Azid - How to convert 2 channel AC3 to WAV?

[orion44]

Hi,

what is the correct syntax to convert stereo AC3 to WAV with azid?

This is what I started with:
azid_P4.exe "D:\Project\AC3.ac3" "D:\Project\azid_WAV4.wav"

Here are all the options in azid:

C:\azid>azid_P4.exe
Azid AC3 Decoder 1.9 (build 922) -- for Intel Pentium 4
Copyright (C) 1997-2003 By Midas <midas@egon.gyaloglo.hu>


azid_P4.exe [options] ac3-file [pcm-file]
Options: [-a] [-b log_bsi] [-B begin_time] [-c dyn_compr] [-C center_lev]
[-d front/rear] [-e error_action] [-E end_time] [-f rear_filter]
[-F filetype] [-g gain] [-i cmdscript] [-p preset] [-l lfe_level]
[-L lrlfe_level] [-m mono_mode] [-M matrix-log] [-n dialog_norm]
[-N] [-o channel_list] [-q] [-Q] [-s stereo_mode] [-S surr_lev]
[-w warn] [-z log_set]

[--bsi-log=BOOL] [--begin=TIME] [--clevel=LEVEL] [--dcompr=COMPR]
[--decode=FRONT/REAR] [--end=TIME] [--erraction=ERROR_ACTION]
[--filetype=FILE_TYPE] [--gain=GAIN] [--lfe=LFE_LEVEL]
[--lrlfe=LRLFE_LEVEL] [--matrix-log=BOOL] [--maximize]
[--mono=MONO_MODE] [--no-logging] [--no-output] [--no-progress]
[--norm=BOOL] [--output=CHANNEL_LIST] [--preset=PRESET]
[--rear-filter=BOOL] [--script=FILE] [--set-log=BOOL]
[--slevel=LEVEL] [--stereo=STEREO_MODE] [--warn=BOOL]
[--ch#=ATTR0,ATTR1,...]

*) where # may be [0-5|l|c|r|sl|sr|s|lfe]. ATTRx specifies
either gain (numerical, see -g) or dyn_compr (names, see -c)
setting

Which options should I add to my script to properly decode stereo AC3 to WAV?

[tebasuna51]

If ac3 input is already stereo and you want a wav stereo output all options about downmix and channel selection are unnecesaries.

Maybe you can add:

--filetype=wav24
The default is 16 bits, ac3 is a lossy format but the more exact decode output is always better. The human ear can go until 20 bits precission.

--maximize
If you want amplify the output to max without distort.

--dcompr=COMPR
Where COMPR can be:
none No dynamic compression. The program contents is unchanged. The default recommended.

normal Normal dynamic compression. Normal in-store decoders use this as an hardcoded default.

light Light dynamic compression. This is 50% (-6db) of the reduction/gain that normal dynamic compression would give.

heavy Heavy dynamic compression. Intended for poor listening environment with much background noise.

inverse Dynamic expansion. This is the inverse value of the light dynamic compression, i.e. it makes strong sounds stronger and weaker sounds weaker.

[orion44]

Thanks, tebasuna.

If I wanted to convert 5.1 AC3 to stereo WAV, which options should I add to my initial script for optimal decoding:
azid_P4.exe "D:\Project\surr_AC3.ac3" "D:\Project\stereo_WAV.wav"

[Blue_MiSfit]

Any particular reason you're using azid in 2023?

FFmpeg and other modern tools have perfectly good AC3 decoders.

[tebasuna51]

My recomendation is:

-d 2/0 -L 0 -a

Downmix to 2 channels, do not include the LFE input in the mix, maximize the output

[orion44]

Any particular reason you're using azid in 2023?

FFmpeg and other modern tools have perfectly good AC3 decoders.

I'm just trying out azid + normalize combo, which were the default tools used by AutoGK for converting AC3 to WAV.

I'm also using FFmpeg and eac3to.