Wave files that sound like chipmunks!

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PSPicker
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2005/08/01 21:09:26 (permalink)

Wave files that sound like chipmunks!

Of course I'm perplexed. A customer brought me some mono tracks of his wedding's audio events. They were apparently recorded with high-end gear as the chipmumks sound superb but I can't mix-down something that sounds like 3 3/4 ips tape played at 7 1/2 and have a happy customer. I have SoundForge but haven't a clue about how to use any of it's functionality to slow the files down to normal speed so I can mix the tracks. Any ideas as to what to try next?

Thanks in advance and forever after!
#1

11 Replies Related Threads

    mark s
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/01 21:36:20 (permalink)
    find out what samplerate they were recorded at.

    When I run into this problem I've imported a file which is recorded at 44.1khz and imported it with the soundcard set at 96 khz, the digital equivalent of plaing that 3 3/4 ips tape at 7 1/2.

    I have had circumstances where I could not fix it this way. Then you get to re record it.

    good luck
    #2
    PSPicker
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/01 21:44:30 (permalink)
    I did try resampling at 44,100 through Sound Forge but SF said the sample rate was already at 44k so it couldn't happen. I have a soundcard that's capable of 96 but don't know how to set it up.
    #3
    mark s
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/02 00:11:32 (permalink)
    you have to set the correct samplerate before you import. Easiest thing would be to find out what they were recorded at. If you hit the save button somehwere along the line, you are screwed unless you can get another copy of the originals.

    I also had good luck with some aif files by importing them into Audacity with the same trouble (it's free: Thanks loopjunkie) even though Sonar was supposed to import them.

    I don't have sound forge, can't say more

    perhaps it would be worth your while to tell us just what soundcard you might have. Learning how to set it up in 96 khz is a help menu away.
    post edited by mark s - 2005/08/02 00:17:27
    #4
    PSPicker
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/02 00:23:55 (permalink)
    Thanks Mark.
    I do have the originals on CD so I can play with impunity. How does one set the sample rate. (I use Sonar - not HS but I would have to think that the functionality is close to the same in either app. If I R-Mouse click on the track and "Import Audio", my only choices are "Mono or Stereo" and "Copy to Project Folder". Don't see anything in regards to sampling rate.

    I really appreciate your helping on this.
    #5
    PSPicker
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/02 00:27:24 (permalink)
    Addendum!
    I get to find out what the original rate was tomorrow - so will post that. Maybe I can get an answer based on better info to work with, (Do you think?)

    Once Again

    Thanks
    #6
    mark s
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/05 09:13:42 (permalink)
    Since I've been doing alot of this lately I even know the answer: When you import the file in Sonar, on the lower left of the import box it will tell you the sample and bitrate of the file you've chosen. Because of the ideosyncracis of my MOTU 896hd, I have to make sure that the driver is set to the same rate as the file I am inputing in the driver control panel. (hard to know what this might be on a file you don't know beforehand but the MOTU has no AUTORATE setting) I get to close the program and reset the MOTU accordingly.

    You should be able to set this in options- audio within Sonar. If it doesn't seem to take, find what the file is in the import screen, close the program, set the samplerate and bitrate in you cards control panel, open Sonar, reimport. It should work

    Sonar will export the file to whichever sample and bitrate you choose regardless of how the card is set.
    #7
    saynsend
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    RE: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2005/08/05 13:26:53 (permalink)
    Whoops! Forgive me. Wrong thread.
    post edited by saynsend - 2005/08/05 13:32:41
    #8
    PAULSPEED
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    Re: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2013/12/28 18:06:34 (permalink)
    My wave files still have chip noise.
     
    I loaded audocity and saved the files again with
    the best sound.
     
    No help.  The original files are 16 bit 44.1khz.  They came from a tascam
    recorder.
     
    My best guess is my sonar is loaded on an Acer laptop and the sound card
    is only a 16 bit card.
     
    Any work around would be cool for now.
     
    Paul
    #9
    RobertB
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    Re: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2013/12/28 18:58:18 (permalink)
    Which version of Home Studio are you working with?
    What exactly do you mean by "chip noise"?
    The "chipmunk" sound referred to in this thread is caused by playback at a higher sample rate.
    If you are hearing a fairly rhythmic stutter, it is caused by your sound card.
    Any Cakewalk software I have seen defaults to WDM driver mode, which rarely agrees with built-in sound cards.
    Switching your driver mode to MME usually helps, but the latency will be fairly high. It is ok for playback, but if you plan on doing any real time recording, you will probably want to start looking for a decent interface. 
     
     

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    Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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    PAULSPEED
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    Re: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2013/12/28 20:28:37 (permalink)
    Thanks for your reply.
    I have sonar x2 studio.
    Yes I do need to upgrade my computer.
    The built in sound card on this laptop is weak.
    Paul
    #11
    RobertB
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    Re: Wave files that sound like chipmunks! 2013/12/28 22:56:54 (permalink)
    The built-in sound card on most any laptop is weak. They are designed for simple playback, where a 500ms delay is not a problem. Throw in low latency, two way communication(ie;simultaneous record and playback), and they generally fall flat.
    An external USB interface will still be almost essential, even if you do upgrade your computer.
    With a proper interface, you could probably get a little more mileage out of your Acer.
    I'm currently running X3 Studio on a 4 year old Toshiba laptop and the AKAI EIE-Pro USB interface handles the audio duties.
     
    On a side note, this forum is for the now out of production Sonar Home Studio series.
    Going forward, you should post your questions in the X Series forum.

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    Shimozu-Kushiari or Bob
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