Sonic Foundry Soft Encode 5.1 problem

[MCD]

I am trying to convert a wave file to ac3 5.1 using Soft Encode. But everytime I try it now my resulting ac3 comes out sounding like chipmunks. I tried messing with all the settings and cannot figure what I am doing wrong. I tried several different files and it seems to only give me problems with files captured via firewire. Please help!!

[mp3superfreak]

Make sure the original wave file is encoded at 48khz. I had the same problem, and this was the fix. No more chipmunks!

[MCD]

It looks like the original was at 32. How do I change it. In virtual dub?

[mp3superfreak]

I use Vegas Video 3. Maybe someone else knows a freeware or other program that will do this conversion. Sorry, can't help you there.

[MCD]

Thanks freak!! At least you gave some ideas to try.

[BJ_M]

Sample Rate Conversion ssrc is one of the best and free

get it here

[MCD]

How do I work it? I click on the prog icon and just a quick screen flashes so fast I cant see what it says.

[BJ_M]

its command line based, but here is a GUI (windows type interface) for it

http://www.michael-moenning.de/pub/SSRC%20v1.29%20(E)%20-%20Free%20(inklusive%20GUI).zip SSRC + GUI 1.29

[MCD]

Thanks Bj_M That works pretty slick. You rock!!! Now that I got the chipmunk problem solved I just need to figure out why I am only getting 5.0 instead of 5.1 out of Sonic Foundry Soft Encode. I don't know if I am missing a setting or what. I posted this problem before but never got an answer. Anybody have suggestions?? Thanks again B!

[BJ_M]

did you click LFE on ? though i dont use that program i'm sure there is a setting for it ..

[MCD]

Yes I tried both checking and unchecking that setting and it doesn't seem to make a difference. It always comes out as 5.0 and not 5.1

[BJ_M]

you have it set to CM bitstream mode ?

[MCD]

Yes it is set to cm. I still get 5.0. I guess I am just stuck with it. I tried besweet but could not figure that program out to save my life. I read all previous threads on it and don't have a clue how to run it. Is there a guide anywhere on the net I can read so I can learn how to use it?

[MCD]

Ok, I finaly got it to encode to 5.1 only problem is now after i authored with spruce and try playing it on standalone, I only got sound out of the left front speaker. How is that possible when it is supposed to be 5.1 ?!?

[BJ_M]

i never did like that Soft Encode program ... no wonder it was dropped like a hot potato..

[MCD]

I think it is probably an ok program. I just don't know how to set it up, and can't find any guides anywhere that explains anything. I read the help topics in the program which didn't tell me jack. If there is anybody out there that can clue me in on how to operate this software and would be willing to pm me I would be so very grateful!

[andydd]

Ok..Heres what I do..Open in Goldwave, resample to 48 Khz. Then open in SF softencode and use 3/2 with LFE checked. Use ac3fix if you have probs

[MCD]

Well, I think my confusion is I don't understand how to designate the channels and all that. On the main screen on the left side there are only 2 diagrams showing speaker configuration, one is labeled channel 0 and the other is channel 1. Shouldn't there be 6 diagrams? One for each designated speaker? I have the 5.1 version and it's only given 2 diagrams the mess with. Do I need to get some extra pluggins or a patch to get access to all 6 channels?

[mp3superfreak]

Well, I think my confusion is I don't understand how to designate the channels and all that. On the main screen on the left side there are only 2 diagrams showing speaker configuration, one is labeled channel 0 and the other is channel 1. Shouldn't there be 6 diagrams? One for each designated speaker? I have the 5.1 version and it's only given 2 diagrams the mess with. Do I need to get some extra pluggins or a patch to get access to all 6 channels?

You need to open 3 stereo files (equals 6 channels), or 6 mono files. This will give you the 5.1 sound. Once you import the multiple files, you'll see all the channels listed on the left. It'll make sense once you import the multiple files. Note: you can use the same file for all 3 stereo or 6 mono channels.

[MCD]

So I just start up soft encode program and go to open, chose a file, then go to open again 2 more times and open the same file? It sounds like it makes sense I will give it a shot. Thanks for your response.

[mp3superfreak]

Yep, that's the trick. Soft Encode will automatically put a delay in the rear channels (so it doesn't sound like all the other channels). Give it a try and let us know if it works for you.

[mp3superfreak]

MCD,

Does it work now?

[MCD]

That did the trick!! Thanks a lot superfreak!! Your awesome. I can't believe I was so dumb as to not figure that out. I am forever in debt to you. Those tie-fighters never sounded better. lol Thank you for helping me, I sure appreciate it. If you ever need anything, give me a hollar.

[mp3superfreak]

No problem, buddy. Glad you got it to work.

Now have some fun playing with entering different wav files for the rear channels. I'm playing with Vegas Video now, making multiple audio tracks. I can't wait for Sonic Foundry to release VV4, which is supposed to have 5.1 capability (built in, like Acid Pro 4). It will prob require an external encoder (like Acid), but that will be fine.