From MD-->PC-->MD quality loss?

[theblueraja]

Ok, I know I've asked this before, but seem to recall getting mixed answers.

With the current version of Sonic Stage we can rip tracks that we had on a minidisc (like that were originally from a CD rip to Sonic Stage then put to MD) and send it BACK to our PC in sonic stage at the same bitrate. If I do that then transfer the same file to another MD (same bitrate, no conversion), is there ANY audio quality loss?? I mean, is it the same principle as drag-and-dropping a FILE or is there still some audio coding taking place that could create issues in quality??

Thanks

Edited April 12, 2007 by theblueraja

[raintheory]

There shouldn't be any transcoding as long as you are transferring the files "as-is".

Though it is SONY we're talking about, so who knows for sure.

[Qwakrz]

If you transfer a PCM, Hi-SP or Hi-LP from a Hi-MD unit onto your PC in the same format (i.e. dont convert it) and then put it back onto a different minidisc in the same format then there should be no loss.

If you import an SP recording using the RH1 you will get a quality loss as you cant re-send SP back to MD and also SS does a convertion from SP to Hi-SP or WAV on import.

[Karl Myer]

If you import an SP recording using the RH1 you will get a quality loss as you cant re-send SP back to MD and also SS does a convertion from SP to Hi-SP or WAV on import.

Am I correct the RH1 imports legacy MD's at 292 kbps and converts them to 256 right away?

Legacy MD's are 256 after uploading to SS -- I have learned that. But the file, when I look into Documents and Settings > All Users > SonicStage > Packages is called simply "ATRAC" and happens to be the (exact) size of the uncompressed WAV file. I specify that the music also be converted to WAV in Transfer Mode Settings box > Advanced button >Import Settings tab > Save In WAV Format When Importing. SonicStage puts that real WAV file in My Documents > My Music.

If the song appears in My Library as 256 kbps from Legacy's 292 it must have been re-encoded and so has lost some quality. I don't like that but I must admit I can't hear any degradation in the music. If that is positively the last loss of quality due to a conversion I suppose I don't mind. I'm just so thankful to get the music into WAV. Thank you once again, Sony, for supporting and improving MD these many years.

[Strungup]

Hmmm interesting , on the Mac MD Transfer 2.0 you dont get an option whatever it brings in comes in as WAV ,so if I have a 9 hour file, my hardrives gonna crash. (that would be a BIIIIG file)

[raintheory]

Am I correct the RH1 imports legacy MD's at 292 kbps and converts them to 256 right away?

Legacy MD's are 256 after uploading to SS -- I have learned that. But the file, when I look into Documents and Settings > All Users > SonicStage > Packages is called simply "ATRAC" and happens to be the (exact) size of the uncompressed WAV file. I specify that the music also be converted to WAV in Transfer Mode Settings box > Advanced button >Import Settings tab > Save In WAV Format When Importing. SonicStage puts that real WAV file in My Documents > My Music.

If the song appears in My Library as 256 kbps from Legacy's 292 it must have been re-encoded and so has lost some quality. I don't like that but I must admit I can't hear any degradation in the music. If that is positively the last loss of quality due to a conversion I suppose I don't mind. I'm just so thankful to get the music into WAV. Thank you once again, Sony, for supporting and improving MD these many years.

You can choose whether SP material is transcoded to Hi-SP or imported as PCM.

[Avrin]

Guitarfxr, WAV files cannot exceed 2Gb on any file system. Even if you are able to make them bigger (using Canopus ProCoder, for example), they won't play or open anymore. A real problem for me when creating long DVDs (longer than about 3 hours 6 minutes for 48 kHz 16-bit sound tracks).

[Strungup]

Guitarfxr, WAV files cannot exceed 2Gb on any file system. Even if you are able to make them bigger (using Canopus ProCoder, for example), they won't play or open anymore. A real problem for me when creating long DVDs (longer than about 3 hours 6 minutes for 48 kHz 16-bit sound tracks).

I will try it one day , I have about 10 discs with over 9 hours , 1 track where I have been archiving internet radio( Optical out on the macbook) I recorded in HiMD LP mode . so when I get the nerve and the time I just might import one of those just to see what happens

I have to Counter you on the statement about 2gigs though , I am an Audio engineer , have been working in studio sound for a loooong time. Pro audio apps can give a lot more than 2gigs on a wave file , try 5 or 600 gigs for a 24 track full production situation where each track becomes not just a wave file but also carrying effect data ,track pans ,fader movements and all kinds of other material where each individual file then well exeeds the 2 gig zone .

on example Sony MP3056 mixing board , 6 ADATs , a Mac Quadra 950 ,with 4 Drives Staged , and 2 external 500 gig drives.

Effect pacthing for 36 effect proccessors , Full automation , Control Syncs fro the Adats to the 950 , and full controll pacthing for both at the Board .

Groups that have recorded at this studio , Firehouse, YellowJackets,F.R.E.N.S, and a thousand others that I really dont need to type.

The Studio setups at ILM an others are working soundtracks that are well over three hours, especially in Docudramas and other stuff . Research Tascam GigaStudio some good videos about that , actually you might could use it for your DVDs

Now for the Home apps like the stuff for MD and DVD ,granted you may have a point

That point being made I would have to say there MUST be a workaround , it just a matter of some genius ( which I am NOT ) figureing it out . Hard drives are just too big and proccesors have gotten to fast that it just isnt logical that that should be so .

Edited April 15, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[Avrin]

I was talking about RIFF WAVE format used in Windows (and SonicStage). It is certainly possible to have bigger files in professional formats, they may even have a WAV extension.