Why are the sounds on Catooh offered in a choice of wav or ogg? What's the advantage of one over the other, besides the smaller size of ogg files?
When looking for loops to combine in a piece is it better to choose ones with the same BPM speed and also the same key?
It would be best to read my response to your previous, related question first...
http://www.magix.info/us/what-are-the-.ho-and-.hdp-files-for-wav.knowledge.651265.html
Now, the WAV format is uncompressed and obviously a larger file. This can be an issue for some people. However, it is also the highest quality of digital audio.
The ogg (Ogg Vorbis) is a "lossy" compressed file format. In any compressed format, parts of the original material (considered "un-necessary") is removed. However it is still considered superior to other compressed file formats at the same bitrate. So, for those with limited storage capacity and not so fussy about the quality of the sound (which still isn't bad), the ogg file is a viable alternative to the WAV.
So, is there any difference? Yes. However, under most circumstances most people won't notice. In my opinion, the difference would become greater when you start to modify the files. With the ogg already being a processed (modified) file, any subsequent modifications could become noticable (especially time-based modifications where the file is resampled). Of course, ANY file that is overly processed can begin to distort. So, starting with the cleanest (least modified) file can prove to be advantageous.
"When looking for loops to combine in a piece is it better to choose ones with the same BPM speed and also the same key?"
The simple answer is ...yes. For the reasons stated above, the less you have to modify a file to work with it the better. Even though the soundpool and CATOOH audio files can be inserted into any arrangement and automatically adjust to the arrangement tempo, that is a time-based modification. What if you decide to alter the pitch and then add some effects on top of that? Do you see where this is going?
Some people have noticed that if they alter the tempo or pitch excessively, the results can be very displeasing. One thing they often forget is that it has already been done once when they imported the file into the arrangement in the first place.
Thanks again, Procyon: Yes, I knew that much like a jpg file, the ogg format is probably only relevant to those with space limitations and like a jpg it will deteriorate with multiple changes/saves. But I was surprised by your answer about the modifiations to the original file, wheather wav or ogg. Many programs now days don't actually modify the origianl file but only create a record of the modifiations.. that was what I was thinking the HO and/or HDP files may be involed with, but if they are not, then, yes, it would definitely be better to use a uncompressed wav file that does not deteriorate with modifications, or keep using the save as feature if it is possible to save the ogg file with a different name and still have it available for future use in other compositions?
In MMM the original sample file will not be changed... but a .ho or .hdp file is created which has all the information about how you processed a sample...
I did some testing this morning. You're right, the original sample file is not changed. A new sample file with an appended number (001, 002, etc.) and a new .ho and .hdp file with the same new name are created for each loop that is changed. Also a new .mmm file is created which is apparently the record of all that happens in the piece you create.
I would imagine that if you are using an ogg loop sample and keep opening the changed one in a piece you created, and you alter it each time, then it would deteriorate, but if you are creating new pieces each time it is using the original unchanged ogg loop so there is no problem.
**Where do I indicate that this thread has been answered?
Thanks everyone
Just for the record, I never said the "original file" was altered. It is an aspect I just didn't go into for the sake of brevity.
As you are already aware, MMM uses an "image" of the original file for editing. Then, when exporting, during mixdown or destructive editing, the program uses the .H0 and .HDP files, along with the original file, to create a new audio file with all of the changes.
Thanks, Procyon:
You said earlier, "With the ogg already being a processed (modified) file, any subsequent modifications could become noticable (especially time-based modifications where the file is resampled)." I assume now that you ment modifications outside of MM or modifications like I mentioned, where you are opeing a previously created compositon and modifying the same ogg loop again?
simple answer
ogg - smaller (alledgedly)
wav - bigger file and more software can read it / play it etc.
nuff said.