Basic Foobar configuration (1st&2nd posts)

[Deleted]

(Not updated anymore)

***I've stickied this as it's such a good guide. I needed it today and noticed it was slipping into distant history. cj 21/03/14 ***

As the title of this thread this little guide/tutorial will try to address how to install and configure Foobar media player's most important audio related features such as output modes and relevant codec plugins.

I will only focus on the basic audio related features beacuse the list of available plugins is quite long , will require a very long time to write in an easy to understand way and even longer to “digest”, besides, many of them are for improving its looks or adding convenience features but have no influence on sound.


1.) Downloads.

Before installing anything, first download the player and desired plugins into the same easy to locate folder, it makes installation and setup easier and quicker.
WARNING: The plugins come in with either .zip or .fb2k (also a zip) file extension, DO NOT extract the content to the component folder, that method is not recommended and can cause problems. Foobar extracts the contents automatically and places them in the correct folder/s if you follow the instructions bellow (Chapter #2).

1.1) Foobar

The player and most (but not all) plugins can be downloaded from the Foobar site: www.foobar2000.org/download
At this moment the most recent version of the player is 1.2.8 stable.

1.2.8

Corrected Converter regression from 1.2.7 final.

1.2.7

Now using latest & greatest libFLAC 1.3.0.
Fixed WAV tag writer potentially creating files of odd byte count (non-standard-compliant).
Improved handling of various malformed AIFF file cases.
Made WavPack files with malformed channel mask info play (final).
New “Downmix channels to stereo” DSP replacing old “Downmix 5.1 to stereo”; now capable of downmixing various channel configurations (final).

1.2.6

Windows 8 “connected standby” countermeasures:
Option to keep display up while playing - seems to be the only way to prevent Windows desktop apps from being shut down while the machine turns idle
Fixed misbehavior when updating attached pictures in files with ID3v2.2 tags.
ReplayGain tagging now works with AIFF.
Fixed crashing when embedding specific picture files into Ogg Vorbis files.
Attached picture manager dialog tweaks.

1.2.5

Converter: fixed writing of WAV files with odd byte counts (eg. 24-bit mono).
Improved handling of various malformed WAV files.
Converter: fixed writing of file types that foobar2000 cannot tag.
Fixed “verify integrity of played files” option disabling HDCD & DTS decoder components.
It's a feature of individual decoder components; third party decoder components such as Monkey's Audio decoder must be updated separately.
“Add Folder” now skips over hidden files & subfolders.
AIFF file format tagging support.
Added authenticode signatures to foobar2000 binaries.
Added WAV & AIFF attached picture handling (beta 2).
Added attached picture transfer option in Converter (beta 2).
Support for touchscreen gesture scrolling on Windows 8 tablet devices (final).

1.2.4

ReplayGain scanner improvements:
Improved speed.
No longer ignores up to 100ms of last audio data.
Faster SSE-optimized codepaths for various sample type conversions; most notably more efficient handling of 24-bit content.
Option to verify integrity of played files and report errors immediately (however it does not check whole-file checksums).
Fixed status bar glitch with misplaced volume icon.

1.2.3

Updated FFmpeg code to 1.1.1.
FFmpeg DLLs now use unique names to avoid collisions with certain other software.
Reverted problematic Media Library folder monitoring tweaks from 1.2.
“Downmix 5.1 to stereo” DSP now accepts more different channel masks.
FLAC decoding improvements (beta 3):
Work-around for certain broken files producing loud glitches.
SSE optimizations to counter slowdown from the above work-around.
File Integrity Verifier component now detects such files.
Worked around incompatibility with some very old Vorbis files (final).

1.2.2

Bug fix: 1.2.1 regression - rare crash on specific malformed files.
Bug fix: worked around MS listview bug - disappearing Converter preset list in certain scenarios.

1.2.1

Bug fix: Menu commands to switch between playback output devices not entirely working.
Bug fix: Incorrect decode of odd/malformed Vorbis files.
Bug fix: Archive Reader DLL was accidentally made dependant on MSVCR100.DLL in 1.2.
Improved compatibility with malformed AIFF files.
Bug fix: 1.2 regression - some filesystem operations in monitored folders would cause foobar2000 to crash.



