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Topic: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000 (Read 1511 times) previous topic - next topic
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Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

I would like to request a "shim" of some sort which would make it possible to use 32 bit DSP components with 64 bit foobar2000. There are many abandoned DSP components that users rely on which never had source code available and will likely never be ported to 64 bit. Personally, I use foo_dsp_tube, and it seems the developer for that one is no longer around and their website is gone.

That is why I am asking. I realize that it will lower the precision if you put a 32 bit DSP in the middle of a 64 bit workflow, but to be honest I don't believe I would be capable of telling a difference. I also don't use that DSP in every DSP chain, only certain ones I use for immediate listening (not conversion to other formats), but when I need it I absolutely need it. A DSP shim like this would be more of a future-proofing feature so that if/when support for 32 bit foobar ends someday, users will still be able to use their required DSPs. It would be very much like supporting 32 bit VSTs— users can be warned that accuracy will be reduced, but they can choose to proceed anyway if they need the functionality. Lastly, it must be possible to make such a thing. DSPs in foobar have very specific input and output formats, and they would need to be converted, but such an operation isn't difficult.

Please consider it if you are able to make such a thing, as it would be beneficial not just for me, but any user who relies on older DSP components which will never be ported. Thank you.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #1 –
Why not just use 32 bit foobar2000?

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Cannonaire on
It would be very much like supporting 32 bit VSTs— users can be warned that accuracy will be reduced, but they can choose to proceed anyway if they need the functionality.
Why would the "accuracy" be reduced with a 32-bit VST?

Quote from: Cannonaire on
Lastly, it must be possible to make such a thing. DSPs in foobar have very specific input and output formats, and they would need to be converted, but such an operation isn't difficult.
That's a pretty big assumption isn't it?

Bogozo provided the best answer, but I also don't know why you couldn't find any kind of DSP effect you might want by using an appropriate VST plugin instead.  There are plenty of totally free ones, and the "tube effect" variety are there too (e.g. https://www.voxengo.com/product/tubeamp/)  If you're concerned about how that would affect portability, many do not require anything besides a single *.dll, which can be placed in and pointed to a subfolder of Foobar.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #3 –
I wonder how easy the following would be - foo_run or whatever:

For certain file types, open the file in an external player, play it, close that application, and move on.
Particular case of "an external player": 32-bit foobar2000.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #4 –
Quote from: sveakul on
Why would the "accuracy" be reduced with a 32-bit VST?
I mean to say precision again. It's because the calculations would be in 32 bit FLOAT instead of 64 bit, but like I also said I doubt I personally would be able to hear a difference.
I also provided an answer for "Why not 32 bit foobar?" in that It would be a future-proofing feature for if and when foobar drops 32 bit support. It might also be useful for anyone who needs 64 bit foobar for whatever reason but still needs a long-abandoned 32 bit DSP sometimes. Finally, isn't it a simple operation to truncate 64 bit into 32 bit? Sure, you lose the least important bits, but again I doubt I personally could hear a difference from that.

I'm curious, are you actively against the idea, or do you just think it isn't necessary? I believe it would be beneficial for anyone who even just wants to move to 64 bit foobar and hang on to an older DSP component, and very important for anyone who needs 64 bit foobar and an old abandoned DSP.

**Edit**
You asked why not use a VST— I'm very attached to the tube DSP component I use. I don't go heavy on it - just enough to get an effect I heard from a real tube amp, and I'm not entirely sure if I would be able to get this exact effect from any VST.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #5 –
Quote from: sveakul on
That's a pretty big assumption isn't it?
I don't think so. Pardon my second message, but foobar converts files from 32 bit FLOAT down to 24 or 16 bit in realtime every time you play something. That is what leads me to believe there would be no trouble doing it for a DSP component that works in 32 bit instead of 64 bit.

