Soundcloud using 64 kbps Opus codec

[7k50]

I recently saw this article: https://www.magneticmag.com/2018/01/soundcloud-lowers-sound-quality-uploads-half/

It claims that Soundcloud has lowered the sound quality, from using previous 128 kbps MP3 to 64 kbps Opus codec.

However, the article was later updated with a statement from Soundcloud:

A SoundCloud after many emails back and forth refutes the claim that the sound quality has not changed and the reports are "inaccurate." "We haven't altered our approach to audio quality," continues a statement from SC. "We have been using the Opus codec (among others) since 2016, and we regularly test different combinations of encoding and streaming to offer listeners a quality experience on any device."

My question is not an scdl issue per se, but I'm curious if the scdl community has any insight into the subject and what the actual quality options for 'ripping' are.

A Google Chrome plugin author claims that his plugin forces the browser to play 128 kbps MP3 instead of Opus: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/soundcloud-quality-restor/llhggdgjolganlijhnocpbjfmdomanlc?hl=en

[flyingrub]

Just tested some random track and didn't get any 64Kbps Opus one. I think someone would have reported it here if he got some 64kbps one with scdl ?

[justinTM]

@flyingrub there is no chance the downloaded file metadata will say '256kbps' but actually be 64, right?

[flyingrub]

Nope, this would be totally useless has we would have a bigger file with a lower sound quality.

[asapmurk]

Everything I've pulled down from Soundcloud seems to be MP3 at 123kbps and 44.1 kHz.
I've see similar statements in the media about Soundcloud's move to Opus.
Perhaps it's in a pilot phase? It'd be great if there was clarity as to what content would be included in that pilot.