Export Wave or record onto cd?

[damianhk]

This may belong in the newbie section. I'm a dinosaur with recording equipment. I use a tascam dp-01. I just figured out how to export a wave. When exporting a wave, will it automatically be kept under 0 db? I know there is a difference in sound when i load songs on cd. For example, if i have more headroom, it breathes, and if i push the red, it compresses and sometimes distorts. I'm wondering if the export process determines a safe level for you (automatically)? I hope this makes sense. Should i mix to cd, then rip a wave, or export the wave from my recorder to my computer? I want to get wave files for cdbaby. In the past, i'd just put songs on cd (analog) with an occasional red peak, and rip a wave from the cd. I'm also wondering if an exported wave directly from my recorder will be better quality. (skipping the cd to computer step). Thanks for any responses.

 

[RAMI]

Exporting to Wave keeps the file at the same level that it is in your Dp-01.

On a side note, you should never have anything "in the red" when it comes to digital recording, mixing, etc....in digital. I gather you come from the analog world where pushing into the red can be desireable, but that doesn't apply in the digital world. Generally speaking, stay well away from 0db.

 

[damianhk]

I've been choosing analog, because of the stereo red and white inputs. Seems to be my only choice. What's going to be the difference? The digital input is only one jack. It's been sounding okay. I know these questions seem idiotic, so if i'm using analog input, do i still stay out of the red?

 

[damianhk]

Okay, i found an optical cable also, and remember not being fond of the sound. Maybe i should try again. I can record optical to cd, analog to cd or export the wave directly to my computer. What's the best?