How to process a large number of files automatically?

[Captain]

Here's the deal:

I have several thousand audio files, all of them a couple of minutes long (yep, a lot). They all need mastering (maybe some EQ + compression + limiting). They can be mastered with the exact same settings (they have basically the same audio content), so the process does not actually need to be "intelligent" in any way - just apply the exact same processing to all the files. Ideally, I'd like the files to go through my usual mastering channel strip, which has a couple of Waves plugins in series, but other solutions are also possible. I'd also like to encode the files to MP3 in the end.

I found some programs that do audio batch processing, but none that could use external plugins, or do a good mastering job by themselves. I'm on a Mac, but I can also use a PC if necessary.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[Aloysius]

Wavelab?

[yellowfever]

? how do you know they can be mastered with the same settings

[ZenPunkHippy]

If you have it, Soundtrack Pro can save a series of actions (including plug-in processing) as an Apple Script. Instructions here:

http://www.rippletraining.com/batch_pro ... k_pro.html

Peace,
Andy.

[ronergeist]

Wavosaur allows batch processing with vst-plugs. Only PC though.
Reaper has implemented batch converter that allow applying fx in its latest build, should work for both Mac and PC i think. Havent tried it myself.
Good luck

[Captain]

A big thanks for the suggestions guys! Sounds exactly like something I was looking for. I'll check them out...

? how do you know they can be mastered with the same settings

Because they have basically the same content, but not quite.

[SuperFly76]

I really think you'd get better results having the files properly mastered, which includes actually listening when you are processing, I can recommend a good batch processing program. Sound Forge will do what you want, and you can use all your own vsts too.

I guess if I were needing to mass process a bunch of small files really fast, I'd batch process them too, after critically listening to the settings on at least 10 or more files. I wouldn't really call that mastering though. Have a listen to all the files once you're finished too just to be sure there aren't any bad spots because of the mass batch processing.

[eduardo_b]

Here's the deal:

I have several thousand audio files, all of them a couple of minutes long (yep, a lot). They all need mastering (maybe some EQ + compression + limiting). They can be mastered with the exact same settings, so the process does not actually need to be "intelligent" in any way - just apply the exact same processing to all the files. Ideally, I'd like the files to go through my usual mastering channel strip, which has a couple of Waves plugins in series, but other solutions are also possible. I'd also like to encode the files to MP3 in the end.

I found some programs that do audio batch processing, but none that could use external plugins, or do a good mastering job by themselves. I'm on a Mac, but I can also use a PC if necessary.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

What do you mean by "mastering?"

[Captain]

I really think you'd get better results having the files properly mastered, which includes actually listening when you are processing, I can recommend a good batch processing program. Sound Forge will do what you want, and you can use all your own vsts too.

What do you mean by "mastering?"

All the files have the same audio content, except some very very slight differences here and there, which don't affect the way they should be mastered. I will of course take one of the files first, listen to it and find the right mastering settings by ear (as I always do), then I want to apply the same processing to all the files. The mastering process itself is not the issue here - it will probably include some slight EQing, compressing and limiting like mastering often does, but my question could have been about applying any audio processing (which involves more than just converting a format to another etc.) to a large number of files.

Anyway, since I already have Logic and Soudtrack Pro, I will probably try that one first. I also like writing some code now and then, so that's not an issue. Thanks again!

EDIT: Checked Soundtrack Pro, seems like it could indeed do the job. I must admit I have never even opened the program before, although I have used Logic for about 15 years. A big big thanks again for the tip!

[penguinfromdeep]

Sorry for hijacking the thread a bit but I have kind of a similar problem .. I have also to process a large number of files and the process includes a little fade in / fade out at the start / end of the file. The reason I do it is to make every file to start from zero and end to zero (we're speaking about 2 bar loops here). Is there anyway I can automate this process?

[dub3000]

Latest version of reaper has some very tasty batch processing stuff that might do what you want.

[drumity]

How to master a large number of files automatically?

This question is absolutely nonsens and shows the fact that

mastering is indeed underestimated !

If you're serious about your tracks sent them to a mastering engineer

at your local area or sent them to me !


>D.

[S-N-S]

How to master a large number of files automatically?

This question is absolutely nonsens and shows the fact that

mastering is indeed underestimated !

If you're serious about your tracks sent them to a mastering engineer

at your local area or sent them to me !


>D.

where can i get that dynamic range meter again,forgot the link??pm me

[eduardo_b]

How to master a large number of files automatically?

This question is absolutely nonsens and shows the fact that

mastering is indeed underestimated !

If you're serious about your tracks sent them to a mastering engineer

at your local area or sent them to me !


>D.

where can i get that dynamic range meter again,forgot the link??pm me

You mean this one?

[rlahalla]

How to master a large number of files automatically?

This question is absolutely nonsens and shows the fact that

mastering is indeed underestimated !

If you're serious about your tracks sent them to a mastering engineer

+1 million.

As an added note, why the heck is all the audio content pretty much the same?? Are these tracks you're talking about or what? Well, it doesn't really matter, as they should all be 'mastered' individually.