I use CD architect for a unique purpose, radio programs, specifically radio program segments. I've read, with great interest, all the postings and want to ask a couple questions and make some suggestions.
First, in the last stand alone version, build 4.0g, there were specific suggestions for just about not running anything else in windows, is this still the case? Does the computer become sort of dedicated or are we now free to multitask in Windows? I'm noticing some skipping when I extract from a CD. How does firewall and virus software affect use, etc. (I have a new Pentium 4 Sony VAIO computer.)
Second, regarding text, the suggestion that it be included would be great. In the playlist for example, you could make a column(s) for text, that would appear (title, artist, track, time up/down) or other variables and those could be set up as an output option, perhaps similar to the way you can select what's in the toolbar.
By the way, it would be nice to include some user identifiable columns in the playlist. As an example, my clients want to see track, time, time remaining, track title, artist, album title, the standard stuff. But, I might want to make some notes in the playlist for myself in a user defined column which I could only see and perhaps sort in one way or another, a little database, nothing fancy. As an example, I might want to remember "C-sharp, drums, fades" "female vocal" "tenor sax solo" for my own personal memo or something like that when I am constructing the CD or in the media pool.
Meters. The meters in 4.0 were useful, but I use, in sort of a clunky set up, a Dorrough Loudness Monitor (http://www.dorrough.com/home.html) which displays peaks and average, a better measure of perceived audio levels than VU. This gives me the ablity to really even out program material, so that one song doesn't "sound" louder than the other. This would be a truly fabulous addition.
Should all tracks be normalized? If so, could those tracks appear bold in the playlist or otherwise be highlighted?
Clipping. I haven't found it yet and it may be just due to the limited amount of time I have been "playing" with the new build, but in 4.0g there was a scan for hiting the brick wall. A great feature.
Stand-alone. I like the fact that the new version is not stand-alone and the ability to work in Sound Forge is more versatile.
The ability to insert cue tones was suggested by another user and is a good idea, especially in my line of work, we just make a 25 Hz tone and drop it in. In older style radio automation systems, 25 Hz tones signal the end of an event and allow the automation equipment to roll something else or it can signal the operator. If something like that, descrete to each channel, example: "frequency/time (1Khz, 1 sec)" could be in the "insert menu" it would be nice. You should be able to determine the frequency, length and left or right channel as well as the output level. 25 Hz tones are generally -7 VU, a standard 1 KHz would probably be 0 VU.) Even better, would be an inaudible cue, but I'm clueless how that would work although I totally grasp the idea.
Magnification. Seemed simpler in 4.0g, but it'll just take a little getting used to I think, the +/- buttons and the "tape recorder" buttons all could be a little larger for those of us who are getting just a little presbyoptic...translation, older.
So, those are my thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity to test the beta version and am especially happy about the reintroduction of CD Architect. It's nice to be asked for suggestions, and it gives you an idea of how the program is being used in many versatile ways.
Thanks.
First, in the last stand alone version, build 4.0g, there were specific suggestions for just about not running anything else in windows, is this still the case? Does the computer become sort of dedicated or are we now free to multitask in Windows? I'm noticing some skipping when I extract from a CD. How does firewall and virus software affect use, etc. (I have a new Pentium 4 Sony VAIO computer.)
Second, regarding text, the suggestion that it be included would be great. In the playlist for example, you could make a column(s) for text, that would appear (title, artist, track, time up/down) or other variables and those could be set up as an output option, perhaps similar to the way you can select what's in the toolbar.
By the way, it would be nice to include some user identifiable columns in the playlist. As an example, my clients want to see track, time, time remaining, track title, artist, album title, the standard stuff. But, I might want to make some notes in the playlist for myself in a user defined column which I could only see and perhaps sort in one way or another, a little database, nothing fancy. As an example, I might want to remember "C-sharp, drums, fades" "female vocal" "tenor sax solo" for my own personal memo or something like that when I am constructing the CD or in the media pool.
Meters. The meters in 4.0 were useful, but I use, in sort of a clunky set up, a Dorrough Loudness Monitor (http://www.dorrough.com/home.html) which displays peaks and average, a better measure of perceived audio levels than VU. This gives me the ablity to really even out program material, so that one song doesn't "sound" louder than the other. This would be a truly fabulous addition.
Should all tracks be normalized? If so, could those tracks appear bold in the playlist or otherwise be highlighted?
Clipping. I haven't found it yet and it may be just due to the limited amount of time I have been "playing" with the new build, but in 4.0g there was a scan for hiting the brick wall. A great feature.
Stand-alone. I like the fact that the new version is not stand-alone and the ability to work in Sound Forge is more versatile.
The ability to insert cue tones was suggested by another user and is a good idea, especially in my line of work, we just make a 25 Hz tone and drop it in. In older style radio automation systems, 25 Hz tones signal the end of an event and allow the automation equipment to roll something else or it can signal the operator. If something like that, descrete to each channel, example: "frequency/time (1Khz, 1 sec)" could be in the "insert menu" it would be nice. You should be able to determine the frequency, length and left or right channel as well as the output level. 25 Hz tones are generally -7 VU, a standard 1 KHz would probably be 0 VU.) Even better, would be an inaudible cue, but I'm clueless how that would work although I totally grasp the idea.
Magnification. Seemed simpler in 4.0g, but it'll just take a little getting used to I think, the +/- buttons and the "tape recorder" buttons all could be a little larger for those of us who are getting just a little presbyoptic...translation, older.
So, those are my thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity to test the beta version and am especially happy about the reintroduction of CD Architect. It's nice to be asked for suggestions, and it gives you an idea of how the program is being used in many versatile ways.
Thanks.