A computer with BURWEN BOBCAT can sound better than my $13,000 player? How can it be?
BURWEN BOBCAT does not attempt to make the analog signal an accurate replica of the digital signal as
your player does. It actually improves the signal by adding nearly inaudible high frequency reverberation
and subtle tonal balance correction (equalization).
BURWEN BOBCAT adds what I describe as ambiance without echo. It includes a lot of what audiophiles call
"air". Rough sounding recordings become smoother and more musical because the extreme high
frequency reverberation averages out the grit. Unlike natural reverberation, which tends to obscure
transient sounds, BURWEN BOBCAT stretches transients in time so they are more easily perceived and
become clearer.
Conversion from CD to MP3 format loses information which cannot be restored, but the added ambiance
information from the high frequency reverberation produces better sound. Also the audibility of conversion
damage is reduced for BURWEN BOBCAT processed files. Other available processors cannot produce this
type of sound. For highest quality, rip CDs to WMA lossless files and play through a Daniel Hertz DAC.
Is there a free trial period for the software?
No.
If my computer fails do I have to purchase BURWEN BOBCAT again?
No. Your serial number is set to allow one extra activation in case your computer fails or you want to
transfer BURWEN BOBCAT to a new computer and uninstall it from the previous computer. If a 2nd failure
occurs, contact us for an additional activation at sales@burwenbobcat.com .
Your software license for BURWEN BOBCAT allows use by you on a single computer. We keep track of
activations and are aware that a few customers try to game the system. Fortunately most appreciate the
hard work that went into this intellectual property, and its value in improving their music.
I did not download. How can I download without getting charged again?
View your order at the link in your email receipt. At the bottom enter your credit card number just to identify
you. The download button will appear, and your card will not be charged again.
I use iTunes and an iPod. Will BURWEN BOBCAT work on those, so that when I play back MP3
files they will sound better?
Yes. BURWEN BOBCAT RE can convert at high speed WAV, WMA, or MP3 files to MP3 format at 128 kbps
playable on an iPod. By dragging and dropping files onto the Bobcat window, you can convert one file at a
time, with its own Bobcat button selection, or a number of files, or a folder full with a common Bobcat
selection. It will make a definite improvement in a 128 kbps MP3 file. For minimum degradation due to two
conversions to a low bit rate, the input file should have a higher bit rate than 128 kbps, preferably lossless.
Is BURWEN BOBCAT simply an up-sampling program?
No. Bobcat operates at the 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling rate of your sound card. It improves the signal by
adding nearly inaudible high frequency reverberation and subtle tonal balance correction (equalization).
Is BURWEN BOBCAT just a tone control?
No. Tonal balance correction (equalization) is a vital part of its improved sound, but what really makes the
sound so much smoother and more musical is added high frequency reverberation. See the first question
above.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with Windows Media Player 11?
Yes.
I want to hear recordings the way they were recorded. What is the most neutral setting?
For purists Basic in the small window smooths the sound and makes everything more musical with hardly
any change in balance.
Basic 3 in the Big Bobcat window is the same, but has added low frequency extension. To prevent overload
at extreme low frequencies the volume is 5 dB lower.
Why do you provide 19 processing selections instead of one universal processing?
If you want to be a purist and suffer from the poor engineering in many recordings that is your privilege. I
would throw out 70% of my CDs if I could not completely change their bad sound using my AUDIO
SPLENDOR software from which BURWEN BOBCAT is derived - www.burwenaudio.com .
No software, hardware, or automatic equalization, not even BURWEN BOBCAT RE, can substitute for
precise, flexible equalization, set by ear and adjusted in tenths of a dB - and different for every single
recording. I listen to some of my older CDS with as much as a 50 dB difference between 15 Hz and 20 kHz!
At least BURWEN BOBCAT RE provides 19 choices of high frequency reverberation and equalization
combinations that get you into the ballpark of good sound. The added high frequency reverberation makes
the sound cleaner, clearer, and more musical, in a way that equalization alone cannot accomplish.