1.2

- Support for streaming to arbitrary UPnP MediaRenderer devices through the new UPnP output component.
- FFmpeg is now used for MP3, AAC and Vorbis decoding
- Extended playback thread priority options in Advanced Preferences.
- New: Converter “Quick Convert” dialog, for simplified casual conversions without advanced features.
- New: Menu commands to switch between playback output devices.
- New: Component installer now shows component licenses when available.
- Package license.txt or license.rtf with the component to get it shown on install.
- License not shown when autoupdating components.
- Equalizer is now an open-source component, separate from the standard DSP array.

1.1.18

Hot fix: deadlock detection feature has been disabled due to newly documented harmful side effects.
No more crash when playing during a machine standby cycle.

1.1.17

- Converter works on non-seekable sources again, such as Internet streams.
- Fixed rare crash bug with “full file buffering”.
- Fixed oscilloscope inversion bug
- Improved media library relative path handling in portable installs.
- Ctrl+A now works in generic text popup dialogs (popup_message API).
- Crash reporting improvements for hopefully more meaningful data about deadlocks.
- Updated zlib to 1.2.7.


1.1.16

- Worked around playback/output preferences crash on Windows 2003.
- ID3v2 tagging compatibility improvements:
- Non-compliant ID3v2.3 TYER allowed by default since various other popular software does it.
- Option to write “rating” as TXXX for the few people who want it.
- Fixed properties dialog field copy/paste inconsistency when copying specific fields from single to multiple files.
- ReplayGain scanner: added additional warnings when trying to scan a very large group of tracks as a single album.
- ReplayGain scanner: addressed extreme memory usage when scanning a large group of tracks as a single album.
- Cleaned up embedded cuesheet handling code.
- Faster FLAC tag updates when full file rewrite is necessary.
- Sanitized FLAC tag updating behaviors in low-memory conditions.
- The File Operations component now be used to create links to files, in addition to copying/renaming/moving (beta 2).
- Improved album art loading performance with huge libraries and complicated lookup patterns (beta 2).

Direct link:

1.2: www.foobar2000.org/getfile/043bc6edaa85aafc199765e0c7fa9ff2/foobar2000_v1.2.exe

1.2) Plugins

1.2.1) Output plugins

ASIO:

Latest version: 2.1.2

Highlights:

2.1.2
* Fixed phase inversion with 32-bit output.

2.1.1
* New "high process priority" option for dodgy drivers that stutter under high CPU load.

2.1
* Channel mapping configuration no longer required to use with popular soundcards - you can still configure alternate channel mappings if you need to.
* Worked around all documented compatibility issues with various ASIO drivers.
* Improved stability when dealing with buggy ASIO drivers.

www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_asio
Direct link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/fbc4e24b404e0c9446f81f350277b6d0/47686906c1a7306500a025da3f238c35/foo_out_asio.zip


WASAPI:

Version 3.1 highlights:

* Fixed playback getting stuck on audio stream format change.

Version 3.0 highlights:

* Faster volume control
* 32bit integer mode if 32bit floating-point is not supported by the device
* Operates in two different modes, regular and event-driven - the latter seems to be more compatible with USB devices, but not supported by some other devices.
* Separate process sandbox for improved stability.

Direct link:
www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/31de426feddba9623a03cec61f1597ac/4360367e579e7131b767e9cec56010b0/WASAPI.fb2k-component

Addenda:

In case of drop-out or stutter, WASAPI buffer sizes can be adjusted in Preferences->Advanced->Playback->WASAPI separate values for Event and push mode are available.

If the soundcard accepts it Event mode would be the prefered mode, more info here:

wiki.jriver.com/index.php/WASAPI

Also since V. 3.0 it is possible to configure independently buffers for either mode and run the WASAPI process with real time priority. To access these settings follow this path:
File->Options->Preferences->Advanced->Playback->WASAPI

Kernel Streaming (just for comparisson, not really needed):
www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_ks
Direct link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/74326b6478e9a0ba6640d46fc71ad26e/35360a939d5f3179c480d92961cffbd7/foo_out_ks.zip



Download

1.2.2 Source/input plugins:

Foobar plays the most common files like MP3, MP4, AAC, CD Audio, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF, Musepack, Speex, AU, SND... as standard but this list can be enlarged by using plugins like the recommend next ones:

