I’m using Wavelab Elements 9. When you’re going to export your file from .wav to mp3, do as follows:
- After setting the mp3 Tags / meta-data (LOL a topic in itself)
- Click on Export
- in Format pick, not the Factory presets, but Edit
- then I choose the following settings:
MP3
Match both Input Streams (assuming you want that)
Encoding - Fraunhofer - CBR 320 kbps
Inherit the meta-data (if you want)
Then I save it as preset called Mp3 320
Voilá, this gives the highest quality constant bit rate mp3 (huh, as far as my understanding goes).
Remember, your initial wav file has to peak at most, say, -1dB to avoid distortion when compressing from wav to mp3.