iTunes Issues - Workaround or What's better

[ric982]

This is not exactly a protools issue, but more of a audio production environment question from a nubie.

I have a Windows 10 protools 2018.12 setup. I place protools generated .wav files in iTunes so I can (1) get them on a CD and (2) stream them through the Windows 10 DLNA server to other playback systems.

The problem I'm having is that itunes sticks all my .wav files into the
/iTunes Media/Music/Unknown Artist/Unknown Album/ directory. I can manually edit the song metadata on iTunes to get iTunes to see a set of songs as an album, but that doesn't change the directory it is stored in and the DLNA server just reflects the iTunes directory structure (i.e. every song I've ever added is all in the same directory). Tried changing the iTunes directory structure, but it seems to ignore whatever I added.

In talking with iTunes, if I were adding .mp4a files with appropriate metadata (like when you rip a CD), it would file them under the /Artist/Album and that would cure my problem. So maybe some software that lets me convert .wav to .mp4a and edit the metadata would work. Or maybe a different software product than iTunes to manage my media?

I'm also interested in how you would generate a CDA master for production that includes all appropriate metadata. Any pointers to software products or information would be helpful.

[musicman691]

Take a look at Steinberg Wavelab 9.5 Elements. That's the cheaper version at $100 US; the full version is like $560 US or so.

[BScout]

A CD-Audio (or more appropriately a DDP for a master) does not contain the same metadata as you see in something like iTunes. The data retrieved in iTunes (or Windows Media Player) comes from internet databases like Grace Notes.

You can convert files directly in iTunes from wav. Just right click on them and you will see the option. You set what it converts to from iTunes preferences.

[ric982]

Thanks Musicman691 and BScout.

After googling some CD print shops (after my post) I bumped into "DDP" (as BScout also informed me) and that has lead me to a lot of stuff:

WaveLab Elements
Hofa CD-Burn.DDP.Master
Sonoris DDP Creator
Sony CD Architect
DSP Quatro (but Mac only apparently)

Have some more reading to do but this got me off the starting block.
Thanks.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by ric982

Thanks Musicman691 and BScout.

After googling some CD print shops (after my post) I bumped into "DDP" (as BScout also informed me) and that has lead me to a lot of stuff:

WaveLab Elements
Hofa CD-Burn.DDP.Master
Sonoris DDP Creator
Sony CD Architect
DSP Quatro (but Mac only apparently)

Have some more reading to do but this got me off the starting block.
Thanks.

CD Architect hasn't been updated in years. I don't believe Magix (the new owner of Sony music production s/w) even sells it. If you can get it (it's Windows only) and can run it in a modern Windows it's pretty decent.

Yes DSP Quattro is Mac only. I'd stay away from it as the developer is very slow at working on the program. Let's put it this way - the current version of the program (V5) is nowheres near as capable as V4 and Stefano doesn't seem to be capable of getting the work done. If you need a batch processor - it doesn't exist in V5 but it did in V4. Pencil tool for editing waveforms - ditto.

Neat thing with the standalone version of the HOFA program is you get to use all their plugins without paying extra. And here's a bonus - those plugins are also available inside PT as regular inserts One downer with the HOFA program - you can't use third party plugins in it

I'd seriously take a look at Wavelab Elements. 30 day fully functioning trial. Uses the Steinberg e-licenser. Now I don't know if it'll work with the software elicenser or if it needs the h/w dongle. For me it didn't matter because I have the dongle because I have other programs that need it.

[ric982]

Originally Posted by musicman691

I'd seriously take a look at Wavelab Elements. 30 day fully functioning trial.

Thanks Jack. Most helpful.

I have an ILOK dongle, do you know if their key will work with that?

Seems the nice thing about wave lab is that you can put high rez audio in and then go to wherever you need to for your intended target. Are you happy with their dithering capabilities? Loudness analysis/mamagement? Or do you tend to bounce out of your DAW for a specific target and just assemble in waveLab?

Also it looks like with Elements they don't allow more than 3 tracks so you have to use Montage to assemble a CD? Is that right?

I don't need DDP yet, so I'm thinking I'll just get waveLab Elements and worry about upgrading to Pro if I need it. The difference in total price for the upgrade path looks like about $25. Do you see any downside with this thinking?