One for Gary's attention (or at least his expertise) A.K.A. the HD2500 Help Desk

[Corabar Steve]

Where are saved cue points stored on the HD 2500?

The reason I ask is Denon advise in the manual that sometimes it's quicker to create a new database than update an old one.

[Gary]

Sounds like you've answered your own question there...and I know what part II of your question is too.

But first, for others, a quick explaination of the Memo points of which you speak.

The Denon DN-HD2500 obviously lets you set a cue point (beginning point) for a track (eg: if you want "hi ho silver lining" to start playing from the actual music, rather than those 6 seconds of crescendoing feedbacky whiney noise). The 2500 also lets you set up one or two (not just one, or none, like on other units) seamless loops, so you can make "Dancing Queen" or "I don't feel like dancing" last for as long as your audience wants. Seamless loops can also be used creatively to make a short intro or instrumental breakdown in a tune last longer to facilitate easier mixing, give you time for uninterupted voice overs, or at the beginning of the bride and grooms first dance to give them time to finish nattering to uncle Ted and auntie mavis, put their drinks down, and wind their way to the dancefloor etc.

Wouldn't it be a shame for those carefully worked out cue points and loop points (and hot starts) to be lost each time, meaning that you'd have to reset them up again next time?... exactly.

The Denon DN-HD2500 (like many Denons before it) allow you to save all those settings in a Memo point. When you next load that track into either side of the DN-HD2500, it flashes an on screen icon to let you know that it knows that you stored a memo point for that track previously, and asks you if you'd like to "instantly" recall those points. Choose to, or not to, as you wish.

Memo points survive from gig to gig, regardless of the 2500 being powered off etc, unless you delete them.

You'll be pleased to know that the memo points are stored on the device where the tune that you've set the points for is located. So, if you have an external drive which you've set memo points for some of thetunes on that drive, the memo points are stored on that very drive. So, if you take that drive on its own to a venue which has its own DN-HD2500, not only do all your tunes come with you, but all the memo points for those tunes cmes with you too.

This portability of tunes and their associated memo points works also on other storage devices including pen drives, flash cards, harddrives etc...

Playlists, memo points etc can be cleared manually, or by using the Create database function. This may change on future fimware updates, but those files can easily be seen and copied to a backup area if you want to keep using "create database" rather than the "add folder to database" feature in the Denon DJ music manager.

[Corabar Steve]

Ta :d

[Shaun]

Very helpful. Thank you Gary. :approve:

[PropellerHeadCase]

And now the teasing of Steve can commence for his spelling expertise ;)

[Corabar Steve]

And now the teasing of Steve can commence for his spelling expertise ;)

It would be more like my typing expertise & dodgy keyboard.


On a similar note to the first question, last night I tried to save a number of cue points 3 of which gave the message "Can't Save", any ideas why?

[Gary]

last night I tried to save a number of cue points 3 of which gave the message "Can't Save", any ideas why?

Two reasons for a "can't save" on files.

1) The files may have been Variable Bit Rate files (if that didn't trip a forum swear filter, it should have done:lol:). VBR files aren't accurate enough (in terms of timing etc) for all the things which can be saved in memo points.

2) One other reason, which i'll check a particular detail of, and post again later.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

On a similar note to the first question, last night I tried to save a number of cue points 3 of which gave the message "Can't Save", any ideas why?

Strangely enough, that happened to me last night too. :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

To my knowledge I have no VBR files.

I think it was something I did, because this morning I restored factory settings to the unit & the file saved it's cue point.


Might be worth posting the other reason, just in case.


I restored factory settings to the unitJust a thought, would this have removed the firmware upgrade?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

To my knowledge I have no VBR files.


Me neither.

The day before I was happily setting and using cue points, so it seems very strange. :confused:

[Gary]

Maybe I should run a competition for this....

"I know what you did last night..."

(that you didn't do this morning)

OK....so you're both quite happily storing memo points at home, and sometimes at gig too for all your favourite tracks and recalling them etc..

At the MOMENT, (possible hint there, possibly) both sides of the 2500 have to be in CUE mode for memos to save, if not, you get the "can't save" message.

Saved memo points can be recalled on either deck, at any time.

