View Full Version : What dbPoweramp do I pay for and should I?
Trial has run out and I now have insecure ripping only and from what I can tell only one database lookup. I went onto the dpPoweramp site and thre is a few versions:doh: I think the full Reference version at $38 dollars is the one to go for but I'm not 100% on that. Secure ripping to me means I dont have to play the album straight away to ensure there are no dropouts etc. EAC is baffling and doesnt work anyway near as fast or add album art with out me doing it manually which takes time and time when are 100's to do thats precious :cool:
Before I splash out can I have some opinions and confirmation. :scratch:
Stratmangler
16-01-2011, 18:40
Reference is the one to go for - the latest version also has access to the various CD databases (MusicBrainz etc) for life, so it will look for album art as well as tagging information.
Previously you had to renew annually.
IIRC you need a licensed (paid for) copy to access album art - that's why yours doesn't work currently.
If you have more than one optical drive in your computer then you can opt for batch ripper in your Reference package;)
Chris as I already have it installed do I just register it and it will ask for a key? There is a mention in the dbPoweramp blurb about a CD burner option to download. I dont have that in my collection of programs at the moment. Should I uninstall the freebie version I have and start afresh
Rare Bird
19-01-2011, 12:55
Reference is the one to go for - the latest version also has access to the various CD databases (MusicBrainz etc) for life, so it will look for album art as well as tagging information.
Previously you had to renew annually.
CD's are just too loud, any way of taiming the level through db?
Regarding setting, what do you get through reference version you don't on trial? i can't see anymore setting in FLAC department other than Compression levels. i use 8 (Best)
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 13:03
Chris as I already have it installed do I just register it and it will ask for a key? There is a mention in the dbPoweramp blurb about a CD burner option to download. I dont have that in my collection of programs at the moment. Should I uninstall the freebie version I have and start afresh
You've only downloaded the trial version - the paid for version is slightly different, and will require another download.
There is a CD burner option, and although I have it I don't use it, as I prefer Nero's interface.
CD's are just too loud, any way of taiming the level through db?
Regarding setting, what do you get through reference version you don't on trial? i can't see anymore setting in FLAC department other than Compression levels. i use 8 (Best)
Andre beware the FLAC settings, 8 is not the 'best', it's the 'highest' compression, and can be problematic as it takes more CPU to unpack it.
Leave it at the default of 5
As for CDs being 'too loud', there's always 'ReplayGain', a pet subject of mine, but I won't go into it at this point...I think I become even more boring than normal on this subject ;)
With the purchased version you get the 'accurate rip' functionality, whereby a CRC (sort of check sum digit calculation) is matched to a DB of equivalent values for the same CD pressing, this can be reassuring, but is usually based on US pressings so it is not always a good guide.
Oh and use a proper CD drive not a rubbish laptop one...:)
Rare Bird
19-01-2011, 13:11
Thanks Will, i'll try it at level 5..
Anyone else know how to drop the level before or during conversion
Also whats the Media Monkey convertor like?
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 13:13
CD's are just too loud, any way of taiming the level through db?
Regarding setting, what do you get through reference version you don't on trial? i can't see anymore setting in FLAC department other than Compression levels. i use 8 (Best)
You could reduce levels using the Music Converter bundled in with the ripping program.
You can also perform a block convert on a complete music library, so you could add replaygain tags to everything, or scan everything for HDCD encryption where it can be detected.
Level 8 compression has no bearing at all on FLAC quality, it's just the maximum compression that can be performed.
It also takes more processor power to decompress the file on playback, which is a consideration.
I have compression set to 5, as it's recommended on the Squeezebox forum.
PS - Will got here before me ;)
Thanks Will, i'll try it at level 5..
Anyone else know how to drop the level before or during conversion
Also whats the Media Monkey convertor like?
If you apply ReplayGain during the rip (or afterwards with another tool), and use it on playback (depends on the player capabilities), on average most stuff will be down by about 6dB, some of the older recordings will however be upped.
Use Album/audiophile Gain, not track gain...that's for DJing
What are you going to use for playback, Winamp has an excellent plugin called FFSoX, which allows for resampling (which is well worth playing with), but it also applies ReplayGain before it hits the player, so the DSP isn't even used, it also has a feature called ReplayGain Pre-Amp which allows one to boost the gain back up a few dBs, but sounds like this is the last thing you need...
