# remastero — Full Content > This file contains the full text content of all remastero pages for AI and RAG use. > Website: https://remastero.com | Contact: zb.pggb@gmail.com --- # remastero — Home (index.html) ## Your DAC reimagined remastero takes a no-compromise approach to audio remastering. **Philosophy:** The philosophy behind remastero is to reimagine what is possible with digital reproduction of music, extending way beyond the capability of DACs and hardware upsamplers. remastero's algorithms are grounded in signal processing theory, optimized through simulations, and voiced and refined through subjective listening. **Precision:** remastero uses proprietary high-precision signal processing algorithms that maximize signal reconstruction accuracy, with carefully designed noise shapers and DSD modulators. **Musical:** While remastero's algorithms were mathematically derived and further optimized using simulations, they were voiced and refined through subjective listening to ensure the end result is both accurate and musical. ## Products ### PGGB Plus — Offline Remastering PGGB Plus is the offline remastering application for upsampling or downsampling audio files at precisions up to 256 bits. PGGB's intuitive interface lets you remaster your music library to suit both your DAC and your tastes. PGGB transfers all tags to the remastered files. Image and cover information within the metadata are transferred when possible. All PCM rates and DSD rates are supported. ### Remaster in Real-Time Add remastero to your audio pipeline. SDKs available for Windows, Mac, and Arch Linux. Three modules: Resampling and reconstruction, Filtering for EQ, Noise shaping and digital volume control. --- # PGGB Plus (pggb-plus.html) ## Version 7.2.42 — The 2048 Edition **Also known as:** Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster — Multiprecision PCM Plus DSD High-precision audio upsampling and downsampling with algorithms optimized to maximize reconstruction accuracy to near theoretical limits. Up to 256-bit precision. PCM and DSD. ## Start Here — The Why, When, How and Which of PGGB ### Why PGGB? - More computing resources = better reconstruction accuracy due to advanced algorithms - Better small signal accuracy due to better noise shaper and modulators - Higher precision = lower noise floor = more of the music is preserved ### When is PGGB right for my DAC? - **PCM NOS (Non-Oversampling) DAC:** PGGB is ideal — the DAC does no internal upsampling, so PGGB's output goes directly to the conversion stage - **Pure DSD DAC:** Use PGGB to convert to the highest DSD rate your DAC supports - **High-rate PCM and DSD DAC:** PGGB can still improve over the DAC's internal upsampling - **Standard DAC with internal upsampling:** PGGB may still improve sound quality by providing a better starting point ### PCM or DSD? - If your DAC has a pure 1-bit DSD path, choose DSD - For sigma-delta DACs, both PCM and DSD can work well — experiment - For PCM/R2R DACs, choose PCM - DSD takes more computing resources. If single-stage DSD is too slow, consider 2-stage DSD conversion ### Which Settings? - **Your DAC:** For DSD, choose the highest rate your DAC supports. For PCM, choose the highest rate and bit depth. Use built-in DAC presets when available. Set the highest precision your license allows. - **Your System:** Memory: PGGB is memory intensive — set up page file on Mac or virtual memory on Windows. Enable memory optimization for PCM. - **Your Player:** Roon does not support DSD rates above DSD512 or PCM above 768kHz. Set output to 44.1kHz rates for DSD. - **Volume:** If using digital volume control, consider setting gain in PGGB instead. ## Overview The 'Plus' in PGGB Plus stands for 'PCM plus DSD, with up to 256 bits of precision.' PGGB is an offline remastering tool for upsampling or downsampling audio files, with algorithms optimized to maximize reconstruction accuracy. PGGB is designed to be used with a NOS (non-oversampling) DAC or a DAC that can