As for the "restore to factory settings" feature...it won't rub out firmware upgrades eg your 1002 to 1004 upgrade. The restore to factory settings only changes your Preset menu options back to default eg: cue mode = Denon, Jump time = 10 seconds, display elapsed time rather than remaining time etc...

[Corabar Steve]

Bingo! That's not much bloody use then is it! Another firmware upgrade in the pipeline I hope.

Thanks for that Gary, I think I'll rename this thread the HD2500 help thread :sj:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Maybe I should run a competition for this....


At the MOMENT, (possible hint there, possibly) both sides of the 2500 have to be in CUE mode for memos to save, if not, you get the "can't save" message.



That really is ridiculous and defeats the point of the object.

Let's hope it's sorted out.

[Gary]

OK then, here's a 3-part post.

A request - if we have one thread called "2500" with everyone posting different questions on it, its going to be impossible for me, or members to keep track of it...one comment of "as above" (after 200 "aboves")and the thread starts getting as dull and tedious to load as the various "word association" threads. have a Denon DN-HD2500 section instead perhaps - its the only one of the three hard drive controllers to have really flown off the shelves, theres definitely a serious uk following of it, and its only been here 2 weeks.

An observation: Both of you mentioned that you've been setting memo points at home, (without the other side of the 2500 playing) and you'll be able to recall those stored points at a gig at any time, saving time, so the feature in its 1004 version is still accessible - but I agree it really needs to be tweaked in a future free upgrade at some point.

A competition.
i'm already storing memo points without both decks laying silent and people still dancing to the Denon DN-HD2500- i'm on firmware 1004 just like everyone else, with no other cd-decks or lappy, walkman or external music source etc providing "cover music", through any ol' mixer.

You both can to.

Some Denon goodies on their way to any DN-HD2500 users on here, who can work out how I'm doing it.

I'll post the answer up on this reverted named thread in around 24 hours if no-ones got it in the meantime. ;-)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

OK then, here's a 3-part post.

have a Denon DN-HD2500 section instead perhaps - its the only one of the three hard drive controllers to have really flown off the shelves, theres definitely a serious uk following of it, and its only been here 2 weeks.

That's as maybe, but do we have individual sections for other brands of equipment? If we had a forum for the Denon, then we'd have to have one for Cortex and D2 too.


An observation: Both of you mentioned that you've been setting memo points at home, (without the other side of the 2500 playing) and you'll be able to recall those stored points at a gig at any time, saving time, so the feature in its 1004 version is still accessible - but I agree it really needs to be tweaked in a future free upgrade at some point.


The only reason I was setting cue points at home was because I had only just racked the equipment up and it was accessable. I don't really want to have to get the console from its storage everytime I remember a song that I need a cue point on!



A competition.
i'm already storing memo points without both decks laying silent and people still dancing to the Denon DN-HD2500- i'm on firmware 1004 just like everyone else, with no other cd-decks or lappy, walkman or external music source etc providing "cover music", through any ol' mixer.

You both can to.

Some Denon goodies on their way to any DN-HD2500 users on here, who can work out how I'm doing it.

I'll post the answer up on this reverted named thread in around 24 hours if no-ones got it in the meantime. ;-)

Nice offer, but if you have the solution already, I don't see why you haven't already posted it? :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

i'm already storing memo points without both decks laying silent and people still dancing to the Denon DN-HD2500- i'm on firmware 1004 just like everyone else, with no other cd-decks or lappy, walkman or external music source etc providing "cover music", through any ol' mixer.

When you say no other CD decks, are you using DN-D4000 or DN-D4500 drawer units in conjunction with the 2500 (in effect making them part of the 2500)?

Or

Are you saving to one HDD, whilst playing from another (the 2500's own internal one maybe)?

Or

Can you use a playlist on one deck while you set cue points on the other?

[Vibrant Sounds]

Nice offer, but if you have the solution already, I don't see why you haven't already posted it? :confused:


That's because Gary likes his little bit of fun.

[Corabar Steve]

i'm already storing memo points without both decks laying silent and people still dancing to the Denon DN-HD2500- i'm on firmware 1004 just like everyone else, with no other cd-decks or lappy, walkman or external music source etc providing "cover music", through any ol' mixer.

