How to convert 24-bit FLAC to 16-bit FLAC?

I have a set of 24-but FLAC files on my hard disk that I want to convert to 16-bit for use on an audio CD. What's the best way to go about doing this?

I use the Goldwave program and could just load the file and then save it as a 16-bit FLAC. But will this method give a satisfactory result, or is there a better way?

Thanks in advanced for any opinions!

 

I like the dbPowerAmp music converter

http://www.dbpoweramp.com/

though I'd have thought any competent audio application would do this satisfactorily.

Tim

 

You will want to use a ditherer, some are free and some are thousands of dollars. You can try one of the really good ones for free in their demo, get the ozone demo and use the mbit+ feature: http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/ozone/

 

I believe Audacity can do this and its free

 

This type of program is based on algorithms and some programs do a much better job of it than others.

Various forum members have recommended Sound Forge by Sony in the past. It is supposed to be one of the better programs out there.

 

No one asked but if anyone using Linux is wondering and stumbles on this thread (I know, better odds on the jackpot in the CA lottery), the burning app k3b will handle it for you (assuming one doesn't want to use the other tools available). Load the 24bit flac into an audio CD tracklist and it'll convert as appropriate before the burnin'.

 

Your best bet is to use a program like Audacity or Adobe Audition to convert the files to 16 bit wav.

You don't mention the sample rate, to make a CD you want the sample rate to be 44.1kHz. If these flac files aren't already encoded at that sample rate then you're definitely better off using an editing program than just a simple conversion program, you'll get better sounding results.

 

The last forum consensus I recall concerning free dither/samplers was that SoX was the best.

 

You might want to read through the SRC and Dithering settings (in general)* thread.

 

Thanks for the replies!

Does anyone know if simply saving the file as 16bit in Goldwave is an adequate conversion?

 

If you can't hear the dithering artifacts, then it's good enough for you!

 

My ears are getting better the more time I spend on this forum. Hopefully in six months in won't bother me.

 

If you are on a PC just install Foobar 2000 and the latest version of the SoX resampler (See this post: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=67376&view=findpost&p=671518 )

Then, downsample and dither (SoX does dither, right?) with the SoX plugin.