play back DSD or high-rate PCM natively, bypassing the DAC's internal upsampling. ### Precision Levels - **64-bit (Normal):** Standard precision processing - **107-bit (Chill):** High precision, good balance of speed and quality - **128-bit (Insane):** Very high precision - **256-bit (Ludicrous):** Maximum precision, requires Max license ## Specifications & Features ### Input Formats - File formats: .wav, .flac, .aif, .aiff, .m4a, .dsf - PCM rates: 44.1kHz to DXD (352.8kHz / 384kHz) - DSD rates: DSD64 to DSD2048 ### Output Formats - PCM: .wav, .wv (WavPack), .flac — up to 3.072MHz (64fS at 48kHz base) - DSD: .dsf, .wv (WavPack) — up to DSD2048 ### Reconstruction Accuracy - DSD1024: Audible band noise as low as -420dB - DSD512: Audible band noise as low as -380dB - DSD256: Audible band noise as low as -320dB - DSD128: Audible band noise as low as -280dB - PCM: -740dB stop band attenuation ### Algorithms & Controls - Non-apodizing near-ideal transition band filter - Adaptive noise shaper for PCM output - DSD modulators (multiple options) - Inter-sample over detection and correction - ReplayGain calculation and tagging - Parametric EQ with per-channel support - HF noise filters (Aggressive, Minimal, Off) - Apodizing filter option ### Other Features - DAC presets for popular DACs - Batch processing (entire folders/libraries) - Metadata and artwork transfer - Multi-core hardware acceleration - Dark and light themes - Memory optimization for PCM - Two-stage DSD conversion for reduced memory use - Paging calculator and storage space calculator ## System Requirements - 64-bit Windows 10/11 PC or Mac (Mojave or higher) - Minimum 32GB RAM (16GB sufficient for PCM tracks under ~12 minutes at 128-bit) - 8-core processor recommended - 256GB free NVMe SSD space - For DSD: minimum 32GB RAM and 512GB free space for paging/virtual memory - Internet access required during installation and for trial version ## Licensing & Pricing - **Free Trial:** Fully functional. Processing stops after 2 tracks for 128/256-bit PCM and all DSD output. Converts to Perpetual Lite after 30 days. - **Perpetual Lite:** Up to 107-bit precision, PCM only, no DSD output. Free. - **Perpetual Plus:** Up to 128-bit precision, DSD up to DSD256. Single PC/Mac. $350. - **Perpetual Max:** Up to 256-bit precision, DSD up to DSD2048. Single PC/Mac. $1050. - **Upgrade Plus to Max:** $700. - **Commercial license:** Contact us. - All sales are final. Use the trial to evaluate before purchasing. - License is tied to Hardware ID. Non-transferable. Request a new license if Hardware ID changes. ## Compatible DACs (User-Reported) Chord DAVE, T+A SD 3100 HV, Denafrips Terminator Plus/Venus, Holo Audio May/Spring, MSB Select/Reference/Discrete, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Benchmark DAC3, Yggdrasil, RME ADI-2, PS Audio DirectStream, Lampizator, and many others. ## Playback Software Roon, HQPlayer, Innuos Sense, Antipodes, Audirvana, foobar2000, JRiver. --- # PGGB Plus Guide (guide-plus.html) ## Overview PGGB is a remastering tool that uses near-ideal reconstruction algorithms. The core philosophy is to maximize reconstruction accuracy — the upsampled signal should be identical to the reference signal both in time and frequency domain. ## Input Configuration - Select input folder containing source audio files - Supported: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, DSF - PGGB processes entire folders (batch mode) ## Output Configuration - Select output format: PCM or DSD - Select output rate (PCM: up to 64fS; DSD: up to DSD2048) - Select precision level (64, 107, 128, or 256 bit) - Select noise shaper type - Enable memory optimization for PCM ## PCM Upsampling - Upsampling factors expressed as multiples of fundamental sample rate (fS): 1fS = 44.1kHz or 48kHz, 2fS = 88.2/96kHz, 4fS, 8fS, 16fS (705.6/768kHz), 32fS, 64fS (3.072MHz) - Higher upsampling factors require more memory and storage - Memory optimization reduces paging requirements for PCM ## DSD