You are also storing them at home

or

Are you using a loop on one deck while setting cue points?

or

You are using 2x HD2500 :sj:

[Gary]

Ok, so no-one wanted a free pair of Denons then.

Hey ho.

The temporary work-around is to use the DN-HD2500s Echo-loop effect. With Echo loop, you can set anything upto an 8 beat loop to keep the music going, press cue on both decks to stop them both (echo loop is now doing the outgoing music) and now with both drives in cue mode, you're able to set memo points with music still outputing from the 2500.

You can add hot starts etc to the playing track ,prior to Echo looping it, if you're at all worried about "when" the loop will finish, just set up an hot start before going into the echo loop featere

[Corabar Steve]

The temporary work-around is to use the DN-HD2500s Echo-loop effect. With Echo loop, you can set anything upto an 8 beat loop to keep the music going, press cue on both decks to stop them both (echo loop is now doing the outgoing music) and now with both drives in cue mode, you're able to set memo points with music still outputing from the 2500.
Um, Gary.........

Are you using a loop on one deck while setting cue points?

Didn't I say that?

Funnily enough I'd been playing with looping & the echo on Saturday night. It's not really a get out though, a loop that short would only be any good for Dance music I would've thought. You wouldn't (for example) echo loop Abba, while setting the cue point for George Michael, it just wouldn't fit with the music.

[Gary]

You said loop, but I'm imagining that you were refering to seamless loops, or which the DN-HD2500 has two.

As for the ABBA into George Michael idea - remember that "next track" opens all sorts of options for you (on either/both decks) and have asee what happens if you let the next track "take over" from the closed echo loop.

Overall, not a solution, just a work around until such time if/when a free firmware upgrade covers this point.

[Corabar Steve]

Trying to get off on a technicality Gary? :sj:

I only said loop (on it's own) because I was aware of 2 ways of getting one

[Gary]

ah I see, and you didn't want to narrow yourself down to the right answer then. :lol:

Oh but if it matters that much to ya, PM me your postal address inc. postcode and a pair of Denons will be winging their way to you then...

How are you finding all the other features and functionality on the Denon DN-HD2500 then?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Oh but if it matters that much to ya, PM me your postal address inc. postcode and a pair of Denons will be winging their way to you then...



A pair of Denon HD2500s? That very generous of you Gary. :p

[Gary]

A pair of Denon HD2500s? That very generous of you Gary. :p

Ah, look you've ruined your chances now by forfeiting all as you missed the apostrophy S off of "That's".

Besides, I didn't mention DN-HD2500's as the prize. :lol:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ah, look you've ruined your chances now by forfeiting all as you missed the apostrophy S off of "That's".

Besides, I didn't mention DN-HD2500's as the prize. :lol:

Actually, it wasn't me who got the answer anyway, it was Steve!

So, what's he won then?

I'm all excited for him now...;)

[Corabar Steve]

How are you finding all the other features and functionality on the Denon DN-HD2500 then?

Great, I'm actually playing with it at home more than any other bit of kit I've ever had (I think Angela's getting fed up with the sound system sitting in the corner of the living room during the week though).

So far no major problems other than a cat walking across the keyboard & hitting the enter key while the keyboard was assigned to the side that was playing, sending it back to the start.

I must admit something akin to the D2's "Crate" feature would have been nice, as when I work with CDs I like to plan / line up the next 4 or 5 tracks (1 playing, 3 cued up & a couple waiting to go in), it would be nice to be able to do this on the HD-2500.

On the whole, can't fault it so far.

[Corabar Steve]

Thanks for the Denon mugs Gary.

Although I'm a bit perplexed as to what use you think I have for 10 copies of Band Aid 20?????????????

[Gary]

Well, glad to hear that you got your "pair of Denons".

As for the Band Aid 20's.... don't forget that Christmas isn't all that far away, and I'd rather have 2640 of 'em than 2650... :-)

[Corabar Steve]

Begs the question, why did you have 2650 of them?

[Nathan Fleming]

Perhaps Gary is just an incredibly generous person when it comes to buying charitable records.

I heard a rumour he has 4,000 copies of Gareth Gates and the Kumars - Spirit in the Sky.

[ian8limelight]

Right, my turn.

