NAMM 2006 Show News

Voxengo Introduces r8brainpro Conversion Utility

Monday, November 01, 2004

Voxengo has introduced a new sample rate conversion application for Windows, r8brain PRO. r8brain PRO is a professional sample rate converter designed to deliver an unprecedented sample rate conversion (SRC) quality.

r8brain PRO implements sample rate conversion process in its full: interpolation and decimation steps without exploiting any kind of simplifications: signal is first resampled to a least common multiple sample rate which makes conversion perfect. In the core of the SRC algorithm, Voxengo uses convolution methods of our Pristine Space convolution processor which is known for its highly precise convolution processing.

Like many existing SRC programs r8brain PRO offers you a linear-phase conversion mode. But more importantly you also have an option of using minimum-phase conversion mode which finally brings SRC with true analog qualities to affordable digital audio workstations: in this mode r8brain PRO works like an ideal digital-to-analog converter followed by an analog-to-digital converter to resample the audio. This eliminates pre-ringing associated with linear-phase designs while introduces only a minimal amount of phase coloration.

r8brain PRO can read mono, stereo and multi-channel files in both WAV and AIFF file formats creating 16-, 24- and 32-bit mono, stereo and multi-channel WAV files in fixed and floating point formats. EBU BWF (broadcasting) extensions, extensible wave format, sample loops and textual data residing inside the file are also supported. r8brain PRO allows you to perform batch conversions in a convenient manner.

r8brain PRO's bit depth conversion is limited to flat dithering. We have decided not to implement noise-shaped dithering because pro audio production software available on the market usually offer the user noise-shaped dithering of some kind already. We also based our decision on the fact that sample rate conversion process often adjusts peak structure of the original program material thus in many cases making a subsequent peak-limiting a necessity. To prevent output audio from clipping we have implemented level normalization feature.

A demo version of r8brain PRO allows you to evaluate all features of the software, but its conversion is limited to the first minute of the audio file. The demo version also does not support batch conversions. You may register to obtain either Full or Light license of r8brain PRO. The Light version offers you linear-phase conversion mode and up to 48 kHz output sample rates only while supporting all input sample rates. The Full version offers you all features of the software.

Features:

Reads 8-, 16-, 24-, 32-bit PCM and IEEE files
Reads both WAV and AIFF files
Writes 16-, 24-, 32-bit PCM and IEEE WAV files
Multi-channel file support
Extensible wave format support
EBU BWF extensions support
Linear- and minimum-phase modes
Batch support
Automatic normalization
Supports all standard sample rates

r8brain PRO Full is currently available for the introductory price of US$99.95. r8brain PRO Light is available for US$39.95. For more information and demo downloads please visit the Voxengo web site.

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