DVD-A:

-"DVD-Audio Decoder input plugin and Watermark Detector/Neutralizer DSP plugins for foobar2000. Decoder is capable of playing back DVD-Audio discs, ISO images, AOB, MLP and Dolby TrueHD files in full resolution. Dedicated plugin for DTS-HD playback."-

Direct Link sourceforge.net/projects/dvdadecoder/files/latest/download?source=files

SACD:

This plugin is capable to decode Super Audio CD ISO image content as well as DST, DSDIFF and DSD files.
This plugin contains CODE FROM SACD Ripper code.google.com/p/sacd-ripper/ project.
A change log is included in the zip file
When needed adjust output volume and sample rate at File->Preferences->Tools->SACD.
For direct DSD playback ASIO driver with DSD support is required.

sourceforge.net/projects/sacddecoder/files/foo_input_sacd/
Direct Link: sourceforge.net/projects/sacddecoder/files/latest/download?source=files

HDCD decoding (if case your DAC doesn't have native support for it):

-"This postprocessing service component will decode HDCD data in any 16-bit PCM stream passed through it by supporting inputs, such as CDDA, WAV, FLAC, and WavPack.
For change log check www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/5cb117b9ef5c3895d0d7e9935932c670/87ee34b7b9323438105566edd5edc2fa/foo_hdcd.zip

Direct Link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/40a88873ee3969e8326d52185de3573b/00ba1b9c6bb7e0934a7a911a6204de59/foo_hdcd.zip

Monkey (.APE):
-"Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.APE) as well as APE Link files (.APL).
Version 2.1.6 highlights: Fixed a rare crash on malformed files
Version 2.1.5 highlights: now compatible with new HDCD & DTS decoder components."-

www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_input_monkey
Direct Link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/d3b2b7c8b18388d15a4bd29ce627ed30/68e37011c732e2b9aaa16cd2a809dd05/foo_input_monkey.fb2k-component


Other not so common but still interesting codecs are AC3 (AKA Dolby Digital) and DTS. If you happen to have files encoded with either of these codecs the following plugins will need to be installed:

AC3
Direct Link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/91890e3a989895d8f0319bbd5934964b/d9d00f78d480666ac05c84e612ac14f0/foo_ac3.zip

DTS
Direct Link: www.foobar2000.org/getcomponent/5c2bb18ae2bd75b5657c92f948883b4c/ec0c75321855d47cf2efa5eef4acb5e4/foo_input_dts.zip


2.Installation

Once the player and all plugins have been downloaded first step will be installing the player.
The first option given in the installation process is installation type, standard or portable. If you plan to customize heavily Foobar and use it on more than one computer portable installation can be a good idea as it can be copied to a USB flash drive and shared across many PCs keeping the configuration (as long as hardware is compatible too). For use on a single computer choose standard. After that Foobar asks for the installation path and options (I recommend checking all).
Once the player is installed, to install the additional downloaded plugins follow the red arrows in order:

(Note: by default when preferences are opened Foobar goes to the "components" section, if for any reason this doesn't happen click on it to access the window shown below)




All installed components are shown inside the green rectangle. To add another click on install (red arrow #3). Point the window that pops up to the folder where all plugins have been previously downloaded choose any one and repeat WITHOUT clicking "Apply" or closing the player until all have been installed. Don't worry if just after installing a plugin it reads "Unknown" in the installed components list, they'll show their name and version once Foobar is re started.

3. Playback configuration

To acces all playback options click on the"+" sign by "Playback" on the left pane of preferences expanding it.

3.1 Disable replay gain

Some files have a tag specifying replay gain that will adjust loudness automatically for that track. If you prefer to control volume with your amp's knob this can be disabled as follows:

When "Playback" is selected in the left pane the right pane will show this:



In the second drop down list labeled "Processing" select "None"
For extra security 0dB can be selected in both the Preamp sliders.

3.2 DSP Options

Foobar has some built-in DSPs that are disabled by default, they can be enabled by accessing them in the DSP entry on the right pane and looks like this:



On the pic above you can see the default ones plus two I added, the DVD_A plugin and a SOX HQ upsampling plugin.
The only one I use from time to time is the "Convert 5.1 to Stereo" because my Musiland is not so good at downmixing.
DSPs are not installed here but as any other plugin, here they are just enabled/disabled and configured (when available).