You could reduce levels using the Music Converter bundled in with the ripping program.
You can also perform a block convert on a complete music library, so you could add replaygain tags to everything, or scan everything for HDCD encryption where it can be detected.
Level 8 compression has no bearing at all on FLAC quality, it's just the maximum compression that can be performed.
It also takes more processor power to decompress the file on playback, which is a consideration.
I have compression set to 5, as it's recommended on the Squeezebox forum.
Looks like we concur again Chris...;)
Thanks chaps, Will: Media Monkey for playback (for time being that is)
I've not used mediamonkey, but by all accounts it's well respected...
However I've been doing a bit of fiddling with winamp, and there is a SoX input plugin for it called FFSoX.
This all depends on your soundcard, and or DAC capabilities, but the plugin will resample on the fly, I started a thread on it in the digital section, which quickly died, but there's a few more details there.
I'm currently resampling 16/44.1 FLAC to 24/88.2 (I could go to 192, but my card is only 96, and the recommendation is to do it in multiples of the original alegedly)
There is a clear improvement in the sound quality, why is beyond me, perhaps less work for the DAC, perhaps the SoX algorithm is that good...but it is better. Try it for yourself, unless your files are already hi-res
It is so good I'm now desperate to fit it into my SqueezeBox setup somehow, but that's something for some future development I think...
Rare Bird
19-01-2011, 14:22
ok Will thanks, i'll give that a try. my DAC is fine with 24/96..I'm presently using the pooter via this DAC to play tunes & havent decided what to do yet as a main player, all the meadia players i've seen to date are cheap plastiky to me which i can't live with, so it's gonna be hard finding the right something! i said i'd never go down this route but what i've heard upto yet is promising & sounds better than my CD player :( .Maybe it's time to turn a new leaf.
I can't really be doing with little screen & such to select tracks, i'd rather have some dedicated wall mounted monitor even touch screen monitor to select tracks, but don't want to involve the main TV.. but still i need some kind of silent player.first things first tho.
ok Will thanks, i'll give that a try. my DAC is fine with 24/96..I'm presently using the pooter via this DAC to play tunes & havent decided what to do yet as a main player, all the meadia players i've seen to day are cheap plastiky to me which i can't live with, so it's gonna be hard finding the right something for me! i said i'd never go down this route but what i've heard upto yet is promising & sounds better than my CD player :( .Maybe it's time to turn a new leaf.
I can't really be doing with little screen & such to select tracks, rather have some dedicated wall mounted monitor even touch screen monitor to select tracks, but don't want to involve the main TV.. but still i need some kind of silent player.first things first tho.
How are you getting to the DAC SPDIF or USB?
I know exactly what you want in the second paragraph, as I want it too...I have a cunning plan which may take a bit of development, but I think it will be the way forward.
I can't say much or I will undermine myself ;)
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 15:59
Reference is the one to go for - the latest version also has access to the various CD databases (MusicBrainz etc) for life, so it will look for album art as well as tagging information.
Previously you had to renew annually.
IIRC you need a licensed (paid for) copy to access album art - that's why yours doesn't work currently.
If you have more than one optical drive in your computer then you can opt for batch ripper in your Reference package;)
Chris, I just downloaded the trial version to have a go with as I can no longer get EAC to work, and it searches for album art. Seems pretty good, do you use it yourself?
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 16:29
Chris, I just downloaded the trial version to have a go with as I can no longer get EAC to work, and it searches for album art. Seems pretty good, do you use it yourself?
dbPoweramp ?
Yes :)
I tend not to use the album art it pulls in - some of the artwork comes from pretty ropey scans, and there's much better out there in cyber space.
I do have dbPoweramp set up to detect and extract HDCD content when ripping, and also to add replaygain tags.
Both work on the trial version, so give it a go.
You may not currently use replaygain, but it'll save having to do it later: should you decide to just set your player to random tracks it will stop you having to dive for the volume control when something very loud kicks in.
You've only downloaded the trial version - the paid for version is slightly different, and will require another download.
There is a CD burner option, and although I have it I don't use it, as I prefer Nero's interface.
I went for pro. All I had to do was add the burner program and upgraded via the link in the db program. not sure I will use the burner much but the converter is handy. stuck with default level 5.
regards gain etc it's way over my head and I just use the volume control. surely if gain is messed about with it will affect sound quality in some respect. If not how easy is it to batch convert my library.