For well balanced audiophile CDs use Basic or Basic 3 which are very neutral. See the question next
above.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with Windows Vista?
Yes. And we have a added a feature - conversion to WMA lossless files.
I have a system with digital inputs. Can I avoid converting to analog?
Yes, in Windows XP, if you have a sound card with an SPDIF output and your digital system has an SPDIF
input. Vista disables SPDIF when playing protected content.
Will you make a BURWEN BOBCAT version for MAC computers?
No. We have no plans for MACs. It does work with Windows XP on MACS.
Will you make a BURWEN BOBCAT version for iTunes or other Players
No. We have no plans for MACs or iTunes. See the next question.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE process files downloaded from iTunes?
Burn them to CD in iTunes, Then rip to your desired format using the Windows Media Player. If the Bobcat
window shows and you have selected a button your files will be Bobcat processed.
Will it plug into other players?
No. BURWEN BOBCAT RE is designed to plug into the Windows Media Player only, either version 10 or
11. Bobcat processed WMA or MP3 files will play on any player that supports these formats.
Yes. Our BURWEN BOBCAT DX version plugs into professional audio editors and DirectX hosts. BURWEN
BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR plug into DirectX hosts, professional editors and the Windows
Media Player. J. River offers a DirectX Host plug-in for J. River players, and Chronotron offers Adapt-X for
Winamp and the Windows Media Player. Check your player's website for DirectX plug-in capability.
How about a CD player with BURWEN BOBCAT built in?
Burwen Bobcat can be adapted to all kinds of musical electronics that have extra DSP processing capacity.
How can I use BURWEN BOBCAT RE with my multi-room distribution system?
Best quality occurs when each CD is ripped to a lossless WMA file with your best Bobcat selection for each
different CD. If you already have a big collection of files and don't want to do a lot of work, you can mass
convert one, a multiple selection, or a whole folder full of files to Bobcat processed MP3 128 kbps files by
dragging and dropping onto the Bobcat window with your favorite button pushed. Bobcat reduces the
difference between an MP3 and the original CD when both are processed, so the processed CD is only
slightly better.
As speakers and acoustics may differ from room to room, it is a good idea to have a separate equalizer or
tone controls in each room.
Can a bobcat processed 128 kbps MP3 be made from a downloaded 128 kbps MP3?
Yes It will be definitely improved, but not quite as good as when made from a higher bit rate or lossless file.
An iPod will play the processed files.
How can I re-master a CD with BURWEN BOBCAT processing?
Use BURWEN BOBCAT DX, at PRO PRODUCTS It plugs into professional audio editors and provides the
same processing selections as BURWEN BOBCAT RE. For ultimate improvement and control use Bobcat's
daddy, AUDIO SPLENDOR, (Mighty Bobcat) described at www.burwenaudio.com.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE process SACDs?
No, but it can process the CD layer and make it sound better, when comparing 2 channels. To process
SACDs you need an analog input for your player. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR
work with analog inputs. See the next question above
Can it process 5.1 channels?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE works only in two channels. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR, at PRO PRODUCTS
delivers a 5.1 or 7.1 channel output from a 1 to 8 input channels with 10 processing buttons. It includes
BURWEN BOBCAT RE 2-channel recording, playing, and file conversion to MP3 and WMA at all sample
rates. It also records, plays, converts files to BURWEN BOBCAT 32-bit processed, plugs into the Windows
Media Player, and DirectX plugs into professional editors. It requires a powerful PC and a MOTU 828MKII
Audio Interface.
BURWEN BOBCAT EXTREME processing sound goods on about 85% of program material. The remaining
15% needs equalization. Burwen Technology, Inc. can create custom processing for broadcasting specific
music genre. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR is full AUDIO SPLENDOR without the controls. Read about
AUDIO SPLENDOR at www.burwenaudio.com.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT process HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and SACD multichannel sound?
Use BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR or AUDIO SPLENDOR software on a powerful PC with a MOTU 828MKII
Audio Interface as a sound card whose analog inputs connect to an external multichannel player. See the
next question above.