3.3 Output

This section is key to get the best out of Foobar and your system.

Available options depend on installed output plugins. First click on output on the left pane and then on the left one click the drop down list under "Device" to get something like the next pic:



The image shows all available outputs to Foobar. In this example the laptop I'm using has two sound cards, the onboard Realtek (using Windows default "High Definition" drivers instead of the proper ones but that is a different story) and the Musiland 02. As each sound card has more than one out the list is quite long.

There is one entry for each way out under each type of output, for example, it is possible to route the music to the Musiland's analogue outputs using:

- ASIO: Musiland Monitor Series (USB)
- DS: Speakers (Musiland Monitor 02 US)
- KS: Monitor 02 US [0001]
- WASAPI: Speakers (Musiland Monitor 02 US)

As the Musiland also has SPDIF out the above is repeated but with replacing "Speakers" with SPDIF.

For testing purposes ASIO4ALL is installed but only for the onboard sound chip.

3.3.1 ASIO Virtual Devices

Before accesing a device through ASIO a virtual device has to be created first. If our sound card has a native ASIO driver or we have installed ASIO4ALL we can add it to Foobar's list by clicking the "ASIO Virtual Devices" entry beneath "Output" on the left pane and the next will be shown:



Follow the arrows in the same order to add a device. The ASIO Device Editor will show in the drop down list all ASIO drivers known to your O.S. (AKA Windows) be it only one or as many as ASIO compatible sound cards you have in your computer. Select one, click OK and configuration is over.

4. Additional Plugins Configuration

Some Plugins create entries on the left pane where their options can be configured. Both DVD-A and SACD plugins do this, and in the SACD case, for example, you can choose its output format (PCM, DSD or Auto), PCM's sampling rate (24/88.2 or 24/176.4) and, if wanted, extra gain (0 to +6dB).

[Deleted]

SACD plugin configuration (as of version 0.6.1)

ASIO Driver Mode:

Options are PCM or DSD. DO NOT use DSD if you don't have a DSD capable DAC, you might break something!.

PCM Volume:

Compensates for the lower volume of most SACDs, Can be configured to any desired value from +0 to +6dB. Choose by personal preference unless you get distortion, recommended value is +0dB because it leaves more headroom but it may make DSD tracks sound quieter and can be annoying in a mixed PCM/DSD playlist. If only SACD ISOs or SACD-R is used, there is a replay gain database file that can be used to normalize volume levels.

PCM Sample Rate:

Options are 44100, 82000, 176400 and 352800Hz. Recommended value is at least 88200 but the higher the less processing involved (ie better) so try going as far as your soundcard/DAC allow. Solutions capable of 352.8KHz are starting to become available at affordable prices both as ready built commercial products or as DIY kits.

DSD2PCM Mode:

Options are:

- Multistage (Fixed-Point): supposedly the best one SQ wise but it is the heavyest CPU hitter, needs a fairly recent PC or may produce "scratching" noises by hitting too high CPU usage.

- Multistage (Floating-Point): This one is SSE coded so it is much easier on the CPU a the cost of slightly inferior SQ (if you can hear the difference that is)

- Direct (Floating-Point, 30KHz LF): The name says it so no extra description needed this one is also SSE optimized. Being 30KHz low pass filtered means all DSD noise above that frequency is removed and does not reach the amp. A very good balance between SQ and CPU usage.

- Multistage (Double-Precission)
- Direct (Double-Precission, 30KHz LF)
As the previous ones but using 64bit precission floating point instead of 32bit.


EDIT (NEW):

Since version 0.6.0 two new modes have become available, these allow for custom filters in the DSD->PCM conversion. Some sample FIR filters with different Freq cut points are provided along with the plugin in the "Filters" folder inside the zip. Those with the required knowledge can write their own filters.