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 16:41
Just for clarification, replaygain tags do not affect the music file. They are tags and can be just as easily removed as they are added.
There is another item mentioned in dbPoweramp - apply replaygain - which should be avoided at all costs, as it directly affects the music file and actually changes the level.
Once done this action cannot be reversed.
Chris, I just downloaded the trial version to have a go with as I can no longer get EAC to work, and it searches for album art. Seems pretty good, do you use it yourself?
if your using a wireless setup with IPad or similar try and choose album art no larger than 50KB otherwise the pics don't show that quick if at all when scrolling through your iPad/touch etc.
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 16:48
Yes, I chose the smallest picture from those shown.
Just for clarification, replaygain tags do not affect the music file. They are tags and can be just as easily removed as they are added.
There is another item mentioned in dbPoweramp - apply replaygain - which should be avoided at all costs, as it directly affects the music file and actually changes the level.
Once done this action cannot be reversed.
Yes this is how apples ivolume works too, horrible, as it's remastering the whole song/album.
As Chris says the tags can optionally be used to raise or lower the volume at playback, and Album gain is the most useful for audiophiles as it respect the relative volume of tracks within a given album...
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 16:49
dbPoweramp ?
Yes :)
I tend not to use the album art it pulls in - some of the artwork comes from pretty ropey scans, and there's much better out there in cyber space.
I do have dbPoweramp set up to detect and extract HDCD content when ripping, and also to add replaygain tags.
Both work on the trial version, so give it a go.
You may not currently use replaygain, but it'll save having to do it later: should you decide to just set your player to random tracks it will stop you having to dive for the volume control when something very loud kicks in.
How do you turn those on Chris?
Rare Bird
19-01-2011, 16:53
How are you getting to the DAC SPDIF or USB?
i run the DAC via USB over riding the pooter internal soundcard
:sofa:
i run the DAC via USB over riding the pooter internal soundcard
:sofa:
Just curious Andre, on my PC setup I'm using an internal soundcard (M-Audio 2496), which is not bad for a PC, so I don't have any of this USB confusion, so presumably your DAC can support a high res USB feed.
I've been looking at the hiface devices (USB to SPDIF), or a DAC that supports a high quality asynchronous USB feed for future planning. :scratch:
How do you turn those on Chris?
At the risk of duplicating Chris's answer...again :doh:
If you look at the FLAC box at the bottom there is a tab beside it with DSP on it, you can then add the DSPs of your choice, in the sequence you add them, so HDCD will output a 24 bit file if it's HDCD encoded, and you can also add ReplayGain calculation if you want...etc. :)
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 17:17
Cheers Will, only downloaded it yesterday, so haven't had a proper play yet. Will have a look now.
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 17:19
Ah. Looks like the free version doesn't support this. I'll have to buy the full version.
Rare Bird
19-01-2011, 17:19
Just curious Andre, on my PC setup I'm using an internal soundcard (M-Audio 2496), which is not bad for a PC, so I don't have any of this USB confusion, so presumably your DAC can support a high res USB feed.
I've been looking at the hiface devices (USB to SPDIF), or a DAC that supports a high quality asynchronous USB feed for future planning. :scratch:
I do have an HRT USB Streamer II, an advanced USB device that actually sound fantastic for speaker listerning but obviously doesnt have an headphone output why i use the other DAC for private listerning.
I do have an HRT USB Streamer II, an advanced USB device that actually sound fantastic for speaker listerning but obviously doesnt have an headphone output why i use the other DAC for private listerning.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewId=3223495
Very nice indeed, they look the dogs proverbial...
You should give Winamp/FFSoX a go, I'd be really interested to see what it sounds like at 192, or 176.4 (EDIT just noticed it does 96 so you can at least emulate that). Also to see if anyone else notices an improvement...just to prove I'm not going completely mad ;)
Cheers Will, only downloaded it yesterday, so haven't had a proper play yet. Will have a look now.
Ali I only noticed you could do that at rip time recently, I'd been using Winamp to do my replay gain till then, now I'm stuck with a 2 phase process, as I doubt the values from winamp will equate to the dBpoweramp one. :doh:
P.S. You can also use the batch converter at any time to do the whole lot at once retrospectively, for any of the DSP effects
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 18:06
Thanks Will. I'll have to wait till I decide to buy the full version before I can do this. Probably will though, it seems pretty good. I'm still annoyed I can't get EAC working any more though!
