Os X Sample Rate Conversion = Horrible Performance Options

[Cargoplex]

At my job, I deal with very large WAVE files (around 1.5gig) recorded at 24/96.

The client gets data CDs with the 24/96 files on them, and also audio CDs of each file. We use PCs in our sound lab, but I recently aquired two Macs from our graphics department. On the PCs, we use Wavelab's batch processor to convert the 24/96 files to 16/44.1. This usual averages about 3 minutes file.

So today, I set up a batch process in Peak to convert the 24/96 files to 16/44.1, and to my amazement/disappointment, it was taking up to 40 MINUTES a file! That is practically real time! The PCs we use are standard Pentium 4's with about a gig or ram. The Mac I use is a 733MHz G4 PowerMac with 1.25 gigs of ram.

I just don't know what else to say. In addition to this devastating revalation, I have also found Peak and the dicontinued Spark to be less than comparable to the power of Sound Forge or Wavelab.

I won't be giving up my Macs anytime soon, but if anyone has any insight on the these issues, please bring your two cents to this post. Thanks.

[editbrain]

i agree that peak is very slow. i have had this in the back of my mine since coming over to mac. i wonder what the deal is?

happy recording,
editbrain

[gdoubleyou]

wrong app for the job, DSP Quattro.

[Cargoplex]

I downloaded a demo of DSP-Quattro and it took just as long. In addition to that, every edit made to the waveform required the program to redraw the overview! With a 1.5gig file, that is an unacceptable amount of time to sit and wait after each edit.

[MrDee]

You could try Amadeus II or Sound Edit?

I really really wish someone would hurry up and port over a 'GOOD' aiff editing program like soundforge or wavelab (perhaps calling it aifflab!?)

[editbrain]

why would it be the wrong app if it is offered?
also this seems to be a problem with the way that mac handles files in a stereo sound editor. this can't be the first time someone has complained about this. i am all for mac being a logic user and all, but the platform cannot compete with windows as long as soundforge is windows only.

maybe this is a serious flaw in the platform and that is why soundforge has not been ported.