Using UnitiServe to Convert WAV to FLAC

In DTC, under Encoder settings, then Ripped CD Encoding, set the encoding format to FLAC. Then let it run for a few days.

(from the UnitiServe manual) :

Storage Format:

Enables WAV or FLAC formats to be selected for existing and newly ripped CDs. The default  UnitiServe setting is to rip CDs in WAV format. FLAC can be selected as an alternative to offer reduced file size but  may result in subjectively less good sound.

Choosing an alternative format to the one currently  selected will begin the process of converting the existing files in all UnitiServe music stores to the new format. Even with a relatively small number of ripped CDs the conversion process can take a significant amount of time. The process however has no impact on UnitiServe performance and can be halted when incomplete if desired without any ill effects.

Are you using the Naim power supply or a third party unit ? I ask, because I have found that the latter will often not provide sufficient current for the ripping process, and the UnitiServe shuts down. Replacing the stock Naim PS is not as simple as it might seem.

Jan-Erik,

I selected FLAC as described back in December but everything is still WAV. PS is Naim bit it was replaced in the repair by Audio Plus Services (new USA distributor since June) with a no name unit. Additionally, the on/off switch is sort of sideways loose not like the normal Naim loose and I have had problems with the US shutting off and resetting due to the DC plug on the US not being a snug fit as before.

I'm using u-serve for Mac. Maybe I should try DTC on my PC.

M

That's very odd if you've set the unit to encode to FLAC and nothing has happened since December. That's long, even by Naim standards.

If you insert a CD does it rip to FLAC ?

The issue with the DC plug is not normal. It should be a snug fit.

Jan

Sorry if I'm a bit off topic here but I have about 2500 albums ripped to FLAC on my PC.

Would there be a safe, easy, preferably one step operation that would keep all tagging, folder structure, artwork intact should I, for some reason, decide to decode everything back to WAV?

Quick off topic response, yes, dBPowerAmp (I'm sure there are a few others too) I've tried flac to wav, wav to flac, mp3 to flac. The only time it goes wrong is when my PC has a funny turn!

I'll add another high recommendation for dBpoweramp,  its just so easy & flexible

But why convert to .flac ??  I have been .wav since my first dip into NAS music,  I tried .flac & with the exception of slightly easier tagging,  .wav was my choice.

The .wav tagging issues you read in these pages are a myth, .wav carries metadata & with dBpoweramp I do all the tagging & editing I can think of,  however if its ripped, edited & filed properly in the first place,  why do you need to mess with tagging.

By only using .wav (now got .dsf as well - big smiley) it means I am not bothered by transcoding related issues,  & finally something thats always bothered me,  if .flac is that good then do 'flac fans transcode??.

Despite correct tagging the server s/w and Naim boxes refused to communicate the tags via the fascia display. After much experimentation (quality comparisons, tagging experiments) flac just worked all the time and sounded the same, plus all d/l sites offer flac, not all wav, and I wanted everything streamlined, rationalised and working all the time. My network works (everyday, never misses a beat, never hangs) So at the moment flac is my choice because it never fails, sometimes my SU would 'hang' when playing wav after another file type. I got to where I am by trial and error and accept not everyone will have the same problems, priorities or found the same answers 

OK,  I understand your description,  but not the reason why.  I don't have that problem so have never needed to investigate.   It wurkz 4 U = 

possibly begins with a T and ends with wonky, although I briefly tried mediamonkey running off a laptop, but got the same results, still twonking away happily here, PC now as backup.

........  ahhhh tWonkey   

I'm not at all familiar with WD NAS,  is tWonkey the native packaged UPnP?

If its the same with MediaMonkey its probably not the answer, but have you thought about trying a UPnP thats universally regarded as one of the better 3rd party items such as Asset?  

......... maybe an Asset user can advise.

Yep, it comes with the NAS. No idea how to get any other s/w on it! I've nothing bad to say about it as it seemed to do exactly what other trial s/w I tried on the laptop PC did. To play hi-res wav music I just shut my eyes and ignore the Unknown by Unknown on the screen!

I just checked on the Illustrate (Asset parent) forum & the resident expert says Asset will not run on a Western Digital NAS.  But it can be installed on your PC or Notebook & used with the NAS as you did with MediaMonkey.   But still don't know if it will solve your .wav tag issue .......  

I've always used EAC to rip and MP3 Tag to tag FLAC files. I know MP3 Tag won't tag WAVs so if dB can replace both these softwares I'm sold.

Changing the ripping setting to wav only rips new cds to wav, it does not convert the cds that is already on the server.

Open albums, select all albums in the right pain, open the actions menu, open encode and select flac. You  can probably do the same by right clicking. This is on the Windows version of the dtc. You can do the same from the n-serve app.

Claus,

Well... the US is basically dead. Won't shut down in the prescribed way, won't process ripped or downloaded files, won't rip...etc. Dealer is sending it in again.

Thanks to all for advice and comments.

M

I'd get it fixed and sell it. My serve was great for ripping all my albums but now that's done, I don't need it. I now use a Synology NAS running MinimServer, which not only sounds better but it's far easier to handle downloaded albums, back up and use generally.

I hear ya' HH. It's been a pain. Will take the advice.

Thx,

M

Assuming the Serve comes back with all the music still inside, use the DTC to convert everything to FLAC! as described above. Just right click at the highest level in the music library and two or three days later it will be done. Then back up the flac files to the QNAP and you are good to go. Install Minim and set it to transcode to WAV on playback. Minim is a bit fiddly to set up, but once up and running is a delight. Then you'll need a USB drive for backup from the QNAP, which will cost about £65. 

Sorry HH...updated my profile. I have a US SSD, files stored on QNAP 2 TB drives in Raid 1 mirror. I'll have to convert to FLAC upon US repair. 

Thanks Jan. I have XLD and used it early on in my streaming adventure comparing US vs XLD rips. No difference when served up by US to my ear. Some here use DB Poweramp and remain in the WAV world with proper tagging features so good to have options if I stay WAV.

M