BWF audio file conversion

BWF files are basically ordinary Wave files with a so-called Broadcast Extension which contain extra information such as timecode, recorder and origination date and time. Some audio systems such as InDaw and Cantar from Aaton and Deva from Zaxcom adds even more information to the BWF file. Recorded data can include Scene/Take number, Tape ID, Notes and Userbits. Sebsky Tools reads this information along with the timecode and creates a QuickTime audio file and embeds a timecode track using the data from the BWF file.

Starting with this release, it is now possible to merge single channel BWF files (typically channel 7 & 8; the mixdown channels from for instance the Cantar recorder) to stereo QuickTime movies. In addition, it is now possible to use the first 6 characters of the filename as reel name. This makes it possible to export an audio EDL from Final Cut Pro, run the EDL through the application Titan and create a ProTools session which uses the original 24 bit bwf files.

When the QuickTime audio file is imported in Final Cut Pro, the timecode and Reel Name is read and displayed in FCPs clip browser.
 
 

It is also possible to build a batch list containing more info from the BWF file being converted: Notes, Shooting Date and Time, Original File Name etc. This batch list, which can be the standard English or localized French, can be imported into FCP and reconnected to the QuickTime audio files. This provides the editor with a lot more information about each audio clip than if only the converted QuickTime file was imported.