add compression before converting to PCM format or after?

i have some .wav files that i need to convert into "PCM" format so that i can load them up in my 1K... i'm using FL Studio 5 to convert the current .wav file to PCM format... my question is, before i convert to PCM using FL Studio, would it be a good idea to add compression (or any desired effect) to the sample before i convert to PCM? or would it make more sense to just convert to PCM first, load up in the 1k, compose the beat, then bring beat back into FL and then add compression/effects? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

There is no such thing as PCM format for the audio parts. The PCM bit is just the 1k program that tell your MPC what and how to play the WAV files. So, the underlying audio format is WAV.

You say you have a load of generic WAVs so these are already good for your MPC. Including them in a 1k program (a PCM) will have no effect on the underlying WAVs so you dont need to worry about if you 'should' add effects or processing. You now just have to ask yourself if you want to add effects or processing..

perhaps my choice of words are misleading, as you can see i'm a newbie so pls try to bear with me... lemme try to explain again:

-i downloaded a drumkit which was compressed using winrar
-i unzipped the drumkit and saved each .wav sample in a temp folder
-i tried to load the .wav files in the 1k right away, but no sound would come out
-so i went back to my computer, right-clicked on one of the .wav files that works fine in the 1k and i noticed in the properties it said "PCM" format
-i then went to the .wav files i unzipped, right-clicked, and it didn't say "PCM", rather it indicated some other format (which i can't remember at this time, i'm at work so i'm not able to verify exactly what was listed)
-then i used FL Studio 5 and converted (or resampled - pls excuse if i have the terminology wrong) that .wav file
-i then went to check that .wav that i convert/resampled using FLStudio, and when i check the properties it then said "PCM"...

so, back to my question, would it be better to add compression (or any other desired effect) before i do this converstion? or should i just convert to PCM right away, compose a beat on the 1k, then bring it back to FL Studio to add compression?

sorry if i'm confusing yall... just a newbie in need of some assistance...

yeah - you're talking about PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) WAV files.

short term used is "wav".


I dunno what the files where you've downloaded - but the format maybe was/is different than that.


mpc1000 "reads" only (windows?) .wav files


I think you should be save when you do your "conversion" first and than using compression as you're mixing - gives you more control and leaves more choices.

punkdISCO wrote:There is no such thing as PCM format for the audio parts. The PCM bit is just the 1k program that tell your MPC what and how to play the WAV files. So, the underlying audio format is WAV.

You say you have a load of generic WAVs so these are already good for your MPC. Including them in a 1k program (a PCM) will have no effect on the underlying WAVs so you dont need to worry about if you 'should' add effects or processing. You now just have to ask yourself if you want to add effects or processing..

I think youre talking about a PGM file, punkdisco. Hes talking about a PCM, which is a format/type of .wav file.

ok, so i'm at home now... when i right-click on the wav file that doesn't work [when loaded into the mpc1k] shows "OGG VORBIS (MODE1)" as the "Audio Format", as opposed to "PCM"...

so..use Sound Forge load it up then re save as WAV. PCM 16bit. 44.1

i've tried to but wasn't able to figure it out... i don't think soundforge can save in PCM format...

J-Villa wrote:i've tried to but wasn't able to figure it out... i don't think soundforge can save in PCM format...

It can, just do it. Look at the save as type when you save it next time.
Choose "Microsoft Wav"

Sound Forge can do everything except wax your car dude.

"I think youre talking about a PGM file, punkdisco. Hes talking about a PCM, which is a format/type of .wav file"

Oh dear - what a knob.. Yes I was talking about a PGM file. Sorry for my confusing response J-Villa and thanks for the correction TicToc..

See you,