create pkf files for multichannel wav
Only having a rudimentary knowledge that .PKF files are metadata used for display caching purposes (opening and displaying WAV files more quickly), I was wondering why multichannel WAV files can't have this? I have a multi-track recorder that saves the data as single, multi-channel WAV files. I have noticed that, when opened, no PKF file is generated, and when opening a session, it takes ages to open and display, as the large files have to be re-scanned every time the session is loaded. I have wondered this in regards to loading other file formats as well. Why can't metadata be created to describe the files as well, and not just WAV files?
Kindly note: I'm not looking for hypotheses here. I only desire facts from staffers/engineers or simply to request the feature, if possible.
Thanks!!
Todd Pilon
shared this idea
9 comments
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Matt Stegner
commented
Yes, looking at the documentation the device records at 32 bit, but doesn't specify into or float.
https://mediadl.musictribe.com/media/sys_master/h53/h5a/8847677587486.pdf
(Funny cause their documentation has a screen shot of Audition)Audition has, for ever essentially, not created peak files for 32 int. It does for 32 bit float. 32 bit int is not a common format, but getting more common I suppose. I'm unfamiliar with the device, but there might be a 24 bit mode as 32 bit is really, from an audio perspective, not needed. You could also open the files, and batch save them as 24 or 26 bit files. Or ever 32 float, and peak files will be generated.
Again, from an audio perspective, 32 bits, either float or int, is an huge amount of headroom that will fall well below the electronics of the device. Audition uses 32 float internally so it has essentially unlimited headroom, but there is very little reason to record at that resolution. (this is my option though, I'm sure there will be someone that sees this and disagrees).
The bug will most likely be turned into a feature request.
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Todd Pilon
commented
Matt,
I am not actually sure why they are 32 bit files. The recording device is a Clark-Teknik DN32-LIVE (Multi-track recorder that goes in the card slot of the Behringer X32). The output of the Behringer X32 console DACs is only 16bit / 48KHz. So, that may be a "Music Group" question. I don't know if you have any sort of relationship with them.
As for workflow, I am recording a performance in a TV studio for a music show. The director gets the live mix for editing. Then, I take the tracks in Audition, make the final broadcast mix, and then they do a "layback" to the timeline in Premiere just before exporting.
Hope that helps! Thanks!
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Matt Stegner
commented
Thanks you for the files. I can reproduce and have filed a bug.
Multichannel wave files do generate peak files, for some reason yours are not, so I filed a bug. My guess as to why this is happening is that your files are 32 bit int. It is not a very common format, most 32 bit wave files are 32 float.
What device is creating this file?
Follow up question, why are you recording to 32 bit integer? Does the device AD conversion record at 32 bit int? Most likely the device works at a maximum of 24 bit (int). If that is the case, there is little reason to record a 32 integer file to disk, it is just adding blank bits to the file. Please help me understand the workflow here so the team can possibly make adjustments in the future.
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Todd Pilon
commented
Email sent. Thank you. Looking forward to your response.
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Matt Stegner
commented
You can send a dropbox link (or similar) to audbugs@adobe.com attention Matt? Or jsut put the link here if you are fine with anyone seeing the link.
If you have the preference for generating Peak files on, then the other reason is that the 32 channel file is actually in a compressed format and being decompressed on import. In that case (similar to MP3) Audition will not create a peak file. You can see if the wave file is compressed by looking at the Properties panel in Audition under the Info>Format... area. Or opening the file in Media Info application. -
Todd Pilon
commented
Apparently I can't actually attach a file here. Is there a better way to get you a sample multi-channel WAV file to you?
Thanks!
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Todd Pilon
commented
HELP!!
I am still having this issue. Can anyone help me?
I have attached a sample 32-track file for analysis. This file, when opened in audition 13.0.13.46 on a Windows 10 PC with 32GB RAM, etc. does not generate a .PKF file. Can you tell me what is wrong with these files? -
Todd Pilon
commented
Hey Matt Stenger,
This is a multi-channel WAV file. And I already did check those boxes and the drives, as you can tell by the fact I noticed PKF files generated for certain WAV files, but not the multi-channel ones. How large of a file can I attach here, or do I need to submit a file a different way for analysis?
Thanks
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Matt Stegner
commented
Audition does save peak files for uncompressed formats such as WAV and AIFF. This includes Multichannel audio files.
From what you are describing, it appears that you have the peak file generation turned off in the Audition preferences.
You can double check by making sure that there is a check box next to "Preferences>Media & Disk Cache>Save Peak Files..." Be default it is turned on.
If you check that on peak files will be generated for media as it is imported.
If you have that checked on and there are no peak files being generated, then you might be opening files from a disk that is unwritable (that you do not have permissions to write to), or the file needs to be conformed in some way (file is video or compressed audio).
The multitrack recorder you mention might be generating some sort of compressed format. Posting an example will help us determine if this is the case.