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Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:45 am
by TheElement
Hi Guys,

I've changed and edited my meta data in my mp3 masters but when I tried a wav file I couldn't.

Is there a special program for changing meta data info in wav files?

Thanks for any help! 8-)

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:53 am
by kclements
Have you tried iTunes? I think it will edit the meta tags in wav files as well as mp3s. I could be wrong. I don't deal with wav files that much.

On the Mac I use a program called Name Mangler. It is a batch rename utility that also can edit metadata. It is Mac only, but maybe do a search for a Batch rename utility for windows and see if there is an equivalent?

Doing a quick search, maybe one of these will help? http://alternativeto.net/software/name- ... rm=windows
hth

Cheers
kc

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 6:18 am
by TheElement
kclements wrote:Have you tried iTunes? I think it will edit the meta tags in wav files as well as mp3s. I could be wrong. I don't deal with wav files that much.

On the Mac I use a program called Name Mangler. It is a batch rename utility that also can edit metadata. It is Mac only, but maybe do a search for a Batch rename utility for windows and see if there is an equivalent?

Doing a quick search, maybe one of these will help? http://alternativeto.net/software/name- ... rm=windows
hth

Cheers
kc
cool thanks! I will download one of those and try. Much appreciate the help! 8-)

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 12:23 pm
by Casey H
I'm pretty sure that .wav format files never holds metadata. For that, .aiff is much preferred for high resolution audio files. Mp3's will hold metadata as well.

:D Casey

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:32 pm
by Russell Landwehr
Casey is correct, the standard WAV file has no metadata. "Brodcast WAV" does have metadata http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_Wave_Format

Russell

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:34 pm
by TheElement
Thanks Guys. And Russell interesting info thanks. 8-)

I was able to open the wav file in Audacity and edit the meta data. In fact I was able to add fields. The wav file was a master downloaded from LANDR. I pay for 4 uncompressed WAV masters but getting 6 songs together for a demo CD for the Rally so might need to go unlimited wav's as clock is ticking. I'll probably write more songs and want them on the CD last minute.

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 6:48 am
by kclements
Casey H wrote:I'm pretty sure that .wav format files never holds metadata. For that, .aiff is much preferred for high resolution audio files. Mp3's will hold metadata as well.

:D Casey
That's interesting. I thought the reason WAV files were "preferred" was the metadata support. Shows you what I know :)

Cheers
kc

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:40 am
by teleblaster
Neither .wav nor .aif files hold metadata in their file containers, those formats hold header information (stuff you need to know in order to stream the data) and payload data only. There are programs, like iTunes, that will keep a database of metadata and associate it iwith files on your hard drive. This is great for personal organization, but does not help if you want to send those files to say a publisher with the metadata intact.

.mp3's and most other compressed file formats do have room in their file containers for metadata. On a PC setting that metadata is as easy as using the file properties dialog in explorer. You can even select multiple files and set common things (artist, etc) in batch mode. Once those metatdata 'tags' are set they move with the file, even if you send them via ftp or attach them as email to someone remotely.

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 1:20 pm
by kclements
teleblaster wrote:Neither .wav nor .aif files hold metadata in their file containers, those formats hold header information (stuff you need to know in order to stream the data) and payload data only. There are programs, like iTunes, that will keep a database of metadata and associate it iwith files on your hard drive. This is great for personal organization, but does not help if you want to send those files to say a publisher with the metadata intact.

.mp3's and most other compressed file formats do have room in their file containers for metadata. On a PC setting that metadata is as easy as using the file properties dialog in explorer. You can even select multiple files and set common things (artist, etc) in batch mode. Once those metatdata 'tags' are set they move with the file, even if you send them via ftp or attach them as email to someone remotely.
I've found that AIF files will keep the metadata intact if you do it correctly. I have a couple libraries that deal with AIF files and require meta tags. I send them the AIF files and the meta tags go along with them.

Cheers
kc

Re: Unable to change meta data in wav file

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2014 2:45 pm
by Casey H
kclements wrote: I've found that AIF files will keep the metadata intact if you do it correctly. I have a couple libraries that deal with AIF files and require meta tags. I send them the AIF files and the meta tags go along with them.

Cheers
kc
Yes, that has been my experience. I've tagged .aiff files with iTunes following a library's directions, sent them tracks, and they picked up the tags on their end when they received them.

Casey