Post by TheBandicoot on Feb 15, 2023 20:42:47 GMT
Hi guys,
Can anyone advise what the best methods are for recording and adjusting DSD files?
I currently use a Sony PS-HX500 to play and rip my Vinyl on and use Sony's Hi-Res Audio Recorder. The sound quality is spot on and the app (whilst very minimal) makes an easy job of recording, separating and re-naming tracks. My only complaint is how impossible it is to edit DSD files. As it stands my current workflow looks like this:
I keep reading conflicting information on whether converting from DSD to PCM and back again can cause destructive changes to the audio quality. Some info mentions how it doesn't matter as going from DSD to PCM retains the "analogue feel" that was captured (which makes sense, but I'm no sound engineer) whilst some mention how converting PCM to DSD can net improvements (which doesn't make sense outside of how the DAC handles the signal).
Sony's Hi-Res Audio recording software does allow you to apply gain before saving the file but it can't normalise. My aim is to normalise the volume so the track's volume isn't ridiculously quiet compared to everything else on the player but within the limits to avoid clipping/dynamic compression.
TL;DR / The point of this thread:
Is it safe to convert from DSD to PCM, edit and re-convert back to DSD without ruining anything, or am I better off just leaving it the hell alone and enjoy a clean rip?
Are there any alternative recording apps with more options, or is this the best we've got?
Can anyone advise what the best methods are for recording and adjusting DSD files?
I currently use a Sony PS-HX500 to play and rip my Vinyl on and use Sony's Hi-Res Audio Recorder. The sound quality is spot on and the app (whilst very minimal) makes an easy job of recording, separating and re-naming tracks. My only complaint is how impossible it is to edit DSD files. As it stands my current workflow looks like this:
- Convert DSD to PCM (24bit/96KHz) for compatibility with Audacity for editing
- Apply changes, such as Volume Normalisation, trimming and scanning for any over-presented pops. Generally checking the audio spectrum for abnormalities/things you don't want, etc.
- Export to WAV (PCM as above)
- Convert back to DSD using dBpoweramp's music converter for DSD playback
- drag/drop to mp3tag for tagging before dumping onto Walkman
I keep reading conflicting information on whether converting from DSD to PCM and back again can cause destructive changes to the audio quality. Some info mentions how it doesn't matter as going from DSD to PCM retains the "analogue feel" that was captured (which makes sense, but I'm no sound engineer) whilst some mention how converting PCM to DSD can net improvements (which doesn't make sense outside of how the DAC handles the signal).
Sony's Hi-Res Audio recording software does allow you to apply gain before saving the file but it can't normalise. My aim is to normalise the volume so the track's volume isn't ridiculously quiet compared to everything else on the player but within the limits to avoid clipping/dynamic compression.
TL;DR / The point of this thread:
Is it safe to convert from DSD to PCM, edit and re-convert back to DSD without ruining anything, or am I better off just leaving it the hell alone and enjoy a clean rip?
Are there any alternative recording apps with more options, or is this the best we've got?