Sample Rates (conversions and what nots)

[eugewong]

So if i'm doing sound design for a digital video project that requires 48kHz and I'm given a bunch of CDs (in 44.1kHz right?) to work with...

Would there be any difference, noticible or not, if i imported the cd audio to my mac (via Itunes for example) at 48khz vs. importing them in at 44.1 and then using my sample rate conversion tool in Logic to upsample them to 48?

Also, is there any difference wheter i used iTunes to import audio vs. using the import audio function in Logic? It just seems...wrong to use iTunes. But it's so convenient....

Thanks guys, any help is much appreciated!

 

[ari]

There probably is a sonic difference between the methods you describe, but my first inclination is that it's probably so small that it won't matter much. The convenience is probably much bigger factor in choosing a method.

Why don't you try it different ways and compare?

ari

 

[MichaelK]

I feel that iTunes makes changes to the tone that I don't like. It scoops out the middle. It's is very fast and convenient but it's not a pro audio application.

I never use it for critical quality stuff, not even for MP3s for my web site. I think Logic would most likely give you a more accurate conversion.

Try both and compare!

 

[eugewong]

Thanks for all the help guys!

Logic just does it better!

 

[GaryNattrass]

If you load a 44.1 for use in a 48k project it will just play it back a bit faster and at a higher pitch.

 

[tedm]

Gary,
Is this with Logic? Or a specific SW program? Most of the tools I use (WDM or ASIO2) will do on the fly SRC, or explicitly allow you to convert to the proper format maintaining pitch and speed of the original source.

I'm using Sony's Sonic Foundry products, Cubase and Steinberg's Wavelab, Nero, and Discwelder. None of these will alter the pitch or speed of an imported 44.1 clip into a higher sampled project.

Originally posted by GaryNattrass
If you load a 44.1 for use in a 48k project it will just play it back a bit faster and at a higher pitch.

 

[GaryNattrass]

I wasnt quoting a particual package re the different playback speed it was just a general observation as to what will happen without any sample conversion.

If your package will do a sample rate conversion then there will be no problems with the different saple rates.

 

[eugewong]

+1

I've been doing that (upsample CD audio to 48k) and no problems whatsoever.

When I'm done with this project I'll encode audio into my Mac through Logic and through Itunes for an A/B test and see if i can hear the difference.

I'm pretty sure that Logic will do it better....but the convenience of iTunes is too tempting!