I've had my HD-2500's now for a week and have started ripping my CD's onto the hard drive of my laptop using I-Tunes to convert to MP3's. I have the DJ Music Manager loaded onto the laptop, created the database, and added more MP3's to it.

I have tried, unsuccessfully, to load my 500 tracks onto the HDD by following the instructions in the manual. I have used the Source button and the Parameters switch to find the PC mode. However, PC (with a flashing square round it) only stays for about 5 seconds before it disappears. The only way I can successfully create the link between the Denon and the laptop is to select the PC by pressing the Parametes switch. The PC then recognises the HDD BUT I get a message on the HDD to say Quit USB (remove usb lead & power off).

It also says in the manual that the Link icon is supposed to flash - where is this ?

Anyone offer a solution please.

[Gary]

I can successfully create the link between the Denon and the laptop is to select the PC by pressing the Parametes switch. The PC then recognises the HDD BUT I get a message on the HDD to say Quit USB (remove usb lead & power off).


You're in the right screen there. That screen should really say "To quit...." rather than just "Quit..."

Other handy hints...

If using external drives, ensure that the drive is formated to FAT or FAT32 not NTFS.

Disable any power-saving options which the lappy might drop into.

If external harddrives have the option of powering from a proper power supply, OR running from usb-power drawing, go for the proper power supply.

Have all the files tagged properly before moving them.

Move them all from one big folder if possible, rather than thousands of folders - tagging does away with the need for folders.

[Nathan Fleming]

Might be a silly suggestion but you have the cable in the correct socket I presume?

Gary

Why does the Denon crop the end of album titles I have uploaded the entire CD format now collection over to the 2500 and I just get Now thats what I call music 0 or 1-6 dependant on disc

Just one extra character and it would be fine, I know the tags are correct and in the software program it contains all the album title.

[ian8limelight]

You're in the right screen there. That screen should really say "To quit...." rather than just "Quit..."

Other handy hints...

If using external drives, ensure that the drive is formated to FAT or FAT32 not NTFS.

Disable any power-saving options which the lappy might drop into.

If external harddrives have the option of powering from a proper power supply, OR running from usb-power drawing, go for the proper power supply.

Have all the files tagged properly before moving them.

Move them all from one big folder if possible, rather than thousands of folders - tagging does away with the need for folders.


Gary,

Thanks for this BUT when I get the 'To Quit' screen nothing appears to happen. What is the next stage when this screen appears ? Do I disconnect the power and power off. I've done these steps about 6 times with the same result. Am I right to select the PC function with the Parameters button ?

[Nathan Fleming]

Does the HD of the 2500 appear in your computer?

If this does you can either copy and paste the files onto the HD of the 2500 or use the music manager software which should once you have the thing connected display a icon for the HD 2500.

You don't actually control anything with the HD2500 you simply put it into PC mode and do the work from your PC.

[ian8limelight]

Thanks Nathan, I'll give that a try.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

[Nathan Fleming]

No problem and yeah Sunday will be a good chance to catch up with the dozens of names who I have not met in person.

[Gary]

Sorry for the delay - yes... once you've got that "Quit" screen showing on the DN-HD2500 and the USB"B" linked up to your PCs USB port then your PC should identify the DN-HD2500 as a new external hard disc drive, or mass storage device etc and should assign it a new drive letter eg: Drive K: or Drive G: etc

At which point you can go into the Denon Music Manager Software and move files on the DN-HD2500, create playlists, update tags etc etc.

I'll be up at the NADJ show on the Denon stand with a couple of DN-HD2500s and a seminar if anyone wants to say "Hi" :-)

[Nathan Fleming]

Gary

Any chance you could answer my question that has been missed with regard to album names.

[ian8limelight]

Sorry for the delay - yes... once you've got that "Quit" screen showing on the DN-HD2500 and the USB"B" linked up to your PCs USB port then your PC should identify the DN-HD2500 as a new external hard disc drive, or mass storage device etc and should assign it a new drive letter eg: Drive K: or Drive G: etc

At which point you can go into the Denon Music Manager Software and move files on the DN-HD2500, create playlists, update tags etc etc.

