Burning Red Book audio CDs? A software package like Sonic Foundry's CD Architect, which is designed for recording audio CDs, can be a handy tool.
CD Architect: $395
CD-ROM includes Win95 and NT versions.
Sonic Foundry
Phone:
800 57 SONIC
608 256 3133
Tech Support:
608 256 5555
Fax:
608 256 7300
email: sales@ sonicfoundry.com
www. sonicfoundry.com
Charlie Morris is the managing editor of The Tapeless Studio.
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Audio CD-recording Software from Sonic Foundry
CD Architect
by
Charlie Morris
This software package lets you burn Red Book audio CDs. Maker Sonic Foundry is justly well-respected for their Sound Forge audio editing package, which is something of an industry standard for intensive editing. CD Architect can be used on its own, or as a plug-in for Sound Forge.
February 25, 1999
Why do you need a special package for audio CDs? Can't you do Red Book audio with the general-purpose CD recording packages that come bundled with CD-R drives? You certainly can, but serious CDers may want some special features that the generic packages don't include. CD Architect has just about every audio-specific feature you could wish for.
My only gripe is that you can't burn data CD-ROMs! Or, if you can, it ain't mentioned anywhere in the manual or the online help. Audio engineers need to burn data CDs just like regular folks (especially for backing up audio files), and it seems silly to have to use a separate package.
The extensive and well-written manual begins with a chapter on optimizing your system for burning CDs. Most Windows systems have various little programs running in the background that many of us aren't even aware of - "Find Fast" (anyone know what this does, anyway?), network overhead, etc. Turn 'em off! System components suddenly demanding attention in the middle of a CD burn can cause the dreaded buffer underrun - and buy you an expensive coaster. The manual also contains a good overview of CD-R technology, explaining how CDs work, as well as the various CD standards.
So, what are all these wonderful things that you can't do with a generic CD-recording package? Well, CD Architect allows you to:
- Adjust the pause time between tracks. Generic packages force you to have a 2-second pause between tunes. With CD Architect, you can have a pause of any length (or none at all for the famous "Dark Side of the Moon" effect).
- Create fade-ins, fade-outs, and even crossfades between audio files.
- Insert index markers wherever you wish. This is handy if you are creating a CD from a single wave file. Perhaps you are recording a live performance, and you need to insert an index marker at the beginning of each song. No problem with CD Architect.
- Use non-Red Book standard sample rates.
- Adjust "Un-mute time" - When a CD player jumps to a particular track, it briefly mutes the audio output to eliminate any click that might occur. CD Architect gives you complete control over this rather esoteric parameter.
- Write UPC, MCN, or ISRC codes to your CD. These are non-audible codes that contain information about the CD.
CD Architect has just about everything that even the most demanding professional audio engineer could need. If you're burning audio CDs, and need to control the finer points, then Sonic Foundry's CD Architect is a welcome addition to your toolbox.
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