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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: Brian Skalinder on January 18, 2005, 12:23:19 PM

Title: wav header view / compare utility
Post by: Brian Skalinder on January 18, 2005, 12:23:19 PM
Anyone know of a good utility for viewing WAV headers?

In reviewing the JB3-written WAV header with shntool (shntool info filename), shntool indicates the JB3 adds 8 extra bytes of "junk" to the WAV header.  But it doesn't tell me what is in those bytes.  I want to view those 8 bytes, see what they are.

FWIW, this relates to the CD-Wave message when opening a file recorded to the JB3:

Quote
File header reports a size that is different than the system reports.  Do you want to adjust the size?  [Yes to override the header, No to trust the header, Cancel to abort)

I've Googled it, but apparently I suck at the internet.  :P
Title: Re: wav header view / compare utility
Post by: MattD on January 18, 2005, 09:28:35 PM
Open the wav in a hex editor. The header is actually "English" (compared to the actual data). You can search for web pages that have the wav spec laid out. (I know there's a Stanford page with this info out there.)
Title: Re: wav header view / compare utility
Post by: Brian Skalinder on January 19, 2005, 12:00:58 AM
:smacks forehead:  Duh.  Thanks, Matt!

And...turns out the headers are the same, but the JB3 appends 8 bytes of "junk" to the files I record on it.  Starting of a new thread on the subject here (http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=34150.0).

FWIW, Found a nice site explaining the Wave PCM soundfile format (http://ccrma.stanford.edu/courses/422/projects/WaveFormat/).

Open the wav in a hex editor. The header is actually "English" (compared to the actual data). You can search for web pages that have the wav spec laid out. (I know there's a Stanford page with this info out there.)
Title: Re: wav header view / compare utility
Post by: hexyjones on January 19, 2005, 12:52:36 AM
This might be what you are looking for -

Mini-Dump = Simple tool to display an hex dump of the header (first 256 bytes) of a file.

http://mark0.ngi.it/soft-minidumper-e.html

also - remember, good old EAC has a "Compare Waves" function...