WAVEcomp
CD and Audio File Quality Test & Comparison System
 December 5, 2001WAVEcomp is a unique tool for anyone involved in QC issues regarding CD, wav file and compressed file format audio. WaveComp is based on and can be upgraded to Webber's revolutionary AUDIOcompare system for optical disc manufacturing QC applications. WAVEcomp, unlike other single ended test procedure based systems, works by `comparing' a Test (e.g. a 96kbit mp3 file) against a Ref (e.g. a CD track). Ref and Test are labels given to any two sources selected by the user. The `compare' process is utilizing Webber's proprietary Sonic Difference analysis techniques.
Results can be viewed in detail for each set of tests or be available in file or printed format at the end of a test cycle. If warning or fail limits are exceeded, an indicator will flag the offending test and the operator has the preset option to abort or continue.
WAVEcomp's most original feature is its ability to test for Sonic Differences between varying source material and formats. By Sonic Difference, they mean from the subtle audio differences that only seem to be heard by some of the `Golden Ears' in the industry down to the obvious losses introduced by some compression codecs. These differences occur for different reasons and sometimes are audible only under specific circumstances i.e. special monitoring situations or with specific converters or CD players. Determining the scale of these differences, an increasing problem with the numerous encoding and compression codecs becoming available all the time, has, until now only been possible by actually listening-not as easy as it seems.
WAVEcomp can reliably and consistently find and show these differences on all types of audio content whether the differences are sporadic (clicks, glitches etc.) or are of a continuous nature (e.g.: compression losses, addition of `loudness' etc.). The ability to evaluate these differences in an objective way will be invaluable to anyone involved in ripping, streaming and file based audio in general.
WAVEcomp allows the user to determine his own Pass/Warning/Fail limits or to use those provided and thus allowing a degree of standardization between users. These limits automatically vary depending on which formats are being compared. For example, a 96kbit 32kHz FS mp3 file would have lower pass limits than a 256kbit 44.1 kHz FS mp3 file when compared to its `ripped from CD' wav file source.
WAVEcomp includes Webber's MediaPlayer which allows A/B and A/B-X audio monitoring of any two selected sources. These sources can be a mixture of any formats and level matching is done automatically allowing a true A/B test. A loop function with variable delay is available to help make quality judgements as is a fully functioning A/B-X window with statistical analysis.
WAVEcomp is available as software in two versions, LITE and PRO, or for product and content producers, an ENTERPRISE version. The full hardware based system includes an industrial PC, a specially modified Denon CD player and external audio monitor switcher and level controller.
WAVEcomp's CD Track Select and Audio File Select windows - for previewing and selecting tracks and files to be compared. Selection can be made individually (track by track), a complete CD (all tracks in CD order) or in batch mode (user defined sequence). All selections can be pre-listened to and most compression formats can be compared (some by format conversion) with new formats being added as they become announced.
For more information, visit their web site at www.webbertapes.com. | 
