When to Use a Temporary Buffer

Generally, Temporary Buffer files are recommended if your processor cannot process information as quickly as your CD-ROM drive can read it. Because VBR encoding varies the load on your processor from frame to frame, Xing recommends always using a Temporary Buffer file whenever encoding files using the VBR option.

A Temporary Buffer is actually a temporary file (sometimes known as a swap file), that is written to your hard disk during the ripping and encoding process. When you finish encoding the file, the Temporary Buffer file is erased.

The purpose of a Temporary Buffer is to store temporary information in a location where the Encoder looks to find it, and requests it as needed. This location on your hard disk is called the Scratch Disk. The Temporary Buffer file requires a substantial amount of disk space on your Scratch Disk - about 10MB per minute of music.

Apple recommends that you always use a Temporary Buffer.

To use a Temporary Buffer file:

1. From the AudioCatalyst menu bar, select Preferences.
2. From the Preferences menu, select Encoder.
3. In the Encoder Preferences dialog, select use temporary buffer.
4. In the Scratch Disk field, select the drive to store your temporary buffer.