Does Export Permanently Convert Original File?

[drutgat]

Hi,
I just want to double check this before I try it.

Does exporting permanently convert the original, native MBR file format to the exported format (.WAV in the case of what I want to do)? Or does the process of exporting a file create an exported format *in addition* to the original native format, leaving the originally recorded file on the MBR? (i.e. does one end up with two files on the MBR, one of which can be exported)?

Thanks

[Oldrottenhead]

pardon?

[Flash Harry]

I think I know what you're asking. Are you talking about when you are mastering and at the end of the recording you are asked if you wish to export? I'm assuming you are:

You have the choice of MP3 at various bit rates and WAV. This does not convert the work you have stored in the Vtracks, it determines the format of the file that it saves in the MP3 folder on the MBR memory card.

WAV is the best quality and if you are making CDs or similar this is the one you should choose. WAV takes up more space on the memory card.

[drutgat]

I think I know what you're asking. Are you talking about when you are mastering and at the end of the recording you are asked if you wish to export? I'm assuming you are:

You have the choice of MP3 at various bit rates and WAV. This does not convert the work you have stored in the Vtracks, it determines the format of the file that it saves in the MP3 folder on the MBR memory card.

WAV is the best quality and if you are making CDs or similar this is the one you should choose. WAV takes up more space on the memory card.

Thanks, Flashharry,
That's what I wanted to know, because I'd like to continue to have the original source file, just in case I want to export it in a different format in the future.

[Flash Harry]

I don't know if you know of the BR Series Wave Converter.

It's a utility that lets you extract each track as either an individual mono track or a pair of adjacent tracks as a stereo pair.

It's a piece of freeware written by Boss and it works a treat.
You can use it to collect your source tracks and import them into Audacity/Sonar/Cubase etc.

It's designed for the larger BR units but works perfectly well with the MicroBR. You just get to use the first four tracks.

I have noticed that the start positioning can be variable.

It's worth checking out and is a useful addition to your mastering tools.

Just Google BR series wave converter, you'll quickly find the download link.

[drutgat]

Flashharry,
Thanks for this very useful piece of information.

Just want to clarify a bit though. What is the difference between using the BR Wave Converter, and just going through the post-mastering 'export' process on the MBR? From your description, it sounds like the BR Wave Converter extracts the original MBR files in their native formats, and then, presumably, converts them to .WAVs. I guess one of the other differences might be that these files are in a 'raw', unprocessed state, rather than having been effected and mixed, as files going through the MBR mastering process would be?

Is that right?

Thanks, once again,

[Flash Harry]

The Wave Converter takes the raw VTrack information and exports it to .wav files. It's a true representation of the audo that is stored on the track as it was recorded, i.e. with effects embedded, there is no post recording alteration other than the format conversion. So yes, you're correct in what you have said about the files being the audio in the Raw state. The MBR records the audio with the effect applied. You cannot remove the effect once recorded, so if you want to mix your tracks externally on an audio workstation it's best to record dry and add the effect in the production phase. It's harder to work this way because you don't hear what your final results will be during the recording phase but this isn't a full multitrack studio. 

The Post-Master export takes the audio from the mastered tracks which includes all the production tweaks such as reverb, compression, EQ etc. and exports it to a standard audio format file. You get the stereo pair in the file. This should be seen as your production output. It's what you want to publish.

The advantage of using the Wave Converter is that you can take individual tracks and export them to a DAW and then master them on the DAW.
You can also collect the Mastered data too.
I hope that this helps. I suggest that if you have a PC, you download the Wave converter software and Audacity, both free, and have a play around with them. You can lose days of you life so easily.