Reaper DDP GUI

[karumba]

hi guys,

i'm a mastering engineer & i'm using reaper since some months for all my masters since i really like the workflow. since most album masters require DDP, i've written a GUI which makes DDP much more easier to use. The script uses also some code snippets i've found here in the forums, since there is also a different script coded by someone else, but i found it has some disadvantages which makes it a bit difficult to use in typical daily mastering situations.

the script is written in python (& not c++) since i don't have a mac & i wanted to ensure that also mac-users can use the script. due to that, you need python installed on your system.

i hope the script is useful for some of you. i'm open for comments & suggestions for improvement. thanks!

------------------------------------------------
Version 1.11

http://www.finemastering.de/downloads/

Notes:

• you have to place your items on the timeline yourself just as you would like to have them later on the CD, including the desired pause times.
• the first item is not allowed to start earlier than "2 seconds + Pregap for tracks". this is to ensure red book compatiblity. you get a warning if you don't do so.
• all codes (ean, isrc) are checked for correct format.

------------------------------------------------

[Kawabatnam]

Originally Posted by karumba

hi guys,

i'm a mastering engineer & i'm using reaper since some months for all my masters since i really like the workflow. since most album masters require DDP, i've written a GUI which makes DDP much more easier to use. The script uses also some code snippets i've found here in the forums, since there is also a different script coded by someone else, but i found it has some disadvantages which makes it a bit difficult to use in typical daily mastering situations.

the script is written in python (& not c++) since i don't have a mac & i wanted to ensure that also mac-users can use the script. due to that, you need python installed on your system.

i hope the script is useful for some of you. i'm open for comments & suggestions for improvement. thanks!

------------------------------------------------
Version 1.00

Script:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2216927/mis...are_DDP_GUI.py

Short Video-Introduction:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2216927/misc/reaper_ddp.gif

Notes:

• you have to place your items on the timeline yourself just as you would like to have them later on the CD, including the desired pause times.
• the first item is not allowed to start earlier than "2 seconds + Pregap for tracks". this is to ensure red book compatiblity. you get a warning if you don't do so.
• all codes (ean, isrc) are checked for correct format.

------------------------------------------------

This Reaper community, really... Just incredible! Thanks!
Will try your DDP GUI as soon as possible.

[WyattRice]

Hi,
thanks for this.

The first pause marker is being set at 2 secs plus 3 cd frames.

when I place a # marker at exactly 2 secs I get an error.

"ERROR: First track needs a starting pause time of at least 2.36 seconds (is now 1.999 seconds)!"

Could it be a math error, or incorrect frame alignment?

[karumba]

Originally Posted by WyattRice

Hi,
thanks for this.

The first pause marker is being set at 2 secs plus 3 cd frames.

when I place a # marker at exactly 2 secs I get an error.

"ERROR: First track needs a starting pause time of at least 2.36 seconds (is now 1.999 seconds)!"

Could it be a math error, or incorrect frame alignment?

you don't need to set any markers. you just need to set the position of your objects.

it seems you have placed your first track exactly at 0:02 (2 seconds). the pre-roll for the marker is by default 360msec, which would lead to less than 2 seconds (actually 2 seconds - 360msec) pause for the first track. this is not allowed by the red book standard. just move that starting point of your first track-object to 2,36 seconds & it will be fine.

i also had in mind to implement a function, that all items are moved to the right if the first pause time is < 2 seconds. i'll keep that in mind for an update.

btw, the "is now 1.999 seconds" comes from the checking function. i'm testing for "value - 0.001" to fully ensure, that the first track gets its 2 seconds pause time, since its fine from red book perspective to have more than 2 seconds.

[Nick Morris]

Brilliant!

[reaparbo]

I need some help about compiling. I put Python 3.3 GUI/Command line on my system. What are the actual steps? Do I generate a DLL? I have WinXP Pro. Is this like an SWS extension?

[karumba]

you don't need to compile the script. just place it in reaper's "scripts" folder. you then need to import the script in your "action list". optionally you can make an entry in the menu-bar.

