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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155 |
I am currently using the UltraPlusPAK for mac and the from what I know, the real tracks in this version are compressed files (i.e., m4a if I'm not mistaken). Is there any bearing if I save the song to AIFF or WAV?
When I make a song using BIAB, I save each instrument to AIFF and I do the final mix using GarageBand for now. I'm planning to use Logic Pro later on.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Yes, it does matter.
You are correct that the UltraPlusPak has compressed files.
When BIAB creates a backing, it converts the compressed files to wav/aiff and then pieces the backing together. Because the original compression from wav to m4a slightly reduced the sound quality, the re-created wav/aiff file(s) lacks a little quality when compared to the original files. For the most part, this quality difference is not all that noticeable. However, when a backing is created and then compressed, the compressing will reduce the quality slightly more again because the Realtracks undergo a second compressing.
In my experience, it's best to leave the backing as an uncompressed file for as long as possible for mixing purposes. This will help maximise sound fidelity.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2017
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Thanks a lot! I'm glad to know that what I'm doing is not a waste of time and effort. 
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,806
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As Noel pointed out, yeah, technically, there is a slight difference in the sound.
HOWEVER....
For all intents and purposes, it doesn't amount to a hill of beans.
Most of the people here use the non-audiophile version, including myself. Have a listen to the music we create and then listen to the few folks who have the AP version and compare what you hear. If you didn't know, you wouldn't be able to discern it from listening.
The non-AP version can produce music with sufficient quality that it can be used on TV, Radio and incorporated into commercial CD projects without anyone noticing that it's not using true wave files to start.
Use the tracks as they are rendered and export them as waves. work in wave format for as long as you can which in a good DAW is for the entire project. Convert your finished project wave to MP3 with the highest resolution (320kbs) and you should be OK. I have noticed issues with sound quality when the conversion to MP3 is done at 128kbs. Other than that, nope.
One of my songs on the website music page has a lead vocal that was sent to me as an MP3 and due to circumstances beyond my control, I couldn't get the wave to it so....to this day the lead vox on that song continues to be the original MP3 I was sent.
Bet you're curious now.... so... In A World Without You is the song with the MP3 lead vocal.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155 |
Thanks for your input.
I'll check that out.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,507
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You can always save an audio file to a higher quality. Although you won't gain anything by doing so, the trick is to avoid losing any quality. One thing you should not do is compress a compressed file. That is not a problem with BIAB because whichever version (audiophile or regular) you use, you will be exporting files of CD quality from BIAB (44.1 sample rate/16 bit). If you would like to know more about this, I have written a Tips and Tricks article describing the difference between BIAB versions, and how BIAB uses files. It's probably more detail than you want to know, but it covers what I said above. http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=378939#Post378939
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155
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Joined: Mar 2017
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Thanks Matt. That is very helpful and informative.
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