Thanks Will. I'll have to wait till I decide to buy the full version before I can do this. Probably will though, it seems pretty good. I'm still annoyed I can't get EAC working any more though!
EAC is very good in my experience, but it can be a long winded process if you've got a lot of CDs to do.
As someone who paid for the dBpoweramp pro version at 13, I'm a bit pissed off that they didn't give me 14 automatically, I still have a $5 annual subscription to AMG to pay. At least with 14 that is all included... :(
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 18:49
Ah. Looks like the free version doesn't support this. I'll have to buy the full version.
I managed to get the HDCD thing working with the free version - have you installed the DSP Effects ?
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 20:31
Installed? Dunno,just downloaded the free cd ripper version.
Stratmangler
19-01-2011, 20:48
The DSP effects are a seperate download.
Download and open the file - it will self install, and you should then be able to find the HDCD and replaygain stuff.
Ali Tait
19-01-2011, 21:18
Thanks mate, I'll probably leave it till I buy the full version though. It's taken me long enough to get this working to my satisfaction!
Thanks Will. I'll have to wait till I decide to buy the full version before I can do this. Probably will though, it seems pretty good. I'm still annoyed I can't get EAC working any more though!
Ali I wouldn't concern yourself about EAC when you start using DB you'll never want to revert to the very slow EAC again. I imagine its handy for a troublesome CD as a 2nd go so to speak but when i saw how much manual work was involved v the automation on DB its was $40 odd well spent I think. Dual Rip is rather handy.
Try installing CCLEANER (http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner) (top right corner free download)and running fix issues ( registry cleaner) after uninstalling EAC and then install again. Only the other day I uninstalled and reinstalled EAC without any issue at all. Either way I have found CCleaner a very handy program.
Reid Malenfant
20-01-2011, 20:26
Try installing CCLEANER (http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner) (top right corner free download)and running fix issues ( registry cleaner) after uninstalling EAC and then install again. Only the other day I uninstalled and reinstalled EAC without any issue at all. Either way I have found CCleaner a very handy program.
Hi Paul, just want to thank you for pointing out a safe download for that ;) Just freed up 1% of my HDD :eyebrows: It may not seem like a lot but as Tesco says "every little helps" :D
Damn fast to, analysed in about a second & dumped about 160Mb in less than 20 :)
Cheers, much appreciated.
Ali Tait
20-01-2011, 23:25
Hi Paul,
I've tried several times to reinstall it. It works ok till I try to rip a disc, then it says "file creation error" and then I have to use task manager to shut it down.
Stratmangler
20-01-2011, 23:35
Hi Paul,
I've tried several times to reinstall it. It works ok till I try to rip a disc, then it says "file creation error" and then I have to use task manager to shut it down.
Is it the latest incarnation ?
Have you tried with an earlier version ?
Is it a Windows 7 permissions issue coming in to play ?
Hi Paul, just want to thank you for pointing out a safe download for that ;) Just freed up 1% of my HDD :eyebrows: It may not seem like a lot but as Tesco says "every little helps" :D
Damn fast to, analysed in about a second & dumped about 160Mb in less than 20 :)
Cheers, much appreciated.
in settings you can specify how secure a deletion you want beyond NSA standard if you want but does slow the process . have you tried Fix Issues? If not back up when prompted just in case the first time. helps keep your machine running well I find anyway.
re safe sites have a look at mcafee site advisor which gives you some idea how safe a site is when searching. Just untick the usual add ons before downloading.
Ali Tait
21-01-2011, 09:03
Is it the latest incarnation ?
Have you tried with an earlier version ?
Is it a Windows 7 permissions issue coming in to play ?
Yes on 7 Chris. I've tried earlier versions but they crash too, saying "cannot find correct language file". What makes it even more annoying is I did have it working after a fashion, not properly as I couldn't get it to look up cd info automatically, despite using the same file path as on my old laptop, where it worked fine. I did look it up on the net and apparently if you use a drive directly connected to your pc it will work fine, but I've got pissed off with it now so will just buy dbpoweramp and have done with it.
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