If any of the options inside the red rectangle is chosen the "load" becomes active and a filter can be loaded, the sample ones look like this:




Preferable Area:

Options are:

- None: it will show all available tracks on the SACD

- Stereo: only stereo tracks are displayed

- Multichannel: limits shown tracks to multichannel ones

Editable tags: Yes/No

Edited Master Playback: Yes/No





Playing native DSD in Foobar (New):

For those lucky enough to have a DAC capable of native DSD decoding these are the steps required to send the uncoverted stream to your DAC:

If you have ASIO compatible drivers

1) run the ASIOProxyInstall.exe included in the plugin zip
2) Once the above is installed, a new ASIO device should appear on the list:



3) Double click the foo_dsd_asio to open the configuration dialogue window. It may open minimized so look at the bottom of the screen if it doesn't come up on top, it should look like this:



4) In the "ASIO driver" drop down list look for and select your DSD capable DAC.

5) From the options available in the "DSD Playback Method" choose the one that the manufacturer of your DAC recommends.

What if your DAC doesn't have ASIO drivers?:

You will need to take an additional step by installing ASIO4All (ASIO wrapper for KS) and telling foo_dsd_asio to use it as the output device. Needless to say that ASIO4All should be set up to use your DSD capable DAC as output device.
If all is set up correctly, when playing DSD in Foobar ASIO4ALL should report 176400 Hz incomming sample rate (DSD64) or 352800Hz (DSD128).


Real-time conversion from PCM to DSD (new in 0.6.1)

This is a new feature introduced in version 0.6.1 of the SACD plugin. It allows the user to convert PCM from WAV. FLAC, etc. to be converted to DSD as the music is played (the played file is NOT altered in any way) and sent to a DSD compatible DAC. All modern Sigma Delta DACs convert PCM to a format very similar to DSD before converting to analogue, this plugin lets the user do this process in software offering a choice of filters with a higher sampling rate (DSD128) instead of relying on the fixed algorithm present in the DAC.

This feature is enabled by changing from "none" to any of the 4 options provided under "PCM to DSD method" in the foo_dsd_asio configuration window:



Differences between 4 modes (ignore the compression column):



Also it is possible to send DSD in either 2.8224MHz (DSD64) format or 5.6448MHz (DSD128):




Playing from RAM in Foobar

For those interested in playing from RAM here is a quick guide on where and what to modify to instruct Foobar to load the entire file to played in RAM and play it from there instead of the HDD so there will no disk access during play avoiding possible mechanical noise.

This only works for music files and not for .ISOs, .CUEs or other "list" files. If a disc is ripped to a single file and loaded into Foobar to play it from RAM it will be impossible to navigate tracks and guessing will be required to find the begining and the end of each song. This can be avoided by simply ripping to an indivual file per track

When configuring the RAM buffer bear in mind total system memory, most modern PCs come at least with 3 or 4GB which should leave enough for a quite large buffer provided you are not running multiple apps when listening to music. Also, 32bit and 64bit have different requirements the later needing more RAM for system services and apps.

500,000KB (500MB) should be more than enough for an entire CD ripped to a single FLAC. If ripping to WAV the buffer may need to be increased to 800,000KB in order to make sure even the biggest file can be fully loaded. If all your music is in file per track format then 500,000KB should suffice for even 24/192 WAVs or DIFFs. Note that the value entered is the maximum Foobar will use only if needed, if file being played is smaller it will just use the equivalent to the file size + overhead + Foobar's own code.

On the next pic the path to where to change this setting is shown:




Foobar running in default config (value = 0KB) show aprox. 60MB are used:





Foobar with a value of 800,000KB and a 454MB FLAC playing:

[Deleted]

and in the SACD case, for example, you can choose its output format (PCM, DSD or Auto), PCM's sampling rate (24/88.2 or 24/176.4) and, if wanted, extra gain (0 to 6dB).

Wouldn't it be nice if we could save the played file to a folder ?
Oh well, one can dream !

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 1:22:38 GMT @sandyk said:

Wouldn't it be nice if we could save the played file to a folder ?
Oh well, one can dream !

It is possible to convert any track from the DSD ISO to any of the supported file types but I don't quite get the point of doing it bared lack of CPU power. Playing DSD and decoding to PCM in real time requires a powerful CPU. My laptop's T8100 dual core hits constant 80% usage when playing a DSD ISO so everything else has to be stopped or the will be pops and cuts, if you have a power lacking CPU it may make sense to extract to 24/88.2 WAV or FLAC.