[WyattRice]

Originally Posted by karumba

you don't need to set any markers. you just need to set the position of your objects.

it seems you have placed your first track exactly at 0:02 (2 seconds). the pre-roll for the marker is by default 360msec, which would lead to less than 2 seconds (actually 2 seconds - 360msec) pause for the first track. this is not allowed by the red book standard. just move that starting point of your first track-object to 2,36 seconds & it will be fine.

i also had in mind to implement a function, that all items are moved to the right if the first pause time is < 2 seconds. i'll keep that in mind for an update.

btw, the "is now 1.999 seconds" comes from the checking function. i'm testing for "value - 0.001" to fully ensure, that the first track gets its 2 seconds pause time, since its fine from red book perspective to have more than 2 seconds.

Thanks for the explanation.
I guess the part that was confusing for me was that the pre and post gaps are listed in milliseconds instead of frames.

Edit: From my understanding the ISRC codes are 12 chars?

[karumba]

Originally Posted by WyattRice

Thanks for the explanation.
I guess the part that was confusing for me was that the pre and post gaps are listed in milliseconds instead of frames.

ok, i see. 360msec corresponds to 27CDF, which is some kind of starting point value i'm using.

Originally Posted by WyattRice

Edit: From my understanding the ISRC codes are 12 chars?

exactly. the format is:
characters 1-2: country code (e.g. DE for germany)
characters 3-5: registrant code (e.g. BMG)
characters 6-7: year (e.g. 03 for 2003)
characters 8-12: unique 5-digit number identifying the particular sound recording

[Mickey Free]

Hello, I'm new using reascript. Is when i download your script it appears with a .py extension, but when i go to import it, the actions list doesn't recognize .py files. Also, I can't seem to fine a folder labeled "scripts" in my reaper folder. Thanks for the help!

[The Telenator]

I haven't tried this yet but it does sound excellent.

Question, though: Is there an option to turn this on and off? That is, like a menu item 'Red Book On' or something to that effect? I could seriously get to liking having a button on the menu for this, sort of like Enter Mastering Setup or whatever.

[Ruxton]

Originally Posted by The Telenator

I haven't tried this yet but it does sound excellent.

Question, though: Is there an option to turn this on and off? That is, like a menu item 'Red Book On' or something to that effect? I could seriously get to liking having a button on the menu for this, sort of like Enter Mastering Setup or whatever.

http://wiki.cockos.com/wiki/index.ph...ensets_Layouts

Maybe you could setup a layout to run a different toolbar, pull the mixer all the way up and only display 1 track + go for bigger meters?

[karumba]

update v1.04:
- added default LANGUAGE=English to avoid Eclipse error in pressing plants:
[e] 1 CD-Text - Bad Language Code blk=0 code=x00 (May be corrected by CDText Editor)

some users stated this is an Eclipse error, since by spec it shouldn't be a problem to not set the language code. anyway to avoid potential problems, i implemented that as a workaround.

(download link is the same as in first post)

[Triode]

Hi

Can anyone advise on a reliable software for burning the DDP file to CD on Mac?

Many thanks

[hopi]

Originally Posted by Triode

Hi

Can anyone advise on a reliable software for burning the DDP file to CD on Mac?

Many thanks

http://hofa-plugins.de/pages/start_e...urn-ddp_en.php

[Triode]

Thanks Hopi. Do you use the plugin or standalone version?

[hopi]

it really does not matter... HOFA makes great stuff IMHO

[Triode]

Just wondering what your workflow is..

[SonicAxiom]

Thanks for the great script, karumba. Preparing DDPs, I often have to arrange individual wave files on more than one reaper track overlapping during several seconds (especially arranging wave files for live CDs without interruption). Your script does not yet account for items positioned on more than one track. Would it be possible to change it so that it would work for those projects with overlapping items on several tracks, too?

[WyattRice]

Originally Posted by Triode

Hi

Can anyone advise on a reliable software for burning the DDP file to CD on Mac?

