slow first pass vs slow preset

[cypher007]

just wondering which produces the best quality in a 2 pass encode? doing a slow first pass with default preset or doing a fast first pass and using slow preset?

[Guest]

just wondering which produces the best quality in a 2 pass encode? doing a slow first pass with default preset or doing a fast first pass and using slow preset?

I would suggest simply doing a sample test file with a few different settings, and see what your eye's tell you.

[Asmodian]

Fast first pass using a slow preset is better.

Slow first pass adds very little quality, if any, while the slow preset is a big improvement.

[benwaggoner]

Fast first pass using a slow preset is better.

Slow first pass adds very little quality, if any, while the slow preset is a big improvement.
You do want to make sure you're using the same number of b-frames for both passes, though.