[Deleted]

Javier
If you search other forums, you will find it is the Holy Grail for some people to convert from an SACD to .wav files etc.
Presently many are using convoluted methods using a PS3 etc.
Alex

[Deleted]

Hi Javier

that's just a superb easy to follow guide.


Foobar.well done

take care

and on further reflection

is there any chance of having this guide as a sticky? Foobar is a well used piece of software and questions re it's set up have come up quite often.

then it could be added to and updated.

it would be a shame for it to get lost over time

thanks

[Will]

Javier,

Fantastic post on setting foobar, nice and clear.

[Deleted]

Javier,
have to say your in-depth Foobar tutorial is first class and adds another star to "The Grotto's" standing in my book.
Alan

[Deleted]

Thanks to all for your kind comments

@alex

Until recently it as only possible to rip SACD to WAV but now it is possible to dump the DSD content "as is" to a ISO file.
The ISO cannot be mounted in Windows using any software like Daemon Tools, Virtual Clone Drive, etc. as the OS won't recognize the format. The only way to play it is using Foobar's plugin. You open it like a WAV file (is more convenient to associate the ISO extension to Foobar) and once loaded all tracks are shown, at that moment you can convert it like any other file.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 9:25:35 GMT @javier said:

Thanks to all for your kind comments

@alex

Until recently it as only possible to rip SACD to WAV but now it is possible to dump the DSD content "as is" to a ISO file.
The ISO cannot be mounted in Windows using any software like Daemon Tools, Virtual Clone Drive, etc. as the OS won't recognize the format. The only way to play it is using Foobar's plugin. You open it like a WAV file (is more convenient to associate the ISO extension to Foobar) and once loaded all tracks are shown, at that moment you can convert it like any other file.

javier
A normal DVD drive will not see the contents of an SACD.
Other than using a PS3, how is it possible to create an .iso of the SACD ?
Alex

[Deleted]

Nope, you need one of the old "fat" PS3s and firmware has to be older than a certain version, else it is impossible. Most probably the price of such PS3s has sky rocketed in ebay since this was discovered.

[Deleted]

Javier & Alex,
Forgive a know nothing numptie chipping in here but my Sony MM PC came with Sonic Stage Mastering Studio pre loaded. This allows me to play and record in DSD format. I bought the PC about 5 years ago bcause my local Sony Centre were selling them at a very good price when I happned to be looking for a MM PC .
I have never really tried to use this programme but I am certain that I can rip DSD to .wav . Have either of you any knowledge or experience of Sonic Stage Mastering Studio?
Cheers,
Dave.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 11:05:00 GMT @davek said:

Javier & Alex,
Forgive a know nothing numptie chipping in here but my Sony MM PC came with Sonic Stage Mastering Studio pre loaded. This allows me to play and record in DSD format. I bought the PC about 5 years ago bcause my local Sony Centre were selling them at a very good price when I happned to be looking for a MM PC .
I have never really tried to use this programme but I am certain that I can rip DSD to .wav . Have either of you any knowledge or experience of Sonic Stage Mastering Studio?
Cheers,
Dave.

Dave
Are you sure it wasn't just a limited trial version ?
Alex

[Deleted]

First time I hear about that app Dave but it'll really, really surprise me if Sony included an app in its computers that would let you rip their "jewel of the crown" "ultra secure" format, at least not the comercial discs, maybe it will let you copy the home made ones. Nothing lost by trying though.

[joethearachnid]

My Foobar config:



Alternate colour scheme:



I love Foobar. Compared to iTunes it's so unbelievably configurable and has so many useful little options for playback and playlisting. And if you want to do something that's not a feature by default, you can either configure it yourself or find a plugin that does what you want.

-JoetheArachnid

[pcourtney1]

Aug 19, 2011 9:49:46 GMT @javier said:

Nope, you need one of the old "fat" PS3s and firmware has to be older than a certain version, else it is impossible. Most probably the price of such PS3s has sky rocketed in ebay since this was discovered.

This works well when used by older "fat" PS3's with 60gb hard drives

code.google.com/p/sacd-ripper/

more info on old PS3's that can play SACD here

www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html

[Deleted]

Hi Javier and Alex,
I will try to play around with it over the weekend and perhaps post a few screenshots if I can work out how . If I do manage to rip and/or copy an SACD I'll see if we can find a way of getting the copy or rip to you both to see what I've got
Cheers,
Dave.
EDIT
You might like to take a read of this that seems to confirm my impressions of what it offers: -

club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/it/en/exploration/software/sonicstagems.jsp

Let me know what you think.
Dave.