Many thanks

I've been working on something for Mac, but it's still going to be awhile.

Meanwhile XLD Lossless Decoder will (open source and free). It will open the DDPMS from the DDP file set, and will burn a CD. Here's the link.
http://tmkk.undo.jp/xld/index_e.html

Another choice is to use ddpinfo for Mac to convert to cue/wav format and burn from that. This is what I currently use, because I trust Andreas. His ddpinfo has great error checking. http://ddp.andreasruge.de/

Then I use cdrecord to burn the cue/wav. I have a Mac binary for cdrecord if anyone needs it.

ddpinfo and cdrecord are command line tools. I've built a gui for these for Windows, but not for Mac yet.

Then commercial software like what hopi mentioned or Sonoris DDP Player will also burn DDP To CD
http://www.sonorissoftware.com/catal...ayer-p-48.html

Regards, Wyatt

[Sumalc]

Originally Posted by Triode

Thanks Hopi. Do you use the plugin or standalone version?

This Hofa app is very simple and clear.
The standalone have the benefit of graphic editing, organizing, moving files, adjust levels.
For me the only thing missing is the possibility to insert plugins in the master like a final limiter.
This app suppose you have done all the work(s) before include convert 16b.

much simpler (of course sure not comparable) than Wavelab for example.

[Triode]

Thank you all. I'm looking for a solution that burns straight from the DDP so any edits for required changes are only in reaper. I'll give XLD a try.

[Triode]

Just got the script working in a snap. Thank you Karumba. This community is fantastic!

[Triode]

Just having a problem with the final step: Opening the DDPMS file in XLD. I get an error message that says "Can't open the input file" and there's an option to "open as Raw PCM (+ cue)" If I follow this option it creates a (tiny) wav file and does nothing else. I followed instruction here: http://www.galaxyclassics.com/index....4-xld-ddp-info

any tips?

Cheers

[WyattRice]

Hmm,
I haven't used XLD in a while, but I just downloaded the latest version (http://xld.googlecode.com/files/xld-20131102.dmg), and did a test and it opened up the DDPMS, and every thing showed up ok. Mac 10.6.8. Is this a DDP fileset made from Reaper? If so could you send or attach just the Reaper project file so we can have a look at it?
Thanks, Wyatt

[Triode]

Hi Wyatt

Cool thanks. I've just sent you an email.

[ivansc]

Excellent script, Karumba! Thanks.

[akademie]

Hi guys,
is there someone here, that would port this nice Python script to EEL, please?

Thanks :-)
akademie

[karumba]

i'm sorry for my late response. i thought i was subscribed to the thread, but it seems i wasn't.

Originally Posted by SonicAxiom

Thanks for the great script, karumba. Preparing DDPs, I often have to arrange individual wave files on more than one reaper track overlapping during several seconds (especially arranging wave files for live CDs without interruption). Your script does not yet account for items positioned on more than one track. Would it be possible to change it so that it would work for those projects with overlapping items on several tracks, too?

thanks!
i'm also mastering live-cds where overlapping of the tracks is desired, but you can simply use crossfades between two items to achieve that. the reason why i didn't implemented it in your proposed way is the following:
sometimes i get a cutting/fade-reference from the producer, i.e. one mp3 file (sufficient since it is just a timing-reference) with all tracks in the correct order, all desired pause times & fades. base on that i can arrange the mastered wav files.

is there someone here, that would port this nice Python script to EEL, please?

what would be the benefit?

[SonicAxiom]

Originally Posted by karumba

thanks!
i'm also mastering live-cds where overlapping of the tracks is desired, but you can simply use crossfades between two items to achieve that. the reason why i didn't implemented it in your proposed way is the following:
sometimes i get a cutting/fade-reference from the producer, i.e. one mp3 file (sufficient since it is just a timing-reference) with all tracks in the correct order, all desired pause times & fades. base on that i can arrange the mastered wav files.

