Is this a problem? at DVinfo.net

Marco Leavitt · April 2nd, 2004, 11:52 PM

I just bought a minidisc deck with an optical output. The USB interface that I also bought will only sample at 48 kHz and the minidisc is 44.1 kHz. The problem is that I can only seem to get my computer (it's a Mac) to capture at 44.1 kHz. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to upsample the signal and then downsample it into the computer. Is there any downside to this? I'm considering sending the USB interface (it's made by Edirol) back, or am I worrying too much about it? It just seems like it would be better to capture at 44.1 kHz and then add dither when I upsample to 48 kHz to make the AIFF file.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · April 2nd, 2004, 11:57 PM

What are you using it for? If you are recording classical or pure acoustic music, you *might* notice a difference, but chances are you won't notice anything with the upsample.

Ken Tanaka · April 3rd, 2004, 12:00 AM

I am not an audio technician and am not familiar with your Edirol unit. (I have an HHb PortaDisc.) But I can at least offer what I do with MiniDisc.

I use the USB interface to perform captures into my Mac (G4) desktop and Powerbook through Peak.

I thought that MiniDisc can only sample at 44kHz (i.e. CD rates), not 48kHz. In any case, my material always comes in at 44kHz. I just use Peak to up-sample to 48kHz and export to an AIF for use in FCP4.

I hope this offers some guidance to you, Marco.

Marco Leavitt · April 3rd, 2004, 12:20 AM

This is just for dialog.
Ken, as you said, MD is 44.1. Basically what's happening is I'm starting at 44.1, converting to 48, capturing at 44.1, and then upconverting yet again to 48 to make an AIFF file to use in FinalCut Pro.
It sounds fine, but the anal retentive part of me that insisted on buying a separate deck in the first place thinks this is crazy.
I don't have "golden ears" though, and Douglas if you don't think upsampling twice is that big of a deal, maybe I'll just live with it.

April 2nd, 2004, 11:52 PM	#1
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Is this a problem? I just bought a minidisc deck with an optical output. The USB interface that I also bought will only sample at 48 kHz and the minidisc is 44.1 kHz. The problem is that I can only seem to get my computer (it's a Mac) to capture at 44.1 kHz. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to upsample the signal and then downsample it into the computer. Is there any downside to this? I'm considering sending the USB interface (it's made by Edirol) back, or am I worrying too much about it? It just seems like it would be better to capture at 44.1 kHz and then add dither when I upsample to 48 kHz to make the AIFF file.

April 2nd, 2004, 11:57 PM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	What are you using it for? If you are recording classical or pure acoustic music, you might notice a difference, but chances are you won't notice anything with the upsample. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

April 3rd, 2004, 12:00 AM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I am not an audio technician and am not familiar with your Edirol unit. (I have an HHb PortaDisc.) But I can at least offer what I do with MiniDisc. I use the USB interface to perform captures into my Mac (G4) desktop and Powerbook through Peak. I thought that MiniDisc can only sample at 44kHz (i.e. CD rates), not 48kHz. In any case, my material always comes in at 44kHz. I just use Peak to up-sample to 48kHz and export to an AIF for use in FCP4. I hope this offers some guidance to you, Marco. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

April 3rd, 2004, 12:20 AM	#4
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	This is just for dialog. Ken, as you said, MD is 44.1. Basically what's happening is I'm starting at 44.1, converting to 48, capturing at 44.1, and then upconverting yet again to 48 to make an AIFF file to use in FinalCut Pro. It sounds fine, but the anal retentive part of me that insisted on buying a separate deck in the first place thinks this is crazy. I don't have "golden ears" though, and Douglas if you don't think upsampling twice is that big of a deal, maybe I'll just live with it.