What if I want to feed in an analog input?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE processes 2-channel signals the Windows Media Player sends to the sound card or
DAC. For analog input you need an adapter program and suitable sound card that enables the Windows
Media Player to work with an analog input. Use Chronotron's Line-In plug-in.
BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR are designed to work with the MOTU 828MKII Audio
Interface which provides 8 analog inputs.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE require the Daniel Hertz DAC?
We recommend the Daniel Hertz Advanced Audio Designs Inc, Model 1 DAC with the BURWEN BOBCAT
logo on its face, or the Genius power amplifier-DAC, but neither one is required. The original BURWEN
BOBCAT playback-only software was designed to work only with Daniel Hertz products and that give it copy
protection. New BURWEN BOBCAT RE, for recording and playing, works with all DACs including your
computer's sound card, best with Daniel Hertz products. Copy protection allows it to work on your particular
computer only.
I have a system with digital inputs. Can I avoid converting to analog?
Yes, if you have a sound card with an SPDIF output and your digital system has an SPDIF input. USB to
SPDIF adapters are available. See the next question below. Vista disables SPDIF for protected content.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with my hi-fi DAC?
If you can connect your DAC to your computer and use it as a sound card you can use BURWEN BOBCAT
RE. In Windows XP, one way is to use a USB to Toslink or SPDIF adapter that can connect to your DAC,
such as the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage micro at
http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadv/micro/producthome.asp .
The PA3390U-1MPM - Toshiba Multimedia Center Sound Card has a coaxial SPDIF output.
http://www.getpartsonline.com/pa3390u-1mpm.html?shttp://www.getpartsonline.com/pa3390u-1mpm.html?
source=googlebase&code=pa3390u-1mpm#Specifications.
Note that Vista disables SPDIF for copy protected content.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE work at high sample rates?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE works only at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The Windows Media Player converts most
sources to these rates.
BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR operate at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.
How can I make your original BURWEN BOBCAT work with the Daniel Hertz DAC?
Try uninstalling and reinstalling, using Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. In Control Panel,
Sounds and Audio Devices, Volume, Advanced, set Stereo Monitor Speakers. The BOBCAT DAC must be
the selected Playback Device or Bobcat won't work. (BURWEN BOBCAT RE works with any DAC or sound
card; our original versions 1.01DHD and 1.02DHD work only with the BOBCAT DAC.)
In the Windows Media Player, Tools, Options, Devices, Speakers, Speaker Properties, set Default Direct
Sound device.
Rip a CD to WMA lossless on Drive C. Play back with the desired Bobcat button.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE process WAV files?
Yes. For listening play WAV files via the Windows Media Player with Bobcat open and your favorite
processing button selected.
Burn CDs for your car with Bobcat open.
Make Bobcat processed MP3s for your iPod by first converting the files to WMA lossless using the Windows
Audio Converter plug-in. Then drag and drop them on the Bobcat window to convert from WMA to MP3
128 kbps files Bobcat processed.
Don't WAV files have better fidelity than all other formats except SACD?
16 bit 44.1 kHz WAV files from CDs are superior to compressed file formats and the same as lossless
formats including WMA. Despite some of the propaganda on the Internet, lossless really means lossless.
Each can be converted to the other bit accurate. EAC makes no difference except possibly on a very badly
pressed or scratched CD.
When you play a lossless file in any format it is continuously converted back to original WAV format for use
by the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in your sound card, with accurate clocking.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE make 320 kbps MP3s for my iPod?
Yes, when ripping from a CD. No, when using the Burwen Audio Converter. It makes only 128 kbps MP3s
from input files in any MP3 or WMA format.
If I convert a BURWEN BOBCAT processed file to FLAC or another format will I lose the Bobcat
processing?
No. The Bobcat sound will be preserved. If you convert to other than a lossless format there will be some
degradation, but BURWEN BOBCAT makes the difference less noticeable.
