Using ClickRepair software

Special Interest Groups Audio Processing
1

Hello, I plan on using ClickRepair ( https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/click-pop-removal-clickrepair-software/1933/12 ) on some vinyl I will be digitizing soon. I was wondering though if capturing the vinyl audio as 16-bit/48kHz would bring about any untoward changes?

I will be using your settings for ClickRepair seeing as I’d, rather like you, like to keep the repairing to an extent where there is little to no effect on the actual music. But should I just rip at 44.1kHz? I’m only entertaining capturing at 48kHz because the analog-to-digital converter I will be using is capable of doing so at that sample rate. Or is it evidently pointless to do so?

Thanks for this thread and your personal settings you’ve shared. I found your thoughts and comments very useful and am pretty excited to digitize some records from my collection.

2

I would strongly recommend that for capture (and any editing) that you leave Audacity at its default 32-bit float and 44100 Hz

Then when it comes time Export the final production file export downsampling to the default 16-bit 44.1kHz PCM stereo WAV files (the Red Book standard for CDs).

Another strong recommendation - when exporting the temporary WAV files for processing in ClickRepair export as 32-bit float, ClickRepair will work on them as such and will produce 32-bit float files for reimport into Audacity.


Yes you could consider working (and exporting in 48kz) it would do no harm - but I doubt that you would actually hear any difference. But I suggest that you try both with one track with a good dynamic range - and arrange blind testing with someone else doing the playback - to see if you can haer a difference.

48kHz files will take up a bit more space (not too much of an ussue these days aith realitivel cheap large storage available). Perhaps a more important consideration is the generality of 44.1kHz - yes your current DAC works with 48kHz - but will all future devices that you might want to use?


Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

One suggestion here, start with a few of your less-favourite vinyls - your technique will improve and if you start with your best favourites you nay find yourself wanting to go back and do them again (don’t ask me how I know …)

BTW have you seen the suggested Workflow tutorial I wrote (with some excellent input from others):
https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/sample_workflow_for_lp_digitization.html


As a matter of interest, what hardware are you using: turntable/cart, soundcard, playback device(s) ?

Do enjoy your conversion project.

Peter (aka Waxcylinder)

P.S. in a couple of days I shall move your post and my reply etc. to a new thread to keep the original one short (and I’ll lock the original)

3

Good point. I mainly brought this up because it’s possible the original recording format was done in 48kHz and in turn that is what was pressed. So I’m thinking working with 44.1kHz on a song that was recorded in 48kHz would be wrong even though I most likely wouldn’t notice any discernible difference. I just like doing things correctly whether that comes with any small issues or more work. But if 44.1kHz is fine then I will stick to that or I will do an A/B test.

No problem and will do. I’ll do a few tests on other records before I move onto ones I’m really eager to digitize.

I have not, but I will do so now! Thank you for the suggestion.

I have a very modest setup, really.

Turntable/cartridge: U-Turn Orbit (with acrylic platter + acrylic slipmat)/ Audio Technica VM540ML
Soundcard: I’m guessing I’ll be using the one that comes with my (early 2015) Macbook? I’ll be digitizing with a Rega Fono Mini A2D
Playback device: I’ll either play music through my Philharmonic AA speakers or on my phone. I have a Denon AVR-S540BT.

I don’t know much about soundcards or what role they play in all this and if it’s recommended I get (a separate or new) one or something. Just figured I’d be fine with what I have.

I will definitely have fun doing this!

Thanks for the heads-up. I’m very new to this site/forum so I don’t know my way around, but I’ll follow wherever my notifications lead me. I appreciate the response and any more help you (can) provide.

4

So is there a phono pre-amp in the recording chain. You will need that to apply RIAA equalization and amp the signal a bit.

I have the ART DJ-Pre11 which is a great pre-amp, nice piece of kit - I ran it through an Edirol UA-1EX USB soundcard (now discontinued) when I digitized my LPs.

The ART Phono Plus is basically the DJ-Pre11 with an added ADC/DAC and USB connection - it wasn’t available when I was buying - I would’ve bought it if it had been. See: USB Phono Plus – Project Series – ART Pro Audio

Peter.

5

Yes! The Rega can also be used as a phono pre-amp so it’ll be amplifying and digitizing. So I’m actually all set since that one piece of equipment will be doing all the work. Normally I use my Mo-Fi StudioDeck pre-amp.

I was initially going to purchase the ART USB Phono Plus to rip my vinyl but decided to shell out a bit more for a better product in the end.

6

Yes, that Rega Fono Mini A2D looks to be a nice bit of kit (not available when I ripped my vinyl 12 years go) - I just read the reviews.

I like Rega stuff, my CD deck is a no-frills Rega Planet which gets a good grip on the stereo sound stage.

Peter.