Upsampling - Output rates: DSD64 (1fS DSD), DSD128, DSD256, DSD512, DSD1024, DSD2048 - Two-stage conversion available to reduce memory: e.g. DSD512 via 32fS × 16 instead of 512fS × 1 - Single-stage gives best reconstruction accuracy; two-stage is faster and uses less memory - DSD modulator options affect noise shaping characteristics ## Noise Shaping - Adaptive noise shaper moves quantization noise out of the audible band - Critical for high-precision output — without proper noise shaping, higher precision does not improve audible quality - Multiple modulator options for DSD output with different noise floor profiles ## HF Noise Filters - Aggressive: Maximum HF attenuation, recommended for most cases - Minimal: Light HF filtering - Off: No HF filtering ## Parametric EQ (PEQ) - Per-channel EQ support - Load EQ settings from .txt files (L and R channels) - Apply room correction or headphone EQ curves ## Inter-Sample Overs - PGGB detects inter-sample overs (samples that exceed 0dBFS when reconstructed) - Option to apply gain reduction to prevent clipping - Recommended to enable for most source material ## Memory Optimization - Enable 'Optimize paging for PCM' to process longer tracks by optimizing paging - 'Reduce contention' reduces NVMe contention when using single drive for paging - Up to two paging locations can be set ## Page File / Virtual Memory Size Calculator Use the calculator at https://remastero.com/guide-plus.html#PagingSize to calculate the free space needed for paging. Key formula: Space needed (GB) = (track length in minutes) × (upsampling factor) × (precision factor) − (physical memory / 2) ## Storage Space Calculator Use the calculator at https://remastero.com/guide-plus.html#StorageSize to calculate storage needed for your library after conversion. ## Setting Up Virtual Memory (Windows) - Set a custom page file on the fastest available SSD/NVMe - A minimum of 512GB is recommended for DSD conversions - 256GB paging is sufficient for most PCM conversions ## Setting Up Page File (Mac) - macOS manages paging automatically but PGGB can be configured to use specific paging locations - Choose the fastest SSD drive for paging ## Licensing License is tied to Hardware ID. Find your Hardware ID: Configure Tab → About tab → click 'Hardware ID' link to copy to clipboard. Request a license by emailing Hardware ID, name, email address, and Mac/Windows platform to zb.pggb@gmail.com. ### License Types - Free Trial: Fully functional, 30 days, then converts to Lite - Perpetual Lite: Up to 107-bit PCM only — free - Perpetual Plus: Up to 128-bit, DSD256 — $350 - Perpetual Max: Up to 256-bit, DSD2048 — $1050 - Upgrade Plus to Max: $700 - Commercial: Contact us --- # PGGB Plus FAQ (faq-plus.html) ## What Affects Reconstruction Accuracy? Reconstruction accuracy refers to how closely the upsampled signal matches the theoretical ideal reconstruction of the original bandlimited signal. Factors include: the upsampling algorithm (filter design), the precision of arithmetic used, and the quality of noise shaping. ### Upsampling Algorithms, Precision and Noise Shaping The reconstruction accuracy depends on: 1. The upsampling algorithm — filter transition bandwidth, stopband attenuation, phase response 2. Arithmetic precision — higher precision allows lower quantization noise during processing 3. Noise shaping — moves quantization noise out of the audible band; without it, higher precision processing cannot improve audible results ### Evaluating Reconstruction Accuracy PGGB uses a Band-Limited Sawtooth (BLST) test signal to evaluate reconstruction accuracy. The sawtooth signal contains harmonics at all integer multiples of the fundamental frequency up to the Nyquist limit. After upsampling, the reconstructed signal should be identical to the reference signal generated directly at the target rate. ### Comparing Algorithms **1. PGGB:** Non-apodizing, near-ideal transition band, very high attenuation. Uses all signal information. Near-ideal