degredation in rendering?

[johnportrash]

Does anyone have an opinion on if there is degredation in audio when rendering digitally? I have heard that all multitrack apps handle the "number crunch" differently. Some good, some bad. I personally notice a diference if the tracks have DX on them. I think there may be too much going on there and bits and bytes are bound to get miscaculated. Please, elaborate on your app and experience. Perhaps this is the reason that "Pros" always digitally mix down to an entirely different computer? I dont know and thats why i come here. Thanks gents.

[Holger-Lagerfeldt]

Check out this topic
http://www.audioforums.com/forums/Forum13/HTML/000540.html

[johnportrash]

I thought as well. I was hoping that some of the pros in here could elaborate on thier method of rendering entire mixes to another computer. Such as what kind of connection is used? Cards? Digital of course right? Any insight is always appreciated.

[Holger-Lagerfeldt]

In the case of Logic and other programs displaying bad internal mixing engines (when bouncing) I recommend going digitally via a word clock sync'ed connection to a digital mixer and back into Logic again.

It is essential that perfect sync is achieved or jitter and other unpleasent stuff could rear its ugly head and the whole point of the process is defied.

So all devices - sound interface from computer and input on digital mixer should be connected with a word clock cable.

Although AES/EBU cables unlike S/PDIF contains a control signal I recommend having a separate W/C connection which is usually provided for on most pro equipment anyway.

[Sonic Valley]

Good point Holger. I've found some good sites talking about this topic as well as file degradation thru realtime processing. I'll see if I can find the links.

[This message has been edited by Sonic Valley (edited 08-11-2002).]

[johnportrash]

Sonic Valley- I would appreciate if you could dig up some of those links. This fascinates me. I find it ridiculous that programs can't take thier time in rendering and make perfect copies. Of course, I know nothing about algorithms. But, I do know that I use SF vegas and it renders too fast! I would rather wait in real time to get a closer representation of the original files.

[Holger-Lagerfeldt]

Yes please, I'd much appreciate any links on this subject.

Preferably maybe a rundown of how different systems/programs handles audio internally.