Quote from: Bogozo on
Why not just use 32 bit foobar2000?
I understand, and I currently do still use 32 bit foobar. But when you say "why not just use 32 bit", what it comes across as is "why not just be stuck on 32 bit foobar forever". That is why I think this kind of feature would be useful to many people.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Cannonaire on
I'm curious, are you actively against the idea, or do you just think it isn't necessary? I believe it would be beneficial for anyone who even just wants to move to 64 bit foobar and hang on to an older DSP component, and very important for anyone who needs 64 bit foobar and an old abandoned DSP.
No not all, I mean who wouldn't want to have foo_run available in 64-bit.  It's just that some components have a very small user base, and combined with the few with the required programming skills and personal time/interest to do it, you have to inevitably say sayonara to some of the more niche plugins.  BUT, now that we have an excellent 32/64 bit VST host, the sea of effects those open up more than make up for it IMO.
Quote from: Cannonaire on
**Edit**
You asked why not use a VST— I'm very attached to the tube DSP component I use. I don't go heavy on it - just enough to get an effect I heard from a real tube amp, and I'm not entirely sure if I would be able to get this exact effect from any VST.
You can't be "entirely sure" unless you TRY some.  Download 3 or 4 free ones, try them, THEN see where you're at.  It does seem to be an effect with a pretty good following on VST:
https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2021/01/20/free-saturation-vst-plugins/
https://blog.landr.com/8-free-vst-plugins-warm-sound/

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #7 –
I throw my 2 cents in this and say this is an excellent idea.

Quote from: sveakul on
No not all, I mean who wouldn't want to have foo_run available in 64-bit.  It's just that some components have a very small user base, and combined with the few with the required programming skills and personal time/interest to do it, you have to inevitably say sayonara to some of the more niche plugins.  BUT, now that we have an excellent 32/64 bit VST host, the sea of effects those open up more than make up for it IMO.

I use some DSP components for multiple channel stuff and some of those are not supported anymore or even opensource.  VSTs isn't the answer to every use case from my personal experience either.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #8 –
Quote from: sveakul on
You can't be "entirely sure" unless you TRY some.  Download 3 or 4 free ones, try them, THEN see where you're at.  It does seem to be an effect with a pretty good following on VST:
Thank you for the links. I will try them out and let you know if they work for me when I can.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #9 –
I'd love to see it too. The REAPER DAW can "bridge" 32 bit plugs to 64 bit and vice versa, so hoping it could be done with FB2K components too. I am not a programmer, so have no idea how difficult it would be.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #10 –
 I been wonderin this for months. and the reason i use 32bit on my main system and 64 on my laptop.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #11 –
I haven't had time to try out and tweak the VSTs yet because of health stuff. Still plan on it, but I'm just using 32 bit for now because the component is already exactly how I want it.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Cannonaire on
I don't think so. Pardon my second message, but foobar converts files from 32 bit FLOAT down to 24 or 16 bit in realtime every time you play something. That is what leads me to believe there would be no trouble doing it for a DSP component that works in 32 bit instead of 64 bit.
I don't know if I am misunderstanding something, but converting between the 32-bit float and 64-bit float is a not an issue.
The issue is that foobar2000 isn't a simple piece of software. The shim would need to look like a full featured 32-bit foobar2000 to the components and translate all communication between the player and the host. It doesn't sound sensible to waste development effort into such thing.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #13 –
Btw, you could try creating an impulse response file with your tube sound. foobar2000 comes with a Convolver DSP which is meant to let you simulate any sound characteristics you want. Be it tube distortion or anything else.
You need a single pulse file with sampling rate you wish to use, run the file through Converter with your tube DSP configuration enabled and use the resulting file as impulse response in Convolver. Or in Stereo Convolver.

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Case on
Btw, you could try creating an impulse response file with your tube sound. foobar2000 comes with a Convolver DSP which is meant to let you simulate any sound characteristics you want. Be it tube distortion or anything else.
You need a single pulse file with sampling rate you wish to use, run the file through Converter with your tube DSP configuration enabled and use the resulting file as impulse response in Convolver. Or in Stereo Convolver.
Regarding that... foobar2000 doesn't come with the convolver, and the one made by Peter has no 64 bit version. The only convolver I have for 64 bit is the stereo convolver you kindly ported over (which works great for the crossfeed I use, by the way!) When I try to use mono impulses meant for EQ with the stereo convolver, it turns everything to mono. I also don't know how to make impulses based on what a component is doing. However, if I were able to make these impulses and had a convolver, you are right and that would absolutely solve my problem.
Think millionaire, but with cannons.
 

Re: Feature Request: Shim for 32 bit DSPs in 64 bit foobar2000

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Case on
foobar2000 comes with a Convolver DSP which is meant to let you simulate any sound characteristics you want. Be it tube distortion or anything else.
Not everything can be done with convolver. It can't be used as dynamic compressor/limiter, for example.