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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: firemt66 on February 19, 2018, 08:29:31 PM

Title: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: firemt66 on February 19, 2018, 08:29:31 PM

I know someone that doesn't have a real deck and he records in  m4a format which ends up being very small size. he converted to wav which it makes it a lot bigger. should he be doing this? I keep telling him you need to get something to recorded wav!

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on February 19, 2018, 10:14:15 PM

It's not going to make it sound any worse (or better)...it will just take up more space.

IMO a compressed recording is better than no recording...but I agree with you. He'd make better recordings with a nicer deck. You can get a reasonable deck for under $100 that will record to WAV.

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on February 19, 2018, 11:11:05 PM

Quote from: firemt66 on February 19, 2018, 08:29:31 PM

I know someone that doesn't have a real deck and he records in  m4a format which ends up being very small size. he converted to wav which it makes it a lot bigger. should he be doing this? I keep telling him you need to get something to recorded wav!

Something is always better than Nothing...

That said, help your friend get a real deck...

Terry

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: Gutbucket on February 20, 2018, 08:47:39 AM

The only reason I can see to convert to WAV would be if he wanted to edit the file and his editor can process WAV but not process M4A files, or to burning a CD if his burn-ware wont accept M4A.

Otherwise, why convert?  As Mike mentions, the file size will increase dramatically yet the quality will remain the same.

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: firemt66 on February 20, 2018, 10:12:21 AM

thanks for the input whats a good deck he could buy for under $100

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: heathen on February 20, 2018, 10:50:33 AM

Quote from: firemt66 on February 20, 2018, 10:12:21 AM

thanks for the input whats a good deck he could buy for under $100

Need to know what his primary use for it will be, does he need phantom power, does he plan to record with internals, etc.

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: firemt66 on February 20, 2018, 11:35:04 AM

Mainly taping concerts he has an external mic that doesnt need extra power..

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on February 20, 2018, 07:34:22 PM

A Tascam DR-05 can be had for under $100.

I had the DR-07 as a backup recorder and it was fine.

It records up to 24/96. Try to convince him to record at 24/48 or 24/44.1. This will allow him to boost levels in post without any noise being added. 24/96 is overkill.

Title: Re: M4A file converted to wav..should it be done?
Post by: firemt66 on February 20, 2018, 08:36:35 PM

Thanks man I have an M10 and I use Church Mics.. before he met me he just used his phone to tape but now he wants to do a little bit better but not too involving