Workflow for file transformations

Workflow for audio file management in a field methods course

1. record digital file — the Marantz PMD670 records a BWF with minimal header at 16bit 48kHz stereo (what? n1); if a 24bit recorder becomes available it is preferable
   
2. copy to computer HD by USB or Firewire
3. rename:
1. replace .bwf suffix with .wav (NB: on a Mac, a file can be renamed in the Get Info window)
   
2. assign a PI (permanent identifier) base name, e.g. KY1-20050713-01 (what's this mean? n5), and so rename to PI.wav
4. add metadata record to spreadsheet catalogue (where? n6) of project recordings (OR, soon, add an entry to the Paradisec online work catalogue)
   
5. copy file PI.wav (from 3 above) and the spreadsheet catalogue entry (from 4 above) to the class resource storage (volume LSA301 on LSA Server lsa.dlp.mit.edu)
6. convert file format on computer
1. to 16bit 44.1kHz stereo (audio CD format), using QuickTime Pro — this creates a file of size 10MB per minute — and name this file PI_CD.wav
   
2. to MP3 format at 128 kb/sec (kbps) — this creates a file of size <1MB per minute with .mp3 suffix (on a Mac, use iTunes (how? n2))
7. burn a CD (how? n3)
   
1. an audio CD, if required, from PI_CD.wav
2. a data CD, with both PI.wav and PI.mp3
8. the PI.wav or PI.mp3 (or PI_CD.wav) file can now be used for transcription; e.g. Transcriber creates a companion file PI.trs
9. when appropriate batches are ready, notify Paradisec (who? n4)
   
10. after processing at Paradisec, the copy of the PI.wav file with added metadata header information via imp.xml becomes the preservation master file, in BWF
    

Notes

1. Set up iTunes, before dropping a file in the iTunes window: in Preferences, Importing, choose 'MP3 encoder'; "128k bit [per second] has become the de facto "good enough" standard" [source] NB: avoid variable bite rate (VBR) encoder (which is an option available under 'Custom...')
   
2. Drag and drop the input file onto the iTunes window
3. Select file, then under the Advanced menu item choose 'Convert Selection to MP3'

1. To create a data CD, on a Mac, insert a blank CD (or DVD if the machine has a SuperDrive), then drag the files onto it, then click on the "burn" symbol (a yellow and black sectored circle)
2. To create an audio CD, drag and drop the audio file into the iTunes window, and use the Burn command within iTunes

1. collection identifier (e.g. KY1)
2. date (in yyyymmdd format)
3. session identifier (e.g. 01, or identifier of particular interviewer(s), or analogue tape side A or B)
   NB: Within the KY1 collection, we propose to adopt the convention that a session identifier refers to interviewers and the sequence number of those interviewers' session.