I want to know what the secret is, and what your mp3 converter is? I can't believe how much clearer your clips sounds to everyone elses! How the hell are you getting files that are as detailed sonically as a PCM wav file, into an mp3?
Hmm, don't know really. It's probably the fact that I am putting the guitar quite loud in the mix, which gives it more bits?
This is what I usually do:1. Standard SM 57 into Mackie 1202 (the old one)
2. Via Aux Send to en EMI 6/2 Interface (16bit, 44KHz)
3. Into Logic Pro on my G4 Powerbook
4. Normally I run the master through a bit of the Logic "Adaptive Limiter" plugin, which is good for blowing up levels. Levels are important especially on mp3. Compressed audio formats aren't made for dynamics, if you don't use up your dB range/bits you will lose quality/detail, so some kind of mastering compression is advisable, just don't overdo it.
5. I am then using the logic internal mp3 export, don't think it's any special, I guess it's utilising the apple standard codec