I'll be up at the NADJ show on the Denon stand with a couple of DN-HD2500s and a seminar if anyone wants to say "Hi" :-)

Thanks again, Gary. Look forward to meeting you on Sunday.:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Something else I was struggling with.

How can you add more than one track at a time when creating a playlist? (As in highlighting more than one track, so you don't have to go back to the start of the list you are looking in)

I even tried reading the manual to find out!!!

[ian8limelight]

I thought it may be useful to keep this thread going with any further observations/faults (although my Tagging thread maybe should have gone here as well) ...........

Towards the end of last night, I was playing a track which wasn't going down too well so I replaced it with another (via CD). On pressing the Play button (to pause the original track on the Denon HD2500) in order to go back and search for another track, both screens semed to lock up and a lot of the characters corrupted. I wasn't able to do any more searching, etc and it required a complete re-boot.

Any observations ?

[ian8limelight]

Any other Denon HD users had any similar problems/soluntions ? :D

[Nathan Fleming]

A member of MDJF Ian Forest did have a problem with his HD-2500 were he could not play a track given to him on a flash drive and he had to power down to recover.

I have not heard any other problems though.

[CRAZY K]

A member of MDJF Ian Forest did have a problem with his HD-2500 were he could not play a track given to him on a flash drive and he had to power down to recover.

I have not heard any other problems though.

I dont think that sounds a great idea introducing unknown exterior devices without testing them first on a computer based system:eek:

Almost inevitable !!!!!!!!

Ian, sorry to hear of your trouble, im in the Cortex Club and whilst I know nurthing about Denons it does seem possible its a tagging problem which has spooked some of us Cortex users.

Have you--

1. Checked the offending track thoroughly again for perfect tagging
2. Done an exact re run of the problem to see if it happens again.

If it doesnt do it again under identical circumstances its even more worrying.

Over to the Denon experts:D

CRAZY K

[Nathan Fleming]

Crazy I fully agree with you, I was just pointing out that I am aware of another owner who has had issues.

Mine is fine, but then I have not used it to play a track yet as it's just a backup.

[CRAZY K]

Crazy I fully agree with you, I was just pointing out that I am aware of another owner who has had issues.

Mine is fine, but then I have not used it to play a track yet as it's just a backup.

Back up--thats an expensive back up --

I think the problem you mention is a self inflicted problem --unfortunately Ians would appear to be something very different---

CRAZY K

[ian8limelight]

Cheers guys ........ I'll check the tagging and try and replicate before I start this weekend.

[Nathan Fleming]

Not expensive priceless, it's the only product on the market that gives me a complete back up solution.

[CRAZY K]

Not expensive priceless, it's the only product on the market that gives me a complete back up solution.

Cortex ?

Absolutely reliable for the three of us in the Cortex Club:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Nathan Fleming]

Maybe but it still requires another link in the chain, i.e. a external Hard Drive.

[CRAZY K]

Cheers guys ........ I'll check the tagging and try and replicate before I start this weekend.

The first rule of problem solving--replicate the problem

CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

The first rule of problem solving--replicate the problem

CRAZY K

My tech teacher said it was .... "hit it with a hammer" ???? :confused: :confused:

[Nathan Fleming]

That normally works, my PC at work was making a funny noise the other day so I banged it hard and it went quiet again.

[Penfold42]

My tech teacher said it was .... "hit it with a hammer" ???? :confused: :confused:

Is he also an engineer because that's what engineer's use but they call it 'Fine adjustment tool'.......:D

[ian8limelight]

Here's another two queries .......

I was updating the my database (via PC) this morning. When I went to save it, after ripping a few more CD's, it said that it couldn't save a number of tracks because the Genre database was full.

Any ideas how I delete some of the Genres from the list as I have now amended the appropriate ID Tags ?


Also, I want to create a new playlist (at home on the PC). I've managed to create a new one but, everytime I add new tracks to it and save the database, the tracks disappear from that playlist, although it does leave the title.

Any ideas about this and also, assuming I get this part right, how do I utilise this playlist in a live scenario - all tracks/database, etc on an external HDD ?

[Corabar Steve]

Another Database question....

Is it possible to print out the contents of a Database (for use as a crib sheet / list for the punters to look at)? It only seems possible to print Playlists as opposed to the whole list of what's on a particular drive, which is next to useless.