In a Bobcat processed file it is part of the audio signal, the same as if Bobcat was a characteristic of the
original sound that entered the recording microphones.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE be used with my FLAC files?
Plug-ins are available that enable the Windows Media Player to play FLAC files. Get them at
http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html.
Another way is to convert your FLAC files to a format the Windows Media Player can play. For example
Softe Audio Converter, www.softe.net, can convert FLAC to WMA lossless. Since FLAC is also a lossless
format, the quality will be equivalent to playing your original CD via BURWEN BOBCAT.
How can I make the BURWEN BOBCAT FILTER work in my editor?
Close all programs. Reboot your computer. Play a 44.1 kHz file with no other plug-ins. Insert the BURWEN
BOBCAT FILTER and preview with it. Then add other plug-ins. In WaveLab the order of insertion is
important and Bobcat should be first.
BURWEN BOBCAT DX works at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR
operate at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.
Do Properties of the file show Bobcat processing?
No. The file type is exactly the same as without Bobcat processing. In a Bobcat processed file it is part of
the audio signal, the same as if Bobcat was a characteristic of the original sound that entered the recording
microphones.
Bobcat processed files are identified by a Subtitle that shows only in the Windows Media Player (right click
on the title bar) and by a red Bobcat icon beside the file name in Windows Explorer or My Computer if the
Subtitle is detected.
You don't need to install the Bobcat File Identifier to detect the Subtitle because you have it already as part
of BURWEN BOBCAT RE. Files made with BURWEN BOBCAT DX don't have the Subtitle.
How can I tell if a commercial CD is Bobcat processed?
Mastering engineers add a caret (^) usually at the beginning of each track name.
What does the No Bobcat button do?
If you want to compare your selected Bobcat sound with the original which is Bypass, the comparison won’t
be fair because Bypass is 5 dB louder. So use No Bobcat which is the same as Bypass, but 5 dB softer. A
louder sound often seems better even when it is inferior. The Bobcat selections, except for Basic in the
small window, are made softer than the original to avoid overload due to extreme low frequency bass boost.
What does the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER do?
The free Bobcat File Identifier does nothing but that. If someone gives you a Bobcat processed music file,
and you have installed the Identifier, you will see a red Bobcat icon at the file name in Windows Explorer or
My Computer.
If you have purchased a BURWEN BOBCAT product you already have this feature built in and don't need
the IDENTIFIER too. Installing both does no harm.
Whether or not you have installed the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER, if you have set up the Subtitle field in the
Windows Media Player you will see the Bobcat subtitle. See the next question below.
With either the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER or another BURWEN BOBCAT or AUDIO SPLENDOR product
installed, the Bobcat icon works on Windows XP and Vista computers. Detecting BOBCAT in the subtitle
displays the red icon.
Where are the Subtitle and the Bobcat icon?
To view the subtitle in the Windows Media Player, in each of your groupings such as Artist, Composer,
Album, etc. right-click on the title bar and select Choose Columns to show Subtitle and whatever else you
want, in your desired order. That is where you will see BURWEN BOBCAT V2 for Vocal 2 processing if the
file was made by converting or ripping with Bobcat open.
There is no icon in the Windows Media Player. It shows in Windows Explorer and My Computer.
If you play Bobcat processed MP3 or WMA files with other than the Windows Media Player and allow
Windows to set that player as the default for that file type, the Bobcat icon will no longer display. Simply
right click on one of the files, select Open with Windows Media Player and set it as default.
Another method is to download and save the free BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER utility at http://www.
burwenbobcat.com/Free-Download.html and run it. Installing one of the latest BURWEN BOBCAT products
designed for XP and Vista will also display the Bobcat icon.
At Start, Programs, Burwen Bobcat there is no way to open it. How can I run Bobcat?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE does not open from the Start button. Open the Windows Media Player by inserting
a CD or DVD in the drive or by double clicking its icon. Go to the menu item View, Plug-ins, Other, Burwen
Bobcat and click to place a check mark at Burwen Bobcat. The Burwen Bobcat window will open.
