Having recently picked up an MPC 1000, I’d like to transfer a number of samples from my sample library for use there. The Octatrack is much more forgiving with file formats, but samples for the MPC can only be in 16 bit, 44.1. Thus far, the best option I’ve found is a program called Max http://sbooth.org/Max/, but unfortunately that does not seem to retain the file structure when it converts, which makes for a bit of a tedious process when you’ve got hats, kicks etc. organized. Any suggestions?
Short of writing a shell script and using sox (I do this frequently), your best bet might be a VirtualBox runnign windows and Foobar2000.
I use foobar for almost all converting duties.
Although I’m also curious what you mean by ‘file structure’. What you could do in Foobar is run the operation, create the filename based on some criteria, then use foobar again to move the files to the correct places.
edit: derp
I should have said folder structure. Let’s say I have a folder named “Drum Hits” full of one-shot samples broken down into other folders based on type, so “kicks”, “snares”, “hats” etc. I am looking for software that will allow me to load the entire “Drum Hits” folder and convert it, while retaining all of the subfolders contained within, so that the end result does not require going back through and reorganizing the converted files back into their appropriate categories.
You are looking at a mostly custom solution using Sox (native OSX, terminal), or Foobar2000 running on a virtual machine.
I would personally do this quicker on Windows using Foobar convert.
Reaper is decent at (simple) batch conversion. You can run the trial version for an unlimited time with saving capabilities!
not sure it’s the answer - but this is quite powerful and scriptable
I will take a look at SoX and Reaper for sure. I may check out Foobar2000 as well…I’ve been thinking about picking up an old laptop with Windows XP for the occasional task that requires it, so if I do I’ll certainly install it.
I looked at Sample Manager before as well, but I have a hard time justifying the cost for a piece of software I will need to use for one evening, and then very rarely afterwards.
Thanks for the suggestions, folks!
TwistedWave has efficient batch processing :
I use a program called Switch. Retains folder structure, works with any format.
Free demo, but if you want to do more than a certain number of files (I forget the limit but it’s rather low), it’s $30
I used it for the same purpose when I got my MPC.
JM Charcot and jamrod-Thank you! I think either of these solutions will do exactly what I need. I’ll have a play with them when I get home from work. This forum is the best. 