[CRAZY K]

Another Database question....

Is it possible to print out the contents of a Database (for use as a crib sheet / list for the punters to look at)? It only seems possible to print Playlists as opposed to the whole list of what's on a particular drive, which is next to useless.

Just to mention as a USB reader user( Cortex ) I dont think I can do it-----but what I have done is put a playlist on my website for clients.

Appreciate thats not the same as having it on the gig but its something--then again if you need to start from scratch thats a lot of time.

The only other way might be to use a laptop--more expense:eek:

CRAZY K

[Steve 'B']

My tech teacher said it was .... "hit it with a hammer" ???? :confused: :confused:

I have some kit need servicing. Can I drop it round!! I cant hit hard enough.

[Gary]

Any chance we can have separate questions on separate threads -it's getting difficult to follow.

Artists/song name lengths - 64 chars.

For creating printouts for punters (dangerous pastime - you end u with all sorts of drivel requests) point a 3rd party tag cataloging program at your music database or files.

[ian8limelight]

Any chance we can have separate questions on separate threads -it's getting difficult to follow.




Noted Gary.

I posted a question on Page 4 (about corruption) and on Page 5 about Genre's. Any chance of a couple of answers please if possible ? ;)

[Corabar Steve]

For creating printouts for punters (dangerous pastime - you end u with all sorts of drivel requests) point a 3rd party tag cataloging program at your music database or files.

Not nessecarily for punters, more as I said for a crib sheet to remind me what I've got.

Seems odd that you can print off your playlists but not what's on an entire drive.

Any program you'd recomend?

[Gary]

I cant find any post on pages 4 or 5 about genre - but maybe I've got my "Posts per page" settings set differently - I couldnt find anything about corrupt files on my pages 4 or 5 either but...I'll post up a reply about corrupt files.

new threads for any other enquiries please.

The DN-HD2500, like many playback devices doesnt like MP3 files with corrupted file headers - its a bit like trying to do a jigsaw with no picture on the outside of the box. Corrupted file headers on MP3 is an age old problem, presumably as long as theres been MP3s and more notabley a plague of poor MP3 "tweaking" programs.

Type a search into google for "mp3 corrupt file header repairs" and stand by for a good few thousand results, some heading back several years - way before the launch of any of the hard drive controllers.

How does a file header on an MP3 file get corrupted? Well, basically, when the program writing/creating/saving the MP3 file (which also has to calculate the header) gets it wrong.

Here's a not so happy thought - say you rip your CDs to MP3 - the ripper program that you use is having to calculate a file header, based on the content of the ripped file - and it saves it. (Cue: That counting vampire from Seasame Street...."One save....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa"). Next you open up a little mp3 tweaker program to normalize the sound levels of all the mp3s on your drive.... "Two saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")....then you run a top'n'tailer program to remove any silence from the beginning and end of the tracks..."Three saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")....

Get the idea...? then consider Tagging editors, Four saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")

(someone get me some Garlic and a steak....ow, I meant Stake.)

Auto BPM analyser software ("Five saves....<lightning> ah ha-Mumppphhh" - POUFFF !" (Got 'im)

In the above (extreme?) example - thats 5 chances....(ah...nice, no lightning...) of the file header being calculated incorrectly and leaving a header which deviates from the normal, internationally agreed formats for a file header - and CLUNK the file wont play properly, or does unexpected things to the player.

I've been using a utility called Ashampoo Audio Center (US spelling) which can analyse any number of files in a folder etc, and will spot the damaged ones and repair them, or move them into quarantine etc. Thats just what I use - other mp3 corrupt file header repair utilities are available...

The next firmware release for the DN-HD2500 might also hold some welcome news on this front.

[CRAZY K]

I cant find any post on pages 4 or 5 about genre - but maybe I've got my "Posts per page" settings set differently - I couldnt find anything about corrupt files on my pages 4 or 5 either but...I'll post up a reply about corrupt files.

new threads for any other enquiries please.

The DN-HD2500, like many playback devices doesnt like MP3 files with corrupted file headers - its a bit like trying to do a jigsaw with no picture on the outside of the box. Corrupted file headers on MP3 is an age old problem, presumably as long as theres been MP3s and more notabley a plague of poor MP3 "tweaking" programs.