reconstruction. At 107-bit precision, the upsampled signal matches the reference signal up to -600dB — limited only by the noise floor of the precision used. **2. Short Apodizing Filter (4k Gaussian Windowed Sinc):** Designed with short impulse response, rolls off near 20kHz to remove aliasing artifacts. Attenuates higher harmonics, causing the upsampled signal to not match the reference signal. Shows clear deviation in time domain (slower rising edges). **3. Long Apodizing Filter:** Longer filter, better frequency response match but still attenuates some high-frequency content. Better than short apodizing but not as accurate as PGGB. **4. Minimum Phase Filter:** Non-linear phase response causes pre-ringing to be converted to post-ringing. Frequency response may match well but phase accuracy is compromised. ## Upsampling Myths and Half Truths - **Myth: Apodizing filters are better because they remove pre-ringing.** The pre-ringing in a linear phase filter is not an artifact — it is mathematically required for accurate reconstruction of the original bandlimited signal. Removing it (via apodizing) reduces reconstruction accuracy. - **Myth: Minimum phase filters sound better because they have no pre-ringing.** Minimum phase filters trade pre-ringing for post-ringing and introduce phase distortion, which is audible. - **Myth: Higher sample rate always sounds better.** The quality of the upsampling algorithm matters more than simply achieving a higher sample rate. A poor algorithm at a high rate can sound worse than a good algorithm at a lower rate. ## Noise Shaping (NS) Noise shaping is the process of spectrally shaping quantization noise to minimize its effect in the audible frequency band. It is not the same as dither — dither adds random noise to linearize the DAC, while noise shaping redistributes existing quantization noise. Without noise shaping, processing at 256-bit precision and then outputting at a lower bit depth would result in quantization noise at the same level as 24-bit processing. ## What is a HF Noise Filter? High-frequency noise filters attenuate ultrasonic noise in the output signal. This is particularly important for DSD output, which has a rising noise floor above 20kHz due to noise shaping. The HF filter options (Aggressive, Minimal, Off) control how much this ultrasonic noise is attenuated. ## Apodizing Filters PGGB does not use apodizing filters by default. PGGB's standard filter is non-apodizing and designed for maximum reconstruction accuracy. An apodizing filter option is available for users who prefer its sonic character, but it reduces reconstruction accuracy. ## Will My DAC Benefit from PGGB? Most DACs benefit from PGGB-processed files, especially: - NOS (Non-Oversampling) DACs: Maximum benefit — the DAC relies entirely on the source file's reconstruction - Pure DSD DACs: PGGB's DSD output at high rates gives these DACs a much better input signal - DACs with poor internal upsampling filters: PGGB bypasses these by providing already-upsampled content - High-quality modern DACs: Still benefit, but the improvement is more subtle ## What is 1fS, 2fS, ..., 32fS? fS = Fundamental Sample Rate. For 44.1kHz content: 1fS = 44.1kHz, 2fS = 88.2kHz, 4fS = 176.4kHz, 8fS = 352.8kHz, 16fS = 705.6kHz, 32fS = 1.4112MHz, 64fS = 3.072MHz. For 48kHz content: 1fS = 48kHz, 2fS = 96kHz, 4fS = 192kHz, 8fS = 384kHz, 16fS = 768kHz, 32fS = 1.536MHz, 64fS = 3.072MHz. --- # foo_pggb_rt / PGGB-RT Guide (foo-pggb-rt-guide.html) ## Overview foo_pggb_rt is a free foobar2000 64-bit component (plugin) for Windows that upsam­ples audio tracks in near real-time using PGGB algorithms at 107-bit and 64-bit precision. It uses multi-core hardware acceleration from the PGGB-RT SDK. **Key characteristic:** 'Near real-time' means there is a finite processing delay before the first track starts playing (a few seconds to tens of seconds depending on track length and CPU speed). Subsequent tracks play gapless. **CPU requirement:** AVX2 instruction support