Version 2.66
Version History:
Version 2.66 - Fixed problem for Windows 98, selecting destination directory caused shell32.dll error. Download Version 2.66
Version 2.60 - Fixed problem causing noise between regions on 16-bit backups. Removed perl2exe nag screen.
Version 2.52 - Fixed problem on Win95/98/ME that caused noise between regions.
Version 2.50 - Major update:
new features:
bugfixes:
Version 2.11 - Fixed a bug related to extracting tracks that have the same names.
Version 2.10 - Fixed some major bugs related to multi-CD extraction, added busy cursor.
Version 2.00 - Totally rewritten, GUI interface, multi-CD backup support.
Overview:
Awextract (AWX) is a utility for extracting *.wav files from Yamaha AW4416 and AW2816 backup files. All audio tracks, regions and sample data can be extracted from an AW4416 backup file. All formats are supported, 16-bit at 48kHz, 16-bit at 44.1kHz, 24-bit at 48kHz and 24-bit at 44.1kHz.
The benefits of using AWExtract over using the AW4416 built-in 'wave export' function are many. The major advantage is the ability to extract all tracks from a single CD, where the AW4416 only allows a single wave file (mono or stereo) on a CD using 'wave export'. The wave extraction using AWExtract is also much faster than using 'wave export' on the AW4416. And since you should be making backups of all your work anyways (you are backing up right?!) you can just use the backup to extract the wave files.
AWExtract can also be a bit more useful than 'flying' tracks in realtime over ADAT to the PC. With AWExtract you get sample-accurate transfers, with regions intact and saved as separate files if needed. You also can extract the Stereo Track and sample pad audio with AWExtract, which would be a bit trickier using ADAT transfers. AWExtract will also be quicker than flying tracks via ADAT in some situations, especially if you only have 8 channels of ADAT I/O available, because you will need to make multiple ADAT passes to get all tracks transferred.
Usage:
To run AWExtract, double click on awx.exe from windows. The following window will appear.
Choose a source backup file using the File -> Open command.
If you have not chosen a destination for the extracted wave files using the File -> Destination command, you will be prompted to select a destination after opening a valid backup file. You can also change the destination by using the File -> Destination command.
You can extract track regions to separate files by checking the 'Extract regions to separate files' checkbox. The 'Extract to filename' field will change to reflect the new destination for the region files. Samples are always extracted as a single file. When not extracting regions to separate files, silence will be inserted between regions to maintain track timing automatically, but you can also maintain the timing of the individual region files by checking the 'Maintain region timing' checkbox (the 'Maintain region timing' checkbox only becomes active when the 'Extract regions to separate files' checkbox is also checked).
If you have a need to use your 24-bit files on a PC, but have no audio software that supports 24-bit audio files, you can truncate the 24-bit tracks to 16-bit. This just chops off the lower 8-bits of the audio samples, so it isn't recommended to use this for critical work... dithering will give better results.
To automatically overwrite any existing files, check the 'Overwrite existing files' checkbox. This will suppress popup windows asking if you wish to overwrite for each track that already exists (this is good for unatteneded extraction).
Select the tracks to extract by clicking on the row of each track you wish to extract, you can select all tracks by clicking on the 'Select All' button.
To begin extraction, click on the 'Extract!' button.
Canceling the extraction will cause any partially extracted tracks to be unusable!
To exit AWExtract, use the File -> Exit command.
To give an idea of how long an extraction takes, here are some benchmarks from my development machine:
Dual AMD Athlon 1800+ running Windows 2000 advanced server, SP3
1024 MB DDR RAM, 32x Sony CD-ROM, Seagate 80GB 7200 Hard disk
Extracting included demo song ‘So Fine’ (24-bit, 44,100 kHz), all tracks (19) and all samples (8).
Total extraction time: 455 seconds
Only mono wave files are created. This feature will not be added because it is too processor intensive, and existing tools combine wave file much more efficiently. I may add code to automatically combine the Stereo Track though.
Only single song backups are supported, no testing has been done on backup files that contain more than one song.
You can't repack wave files into an AW4416 backup file for use back in the AW4416. You can just burn wave files to a CD and import them directly on the AW4416. I may code up an AWRepack utility in the future.
Q: I extracted my tracks to wave files, but I can't get them to play in my audio software.
A: This is usually because you have extracted from a backup that was recorded at 24-bit on the AW4416, you will need software that is capable of playing 24-bit files (Windows Media Player and WinAmp do not play 24-bit files)
Q: Is track timing maintained when I extract the tracks from my backup? I won't need to line up the tracks again in my audio software?
A: If you extract the tracks as single files (don't extract to separate regions), then silence is inserted between regions to maintain track timing, all wave files will start at time 00:00:00:000.
Q: How can I use AWExtract to get my tracks into <insert software package name>?
A: AWExtract will create separate wave files for each recorded AW4416 track you select, to get them into a multitrack audio application, you will usually use an 'Import Audio' feature. You may also have to set the correct bit depth of your project (in Cakewalk SONAR for example) before you can open the files (you can't import 24-bit files into a 16-bit project). If you did not extract the regions to separate files, you should import the tracks to begin at time 00:00:00:000 to guarantee they are lined up.
Q: I have two songs backed up on my CD, but AWExtract only sees the first song, is this right?
A: Currently AWExtract only supports single-song backup files, no testing has been done on multi-song backups, I will probably add this feature in the future.
Q: I get random noise and corrupted wave files when I try to use AWExtract, what is the problem?
A: It is most likely a bug in AWExtract! Please email me if you have any problems.
Q: Will AWExtract work with AW2816 backups?
A: Yes! I have added support for AW2816 backups, although I don't actually own a 2816 to test thoroughly, the formats seem to be pretty much the same.
Q: Will there be a Mac version of AWExtract?
A: For now, there will not be a Mac version. I have no Mac experience and I don't own a Mac.
Q: How do I get my edited wave files back into the AW4416, will AWExtract put them back into a backup?
A: To get wave files back into the AW4416, burn them all to a CD and use the 'wave import' function on the AW4416.
Q: Will you be making the AWExtract source code available?
A: No, I will be keeping the source code private to maintain control of AWExtract, it also makes it easier to support.
This software is shareware. awx.exe is fully
functional. If you find yourself using it for every song, feel obligated
to send me a $10 registration fee :) . Registering helps keep the AW4416
user's
site going, it will go towards registering the *development tools* I use to
create AWX, and it shows Yamaha that AWX is a valuable application for the
AW4416.
I also enjoy listening to any music that people have
created with the help of my software. Feedback will also motivate
continued development and new features, so please email any suggestions,
criticism, praise or bugs.
You can register through PayPal electronically to:
Name: John Kimble
Email: ripe909@hotmail.com
John Kimble - January 17, 2003
ripe@socialentropy.com
Ósocialentropy.com