[Deleted]

Hi Dave
I also previously checked many reports of this software, and nowhere was mentioned it's ability to extract the contents of an SACD and convert them to other formats.
Sony will NEVER give people the ability to rip it's SACD format discs.
Alex

[Deleted]

Hi All

i never did get round to playing with the visuals but after seeing Javier and JoetheA's slick efforts it looks like fun so

a quick question

how do i change the visualization?

I've got that psychedelic (man)wave meter thing which is to busy for my taste

it would be nice to have something else

i had a look at the plug in' but had a choice crisis.(tooo much choice) ;D

any ideas most welcome

take care

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 21:58:08 GMT @sandyk said:

Hi Dave
I also previously checked many reports of this software, and nowhere was mentioned it's ability to extract the contents of an SACD and convert them to other formats.
Sony will NEVER give people the ability to rip it's SACD format discs.
Alex

Hi Alex,
I hear and understand you and greatly respect your expertise on audio matters, no question, but did you look at the link? The text in the RH column is nearly 'greyed/blued out' but if you click on it it becomes clearly legible.
If you 'Google' Sonic Stage Mastering Studio quite a few links are given which tend to support that it does actually enable you to do exactly that, but if I'm reading it wrong feel free to correct me - you'll remain on my Christmas Card list .
Cheers,
Dave.

[Deleted]

Hi Shaun
If your soundcard has full ASIO support, don't forget to try the more rudimentary "C Play". Through my highly modified MF-X-DAC V3 and Class A HA into the W1000 , it sounds WAY better than Foobar with difficult tracks like "Papa Doo Run Run - California Girls"
which sounds far more relaxing too.The difference in sound of the drums starting at 29.768 seconds is a revelation.
Alex

[Deleted]

If you 'Google' Sonic Stage Mastering Studio quite a few links are given which tend to support that it does actually enable you to do exactly that

Dave
I would love you to be right, but let's face it , Sony are highly unlikely to provide software to the general public that is capable of ripping their jealously guarded format at a high resolution .
If SACD is able to be ripped by this software, it seems highly likely to be dumbed down to 16/44.1
I await your results with interest.
Alex

[joethearachnid]

Shaun,

If you go to 'View' in the toolbar, then click 'layout' and 'enable layout editing mode' you will go into a mode where right-clicking areas will allow you to change and edit the layout and, say, change one visualisation to another. Or a playlist manager, or album art, or file info, etc.

If you create a 'Scratchbox' (under Layout) you can freely experiment with the layout tools, with the option of saving that layout and using it if you so wish. Use splitters to divide sections.

Like you, I couldn't decide on a single visualisation, so as you can see in my screenshots I put three sets on different tabs so I can pick whichever I feel like.

-JoetheArachnid

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2011 22:32:35 GMT joethearachnid said:

Shaun,

If you go to 'View' in the toolbar, then click 'layout' and 'enable layout editing mode' you will go into a mode where right-clicking areas will allow you to change and edit the layout and, say, change one visualisation to another. Or a playlist manager, or album art, or file info, etc.

If you create a 'Scratchbox' (under Layout) you can freely experiment with the layout tools, with the option of saving that layout and using it if you so wish. Use splitters to divide sections.

Like you, I couldn't decide on a single visualisation, so as you can see in my screenshots I put three sets on different tabs so I can pick whichever I feel like.

-JoetheArachnid

Hi Joethearachnid

I'm a bit new to foobar so when i saw the ''enable layout editing mode'' my ''oh no that sounds like something i could mess up'' alarm came on. ;D

so i decided to leave well alone.

thanks for the advice and now i think i may tackle that with a bit more confidence.

take care

[Deleted]

The layout I use is one of the pre-defined modes. I like them as simple as possible, just a little info on what is going.

Shaun, I've sent you an email with my layout in a zip file. If you like it, unzip it and follow:

File --> Preferences --> Display --> Default User Interface and then on the right pane "import" under Theme Management, find the extracted file from zip, select it and click OK.

Cheers

Javier