required. CPUs older than approximately 2013 may not support AVX2. ## Getting Started 1. Install foobar2000 64-bit (v2.0 beta 29 or higher) 2. Optionally install foobar2000 ASIO component 3. Download and install foo_pggb_rt component 4. Configure output sample rate in foobar2000 preferences ## Configuration - Select output rate (PCM only — DSD not currently supported) - Select precision (107-bit or 64-bit) - Configure memory and paging settings as needed ## How PGGB-RT Differs from PGGB Offline - PGGB-RT: Real-time processing during playback, no permanent files created, free - PGGB Offline (PGGB Plus): Pre-processes files, creates permanent remastered copies, paid (except Lite), supports DSD and higher precisions ## System Requirements - Windows 10 64-bit - Foobar2000 64-bit v2.0 beta 29 or higher - Minimum 8GB RAM (32GB recommended) - AVX2-capable CPU (Intel Haswell 2013+ or AMD Ryzen) - Fast SSD recommended ## Licensing foo_pggb_rt is free with no limitations. --- # PGGB-RT FAQ (rt-faq.html) ## Why is there a delay when I start playing? PGGB-RT does 'near real-time' processing. There is a finite time required to process the first track before playback begins — from a few seconds to tens of seconds depending on track length and CPU speed. Once the first track starts, subsequent tracks are processed in the background and play gapless. ## How is PGGB-RT different from PGGB-AP? See the foo_pggb_rt guide section on differences between PGGB-RT and PGGB offline. ## Does PGGB-RT support DSD upsampling? No — PGGB-RT currently does not support DSD output. This is a planned feature for a future release. ## What sort of PC will I need for running PGGB-RT? Recommended: Windows 10 64-bit, minimum 8GB RAM and 4-core processor. For best results: low-noise fanless PC with 32GB RAM and 8-core processor. AVX2 CPU support is required. ## Does PGGB-RT support multi-channel music? No — PGGB-RT currently does not support multi-channel PCM or DSD. Multi-channel support may be added if there is sufficient demand. Contact zb.pggb@gmail.com if interested. --- # RASA — Remastero Audio Spectrum Analyser (rasa.html) ## Overview RASA (Remastero Audio Spectrum Analyser) is a free and easy-to-use tool developed by remastero to analyse the frequency spectrum of audio tracks. It supports analysis and comparison of up to three audio tracks simultaneously with optional 128-bit precision. **Version:** 1.0.43 — Free **Supported formats:** .wav, .aif, .aiff, .flac, .m4a, .dsf ## Features - Compare up to three audio tracks simultaneously - 128-bit precision analysis for high-dynamic-range files (including PGGB-processed tracks) - Proprietary remastero windowing functions for superior accuracy - 1Hz/FFT bin fixed resolution - Customisable plot colours, titles, and legend names - Show/hide 1fS and 2fS markers - Manual and auto X/Y axis limits - Log scale option for frequency axis - Animated GIF export - Export to JPG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, PDF, EPS, EMF ## Windowing Options - **Remastero:** Highest amplitude accuracy and highest side-lobe attenuation — best for most analyses - **Optimised Flat Top:** Good amplitude accuracy with good side-lobe attenuation - **Hanning:** Least accurate, lowest side-lobe attenuation — not recommended for precision analysis ## 128-bit Precision Default analysis uses 64-bit precision. Enable 128-bit for high dynamic range audio — particularly useful for 64-bit float files or PGGB-processed tracks with very low noise floors. Takes approximately double the analysis time. ## System Requirements - 64-bit Windows 10 or macOS Ventura or higher - 8GB RAM or higher - Internet access during installation - Requires Matlab runtime (installed automatically) ## Licensing RASA is free for both personal and commercial use. When publishing graphs created with RASA, you must display 'RASA (remastero.com)' in or near the graph. --- *Generated for AI/RAG use. Full website: https://remastero.com* *Contact: zb.pggb@gmail.com*