Bobcat can't convert my files. What is wrong?
The Burwen Audio converter works only on WAV, WMA, or MP3 input files. It won't convert to the same
folder containing the input file because the name and tag information are the same as the input file.
Specify a different folder.
Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 (not 2.0) is needed for file conversion, but not for listening, ripping, or
burning. Download and install Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en
The BURWEN BOBCAT button on my Taskbar does not open the Bobcat window. How can I fix it?
Right click on the Bobcat button on the Taskbar. Select Move with the left button. Release the button. Use
the arrow keys to move the Bobcat window on screen. It may have gone off screen due to a reduction in
display resolution.
HOW CAN I TELL WHETHER IT IS REALLY ACTIVATED?
If BURWEN BOBCAT has not been activated, the Bobcat window will display in red just below the logo:
No valid license found. Click here to activate the software. Clicking opens the Bobcat Activation wizard which
offers the three methods for activation.
IT DOES NOT WORK! HOW CAN I FIX THE PROBLEM?
If the software has been activated and you cannot find it, it fails process audio or convert files, or it stops
the sound, something may be blocking Bobcat. Check the options in your software for proper speaker and
plug-in setup. Close all programs. Reboot your computer. Open only the software BURWEN BOBCAT
plugs in to. Play some music with no other plug-ins. Then insert the Bobcat plug-in to make the Bobcat
window appear. With music playing, click various processing selections and compare with no bobcat or
bypass.
If you are unable to make it work, email a description of what happened and a copy of any error messages
you saw to contact@burwenbobcat.com .
Dick Burwen
BURWEN BOBCAT does not attempt to make the analog signal an accurate replica of the digital signal as
your player does. It actually improves the signal by adding nearly inaudible high frequency reverberation
and subtle tonal balance correction (equalization).
BURWEN BOBCAT adds what I describe as ambiance without echo. It includes a lot of what audiophiles call
"air". Rough sounding recordings become smoother and more musical because the extreme high
frequency reverberation averages out the grit. Unlike natural reverberation, which tends to obscure
transient sounds, BURWEN BOBCAT stretches transients in time so they are more easily perceived and
become clearer.
Conversion from CD to MP3 format loses information which cannot be restored, but the added ambiance
information from the high frequency reverberation produces better sound. Also the audibility of conversion
damage is reduced for BURWEN BOBCAT processed files. Other available processors cannot produce this
type of sound. For highest quality, rip CDs to WMA lossless files and play through a Daniel Hertz DAC.
Is there a free trial period for the software?
No.
If my computer fails do I have to purchase BURWEN BOBCAT again?
No. Your serial number is set to allow one extra activation in case your computer fails or you want to
transfer BURWEN BOBCAT to a new computer and uninstall it from the previous computer. If a 2nd failure
occurs, contact us for an additional activation at sales@burwenbobcat.com .
Your software license for BURWEN BOBCAT allows use by you on a single computer. We keep track of
activations and are aware that a few customers try to game the system. Fortunately most appreciate the
hard work that went into this intellectual property, and its value in improving their music.
I did not download. How can I download without getting charged again?
View your order at the link in your email receipt. At the bottom enter your credit card number just to identify
you. The download button will appear, and your card will not be charged again.
I use iTunes and an iPod. Will BURWEN BOBCAT work on those, so that when I play back MP3
files they will sound better?
Yes. BURWEN BOBCAT RE can convert at high speed WAV, WMA, or MP3 files to MP3 format at 128 kbps
playable on an iPod. By dragging and dropping files onto the Bobcat window, you can convert one file at a
time, with its own Bobcat button selection, or a number of files, or a folder full with a common Bobcat
selection. It will make a definite improvement in a 128 kbps MP3 file. For minimum degradation due to two
conversions to a low bit rate, the input file should have a higher bit rate than 128 kbps, preferably lossless.
Is BURWEN BOBCAT simply an up-sampling program?
No. Bobcat operates at the 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling rate of your sound card. It improves the signal by
adding nearly inaudible high frequency reverberation and subtle tonal balance correction (equalization).
