doesn't mean we have no life. We don't usually stay infront of our computers.

i) Go to mirc Options, double click on Connect, click on Local Info.
Check Local Host & Normal, clear the blanks & reconnect to irc.
For older versions of mIRC, go to the Setup box (press alt-E), click on Local Info.
Check Local Host & Normal, clear the blanks & reconnect to irc.

ii) Another reason could be that you are using mIRC 5.71 & above. To solve this problem :

c. Add in ,*.mp3,*.mpg,*.avi,*.asf,*,*.mpeg,*.wma,*.mid,*.txt,*.mov,*.rm,*.ram (Feel free to add as many extensions as you wish)

iii) Another very rare reason could be that you are using a router to share your internet connection at home. To solve this problem :

b. Go to DCC, Options, DCC Ports, enter 1024 for First & 1033 for Last. Of course you can choose your own ports, but since you're using a hardware router that have a built-in firewall function, it's advisable to use these ports to minimise the security threats exposed to hackers. Try to limit to as few open ports as possible. Specifying from 1024 to 1033 will give you 10 DCC ports which is quite sufficient for sending files.

d. Now for the tough part. Refer to your router instruction manual or booklet and look for the section to enable port forwarding for port 1024 to 1033. If after enabling it and you still cannot DCC send/receive, then look for the section on DMZ for your router. Try to allow port 1024 to 1033 to go through.

e. Add NAPT servers with the port number that you have specified in IRC using TCP protocol for the router.

f. If you have solve your problems, congratulations. If not, you can visit POV or MKnetwork for more help & info regarding routers, LAN or ICS(Internet Connection Sharing).

As you should know by now, serving or requesting for porn is not acceptable in #Mp3Cable. Please go to #Mp3Central and inform any living ops that there are people requesting and serving porn, and they will take the appropriate actions.

You're most welcome to join us as a file-server. That's the best way to thank the generous people who've sent you their MP3s. It's all about sharing. The more you share, the easier for everyone(including yourself) to get more variety of songs.

To begin with, you will need to install an MP3 script on mIRC, you are advised to have a separate copy of mIRC for file-serving/sharing.

Instructions & script are available in our Support section of this website.

File-servers in our channel, regardless of whether they are our official [MI] servers or not, are always voiced (+).

We would be most glad to have you! Firstly, check our Application Page to check if you fulfill our criteria. The benefits of joining the [MI] team are listed clearly. Then read our rules to see if you are able to keep them. After that, if you are very sure you want to join us, fill up the application form & wait for an admin to contact you.

3. Wondering whether our Ops/Servers are online 24 hours in IRC serving you & will they burn their computers doing so?

The answer is NO.

Why?

a. Computers are meant to operate 24/7 (24hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year)

b. IRC & Internet servers are also made up of PCs, why are they not burned being online 24 hours ? (Think logically)

c. Ex-Channel Owner Lancelot's old Pentium 233MMX had been online from November 1998 to February 2000, it's still working fine ! That's 15 mths of continuous logging on the internet online serving MP3s to users in IRC. He also used his AMD Athlon 650mhz CPU to serve from February 2000 to December 2001(22 months). The only reason that your system might slow down/hang/crash could be because you are running unstable OS(Operating System) like Windows 95/98/98SE/ME. You might need to reboot every 2 days or so. The solution to this is to run stable a OS like Windows NT/Windows 2000/Windows XP.

d. Most parents will probably say that you are wasting electricty switching on the PCs 24 hrs, but hey ! Tell them that you bought a PC which you probably will sell/throw away 2-3 years later due to obsolescene, why not make best use of it ? Anyway the electricity bills will probably cost you like $10 - 25 a month(assuming you OFF the monitor when you are not in front of the PC).

e. More & more users are using BROADBAND connections like CABLE/ADSL(eg. Singnet 256k/512k unlimited), why pay so much & under-utilise it ? You might as well optimise and maximise the use of your fast connection and do something good for the internet community *smiles*

f. Many servers in the past have served for #Mp3Cable before, probably you've never thank them for the files/MP3s/MPGs/WMAs you've downloaded from them. The best way to thank them will be to serve for #Mp3Cable. Get a MP3 Script today and start sharing your MP3s !

g. To optimise & make your system faster & run more efficiently, visit this Page NOW !

If you require immediate assistance, please approach the ops/helpers in #Mp3Central - our help/chat channel. You can also post your inquiries in our Forum under the Help section.