Best conversions 96k to 44.1 questions

[Timeline]

Im mastering mixes for an artist for a cd release. We have been working at 96k 32 bit and love the sound. So much so that when I put these mixes into DSP Quattro and burn a CD I'm very discouraged. The artist wants to know if going to a pro mastering facility would be better. I really don't know what to tell him. I would think though that they have spent money to greatly enhance, with gear, what I can do in software. Your comments please. Thanks, GB

[EMRR]

If you are fully ITB all the way to the 44.1/16 reduction, there shouldn't be any real difference from what a mastering house would deliver, apples to apples. They may deliver a better sonic outcome through other processing, but no better on conversion.

Are you doing any processing in DSP Quattro, or simply adding PQ/ID and burning? I might consider doing EVERYTHING in DP, including the conversion, and only do PQ/ID in DSP Quattro, see if you note any difference. Any sort of small test.

[Phil O]

There's this:

http://src.infinitewave.ca

If you look at DP (unfortunately there hasn't been updated testing since DP7) it looks pretty good. DSP Quatro doesn't look bad either. Also, consider what dithering and noise shaping you're using. I've been using iZotope Ozone and there haven't been any complaints. I'm just guessing here, but the difference you're hearing may just be the difference between 96 and 44.1 K. I really do believe I can hear the difference. Perhaps your clients can as well. Then again, perhaps I'm full of •••• and it's just the placebo effect. Dunno.

BTW, one reason I like using iZotope as a plugin is that I can listen to the SRC/dithering in real time and try different settings to see what sounds best. Does DSP let you do that? Have you tried different dithering settings?

Phil

[Timeline]

Appreciate the comments. Yep everything in D-Q. The client I have seems good with it now because he's heading mix issues instead of overall tone at the moment so were good. I have one more cd to mix next month so I will try conversions in DP for that. I too think its 96 yo 44.1 thats bothersome the most.