Subject:Batch converter stuffs files
Posted by: Geoff_Wood
Date:9/24/2001 4:40:59 AM
BC 5.0 (b117) Normalising a bunch of files. BC Output file set to overwrite source file, ie : Folder -same as source file Name - same as sorce file Format - Same as source file The file size doubles, and they no longer are valid wav files . Any ideas geoff |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: beetlefan
Date:9/24/2001 10:31:53 AM
I've noticed most SF users aren't familiar with working in bit-depths other than 16. SF 5.0 and the batch converter now work in 32-bit, or processes everything at 32-bit. This is GOOD for your sound if you process your files. In a nutshell, everytime you do something to a file you INCREASE the word-length, more than what will fit into that 16-bit word, so your software must truncate the file back to 16-bit when you save it and your sound will suffer. If the software is any good it will at least dither the results. But it's not best for the app to work all in 16-bit. If you DO process a strictly 16-bit file in SF 5.0 or the batch file it will dither your results BUT if you do more than, say, one effect, the dither noise will build up and eventually destroy your sound. I have done this to a 16-bit file to the point of sound break-up! It would be fair to say that I did use an old software app that didn't even use dither. That's why working at 24 and 32-bit is good! You can do many things to your file without ANY loss in quality. But, to burn a CD you STILL need to get that file down to 16-bit. We DON'T want to simply truntcate the file, which will just cut off bits and create nasty-sounding digital distortion, you want to use dither. Dither is analog white noise ADDED to the file to smooth out the digital distortion caused by cutting off bits. You can also opt to use noise shaping to reduce the dither noise! Anyway, the batch converter does it's transforms all in 32-bit float by default, and you must specify that you want to convert your files to 16-bit, 44.1. So, the IEEE .24-bit float IS a valid .wav file type and you can use them id SF, Cool Edit, or any other program worth it's salt. The batch converter is working just as it should. Too bad SF does not educate it's users on this, since many are novice users who probably picked up their copy at Best Buy. Just convert those files to 16-bit, use some noise shaping if you wish, and be happy! You have a superior file! |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: Ted_H
Date:9/24/2001 10:34:53 AM
This is actually a bug in the initial release of Batch Converter 5.0. Download and install the update from this link to fix it: http://www.sonicfoundry.com/download/step2.asp?DID=339 Ted |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: beetlefan
Date:9/24/2001 10:36:15 AM
Ted, I have the upgrade. It seems to work the same for me. No problem. |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: Geoff_Wood
Date:9/24/2001 9:43:30 PM
I've downloaded the update and will try it shortly. However if you have selected "File Format - same as original", and it changes it, that is clearly a bug, and NOT OK by me ! Working in 32-bit float is not the same as saving 32 (or 24) bit files. Will confirm shortly if the update fixes it. |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: Geoff_Wood
Date:9/24/2001 11:08:53 PM
Yes, BC5.0a remedies this behaviour. What is really odd was is I'm sure I had done the same earlier, and the resultant file size/format remained identical. Maybe I'd renamed .... |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: Ted_H
Date:9/25/2001 11:02:17 AM
I should have mentioned this before, but it is recommended that you uninstall the previous version before installing the update. Some files may not get updated otherwise. Ted |
Subject:RE: Batch converter stuffs files
Reply by: Geoff_Wood
Date:9/25/2001 4:46:10 PM
Ted, I did that anyway. Thanks... g. |