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Re: Need alternative to Bias Peak

Subject: Re: Need alternative to Bias Peak
From: Walter Knapp <>
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 02:26:32 -0400
Wild Sanctuary wrote:
> Even though we have earlier versions of ProTools (Mac), mostly, we've
> been mostly using a PC-based software called MTU (MicroTechnologies
> Unlimited) to do our editing and mixing because it allowed us to mix
> as many as 30 or 40 stereo audio clips at once. A bug-y program to
> begin with, it has become increasingly frustrating because of a
> profound lack of tech support and arrogance to the point where we're
> now in the process of changing to an entirely different format and
> ditching MTU altogether. We tried CoolEdit for a while and it was OK.
> But, finally, after thinking about it and talking with pros in the
> field (like Rudy Trubitt), we decided on BIAS Studio for Mac, which
> combines both PEAK and DECK. We'll throw away the MIDI component as
> we don't use that but feel that the combo of the two software
> programs will provide the flexibility we need to edit and mix...at
> least we hope so. As soon as this old and impaired brain begins to
> get a grip on the new software, I'll be happy to provide some
> feedback to the group. (I figure, with the speed of my learning curve
> these days, that should be somewhere around 2010, if I'm still here
> and you're still here.).
>
> Bernie

I have a older copy of Deck, one that came as some sort of special deal
with one of my Peak upgrades. I tried it, but don't use it as a normal
part of my sound work.

My problem with it is that it's really much more at home as a multitrack
mixer. For folks doing one or two track recordings it's way too much
hassle compared to programs designed for one or two track.

For music folks, who essentially are always doing multitrack I can see
where Deck might be of some value, so can see how it would fit in your
setup. For the average nature recordist it's better to try and find a
good software that is aimed for one or two track.

Even in such software the trend is to assume you always are working with
multiple files at once. Assembling a CD, or whatever. For me that's a
minor part of the job, most of the time I'm working with one two track
file. This tends to result in the interface shortchanging working with
one file. This is the primary weakness of Spark XL that prevents me from
just going to it for everything. And why Peak keeps being my standard
program. Actually for some work I just keep both programs open and shift
the file between as one or the other is better for the task.

I don't use either Peak or Spark XL to assemble CD's. I use a
specialist, Roxio's Jam. So having the two audio editors add those
features is just annoying.

Walt




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