Detecting a Lossless Transcode

[CopperTom]

Is there a way to determine if a 16 Bit FLAC was transcoded from a 24 Bit FLAC? I'm going through my 2014 files and have a lot of transcoded crap. Typically, I consider the size listed on What as the source of truth, but I was wondering if I could test files myself to be certain.



PS Yes, I know I could just buy the 16 bit FLACs, but I purchase the CDs instead.

[Birds in Hell]

It's a bit of a headache, it's become really common that someone buys the 24/96 files, transcodes them down to 16 bit and MP3 and then shares links around without any clarity on the original source.

I think there's a general lack of understanding that the original 16 bit FLAC files are simply not the 24/96 files at lower resolution, they're an entirely different mastering.

[CopperTom]

I read elsewhere that it's a matter of 16/44.1 v. 16/48. I just don't know how to check that.

[Birds in Hell]

Ah, I manage all of my music through iTunes and all that info is under the File tab of each song.

It's true that, seemingly almost invariably, whoever is buying these files and down-sampling them for sharing is converting to 16/48 instead of 16/44.1 (for whatever reason).

It's made me pretty wary of any links being passed around, I don't tend to trust the source if I haven't bought them myself at this point.

[CopperTom]

I see it now in VLC!

So even if it's 16/44.1, it could still be a transcode?

[Birds in Hell]

Yes. I use XLD to convert all my files and it has the option to select whatever sample rate and bit-depth you want the end product to be.

The only way to know is to be certain of the source or to do a listening comparison between the file and what you know is a true 16/44.1 (or MP3) file from the same show - the differences in mastering should hopefully be apparent.

[CopperTom]

I do a size comparison. I know a rat is present, then I need to figure out which one is which.

I miss the anal-asshole era of PJ trading. For real. Wading through shit sucks.

[Birds in Hell]

I would think a 24/96 file downsampled to 16/44.1 wouldn't be any bigger in size, however (it might be if they only went to 16/48).

[CopperTom]

Sometimes they are bigger, sometimes they are smaller - usually within 25 mb. I doubt it's possible for the transcode and the original to be identical, though.

[Birds in Hell]

No, you're right, they definitely wouldn't ever be identical.

[Norah]

It's a bit of a headache, it's become really common that someone buys the 24/96 files, transcodes them down to 16 bit and MP3 and then shares links around without any clarity on the original source.

I think there's a general lack of understanding that the original 16 bit FLAC files are simply not the 24/96 files at lower resolution, they're an entirely different mastering.

I've done this.

[Birds in Hell]

We've all been there, Pete.

[@SkitchP]

coke zero

[Kaius]

I have no idea what any of this means.

[Norah]

I'd explain it but I doubt you'd care.

[Kaius]