Recording DSD (Direct Stream Digital) (VinylStudio Pro only)

As of version 8.6, VinylStudio can record DSD from a suitable ADC, such as the PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter or (with a firmware upgrade) the Ayre QA-9. These are DSD over PCM (DoP) devices. Under Windows, 'DSD native' recording is also supported; devices tested include the Korg DS-DAC-10R (DSD supported on Windows only), the RME ADI-2 Pro, Mytek's Brooklyn ADC, the Ayre QA9, Pro-Ject's Debut Carbon RecordMaster HiRes Turntable and Playback Designs' Pinot ADC.

DSD, it should be said, is not for everyone. Firstly, you will need a USB ADC which supports DSD recording, such as the ones above. You should also be aware that (unless yu wave the results as PCM) you can't edit your recordings in any way, although you can split them into tracks and save these as bit-perfect copies.

VinylStudio can monitor your recording while it is in progress and allows you to play it back while you are working on it - when splitting tracks, for example. VinylStudio's 'needle-up' detection feature, which stops recording automatically at the end of the album side, will also work.

Tracks generated from DSD recordings can also be saved as PCM files, and VinylStudio's full range of editing features are then available. Files saved in this way can be played on mobile devices and streaming media players. DSD files generally cannot be played on such devices - instead you will need a DSD-enabled player, such as Foobar 2000 with the SACD plugin installed, or a DSD-capable DAC.

VinylStudio records to both DSF and DFF (DSDIFF) files, as well as being able to record DSD as DoP (DSD over PCM) in a range of uncompressed file formats. You can also convert between these formats if your needs change.

Please note: VinylStudio cannot record DSD from the Sony PS-HX500 turntable on the Mac. Only their proprietary software can do that. VinylStudio can, however, import DSD files once recorded.