Unfortunately, simply cross-fading items is not sufficient for my needs. I have to arrange tracks on alternating tracks to make perfectly natural transitions. I won't give up hope for an advanced script that can handle this :-)

[karumba]

Originally Posted by SonicAxiom

Unfortunately, simply cross-fading items is not sufficient for my needs. I have to arrange tracks on alternating tracks to make perfectly natural transitions.

with asymmetric crossfades you'll get exactly the same result (perfectly natural transitions) as when using the workaround with alternating tracks. did you try it that way?

[WyattRice]

Originally Posted by karumba

what would be the benefit?

Sorry to jump in on this. I don't have alot of time, but the benefit would allow users to use the script without out python because eel is built in. This is something I can probably do, when I get some time.
Thanks, Wyatt

[karumba]

Originally Posted by WyattRice

Sorry to jump in on this. I don't have alot of time, but the benefit would allow users to use the script without out python because eel is built in. This is something I can probably do, when I get some time.
Thanks, Wyatt

thanks wyatt, thats a benefit for sure. i'll look into it, if i have a bit more time.

[SonicAxiom]

Originally Posted by karumba

with asymmetric crossfades you'll get exactly the same result (perfectly natural transitions) as when using the workaround with alternating tracks. did you try it that way?

yes, I tried this, karumba, but I ended up using separate tracks yielding much more flexibility. Often, I have to create pretty complex transitions with lots of small items faded into each other (applause, silence, sections of music) to get the result that I want. I doubt that these complex custom transitions can be done with simple cross-fades.

Sure, it would work if I did all transition-related editing beforehand but this is not my usual workflow.

[karumba]

Originally Posted by SonicAxiom

yes, I tried this, karumba, but I ended up using separate tracks yielding much more flexibility. Often, I have to create pretty complex transitions with lots of small items faded into each other (applause, silence, sections of music) to get the result that I want. I doubt that these complex custom transitions can be done with simple cross-fades.

Sure, it would work if I did all transition-related editing beforehand but this is not my usual the workflow.

i see your point with the workflow perspective. if it is your workflow, you could still make your transisions on two (or more) tracks as usual & at the end just move them (maybe only just temporary) on the first track (make sure to disable auto-cross fade, otherwise reaper will make the crossfades symmetric):
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/..._one_track.gif

soundwise it will give exactle the same result - what do you think?

[drichard]

I know this is an old thread, but I want to comment on it.

Thank you so much for creating this! It's amazing how much easier it makes the process of DDP creation.

The Reaper community is remarkable.

Originally Posted by karumba

hi guys,

i'm a mastering engineer & i'm using reaper since some months for all my masters since i really like the workflow. since most album masters require DDP, i've written a GUI which makes DDP much more easier to use. The script uses also some code snippets i've found here in the forums, since there is also a different script coded by someone else, but i found it has some disadvantages which makes it a bit difficult to use in typical daily mastering situations.

the script is written in python (& not c++) since i don't have a mac & i wanted to ensure that also mac-users can use the script. due to that, you need python installed on your system.

i hope the script is useful for some of you. i'm open for comments & suggestions for improvement. thanks!

------------------------------------------------
Version 1.00

Script:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2216927/mis...are_DDP_GUI.py

Short Video-Introduction:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2216927/misc/reaper_ddp.gif

Notes:

• you have to place your items on the timeline yourself just as you would like to have them later on the CD, including the desired pause times.
• the first item is not allowed to start earlier than "2 seconds + Pregap for tracks". this is to ensure red book compatiblity. you get a warning if you don't do so.
• all codes (ean, isrc) are checked for correct format.

------------------------------------------------

[EpicSounds]

was an EEL or LUA version ever released? Any updates?

[karumba]

Originally Posted by EpicSounds

was an EEL or LUA version ever released? Any updates?

hi jon, i didn't make any public updates, since the script is stable & works perfectly fine for me. i'm aware that installing python isn't perfectly user friendly, but i'm very busy since months & i'm sure i won't find any time making an EEL or LUA version this year.

[RJHollins]

All download links are dead ...

What to do ?

[RJHollins]

bump

Any help locating working links appreciated.

thx