Type a search into google for "mp3 corrupt file header repairs" and stand by for a good few thousand results, some heading back several years - way before the launch of any of the hard drive controllers.

How does a file header on an MP3 file get corrupted? Well, basically, when the program writing/creating/saving the MP3 file (which also has to calculate the header) gets it wrong.

Here's a not so happy thought - say you rip your CDs to MP3 - the ripper program that you use is having to calculate a file header, based on the content of the ripped file - and it saves it. (Cue: That counting vampire from Seasame Street...."One save....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa"). Next you open up a little mp3 tweaker program to normalize the sound levels of all the mp3s on your drive.... "Two saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")....then you run a top'n'tailer program to remove any silence from the beginning and end of the tracks..."Three saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")....

Get the idea...? then consider Tagging editors, Four saves....<lightning> ah ha ha haaaa")

(someone get me some Garlic and a steak....ow, I meant Stake.)

Auto BPM analyser software ("Five saves....<lightning> ah ha-Mumppphhh" - POUFFF !" (Got 'im)

In the above (extreme?) example - thats 5 chances....(ah...nice, no lightning...) of the file header being calculated incorrectly and leaving a header which deviates from the normal, internationally agreed formats for a file header - and CLUNK the file wont play properly, or does unexpected things to the player.

I've been using a utility called Ashampoo Audio Center (US spelling) which can analyse any number of files in a folder etc, and will spot the damaged ones and repair them, or move them into quarantine etc. Thats just what I use - other mp3 corrupt file header repair utilities are available...

The next firmware release for the DN-HD2500 might also hold some welcome news on this front.

Gary, can a corrupted file header "freeze" any USB reader then?

Denon, Cortex etc.

Sounds like it--we did have someone on here with a Cortex with problems like this a few weeks ago--

How much does Ashampoo cost?

thanks

CRAZY K

[Gary]

Gary, can a corrupted file header "freeze" any USB reader then?

Denon, Cortex etc.

Sounds like it--we did have someone on here with a Cortex with problems like this a few weeks ago--

How much does Ashampoo cost?

thanks

CRAZY K


A corrupt mp3 file header will only affect devices which try to read the header, or process/re-act to information within the header.

For example: a £9 mp3 player with a Stop button and a Play button won't do frame-level precision cueing, seamless looping, memo points, hot starts , remaining time counter etc and may not therefore even need to read the part(s) of the header which held the corruptions.

[Nathan Fleming]

http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?session_langid=2&idstring=0030

[CRAZY K]

A corrupt mp3 file header will only affect devices which try to read the header, or process/re-act to information within the header.

For example: a £9 mp3 player with a Stop button and a Play button won't do frame-level precision cueing, seamless looping, memo points, hot starts , remaining time counter etc and may not therefore even need to read the part(s) of the header which held the corruptions.

A £9 MP3 player less likely to freeze than a Denon or Cortex?

Thats a sobering thought:eek:

Thanks Nathan for Ashampoo

CRAZY K

[Gary]

A £9 MP3 player less likely to freeze than a Denon or Cortex?
CRAZY K

Ah but the £9 mp3 player isn't likely to last through the gig anyway. its all to do with how "deep" any system, be it the Denon, Numark, Cortex, or PC/lappy, actually look into the file.

Anyway, for the Denon at least, handling/interpreting corrupt mp3 file headers will be all but remedied in the next firmware release.

[Nathan Fleming]

Gary

Just downloaded Ashampoo and I am having a play with it, looks like all my files are broken.

As far as I can gather it removes header information that is not required, once the file is scanned it seems to stay OK.

For risk of being overly sheptical what does the repair option actually do and do you know of a way I can analyse the files before and after to actually see what the program is actually doing.

I am just the kind of person who needs to see something actually doing something to believe it is doing something.

What benefit does this program give me if I don't presently have any playback issues whatsoever?

[ian8limelight]

I cant find any post on pages 4 or 5 about genre - but maybe I've got my "Posts per page" settings set differently - I couldnt find anything about corrupt files on my pages 4 or 5 either


Gary,

I have copied the two questions into a new thread.

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=114195#post114195