Is BURWEN BOBCAT just a tone control?
No. Tonal balance correction (equalization) is a vital part of its improved sound, but what really makes the
sound so much smoother and more musical is added high frequency reverberation. See the first question
above.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with Windows Media Player 11?
Yes.
I want to hear recordings the way they were recorded. What is the most neutral setting?
For purists Basic in the small window smooths the sound and makes everything more musical with hardly
any change in balance.
Basic 3 in the Big Bobcat window is the same, but has added low frequency extension. To prevent overload
at extreme low frequencies the volume is 5 dB lower.
Why do you provide 19 processing selections instead of one universal processing?
If you want to be a purist and suffer from the poor engineering in many recordings that is your privilege. I
would throw out 70% of my CDs if I could not completely change their bad sound using my AUDIO
SPLENDOR software from which BURWEN BOBCAT is derived - www.burwenaudio.com .
No software, hardware, or automatic equalization, not even BURWEN BOBCAT RE, can substitute for
precise, flexible equalization, set by ear and adjusted in tenths of a dB - and different for every single
recording. I listen to some of my older CDS with as much as a 50 dB difference between 15 Hz and 20 kHz!
At least BURWEN BOBCAT RE provides 19 choices of high frequency reverberation and equalization
combinations that get you into the ballpark of good sound. The added high frequency reverberation makes
the sound cleaner, clearer, and more musical, in a way that equalization alone cannot accomplish.
For well balanced audiophile CDs use Basic or Basic 3 which are very neutral. See the question next
above.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with Windows Vista?
Yes. And we have a added a feature - conversion to WMA lossless files.
I have a system with digital inputs. Can I avoid converting to analog?
Yes, in Windows XP, if you have a sound card with an SPDIF output and your digital system has an SPDIF
input. Vista disables SPDIF when playing protected content.
Will you make a BURWEN BOBCAT version for MAC computers?
No. We have no plans for MACs. It does work with Windows XP on MACS.
Will you make a BURWEN BOBCAT version for iTunes or other Players
No. We have no plans for MACs or iTunes. See the next question.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE process files downloaded from iTunes?
Burn them to CD in iTunes, Then rip to your desired format using the Windows Media Player. If the Bobcat
window shows and you have selected a button your files will be Bobcat processed.
Will it plug into other players?
No. BURWEN BOBCAT RE is designed to plug into the Windows Media Player only, either version 10 or
11. Bobcat processed WMA or MP3 files will play on any player that supports these formats.
Yes. Our BURWEN BOBCAT DX version plugs into professional audio editors and DirectX hosts. BURWEN
BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR plug into DirectX hosts, professional editors and the Windows
Media Player. J. River offers a DirectX Host plug-in for J. River players, and Chronotron offers Adapt-X for
Winamp and the Windows Media Player. Check your player's website for DirectX plug-in capability.
How about a CD player with BURWEN BOBCAT built in?
Burwen Bobcat can be adapted to all kinds of musical electronics that have extra DSP processing capacity.
How can I use BURWEN BOBCAT RE with my multi-room distribution system?
Best quality occurs when each CD is ripped to a lossless WMA file with your best Bobcat selection for each
different CD. If you already have a big collection of files and don't want to do a lot of work, you can mass
convert one, a multiple selection, or a whole folder full of files to Bobcat processed MP3 128 kbps files by
dragging and dropping onto the Bobcat window with your favorite button pushed. Bobcat reduces the
difference between an MP3 and the original CD when both are processed, so the processed CD is only
slightly better.
As speakers and acoustics may differ from room to room, it is a good idea to have a separate equalizer or
tone controls in each room.
Can a bobcat processed 128 kbps MP3 be made from a downloaded 128 kbps MP3?
Yes It will be definitely improved, but not quite as good as when made from a higher bit rate or lossless file.
An iPod will play the processed files.
How can I re-master a CD with BURWEN BOBCAT processing?
Use BURWEN BOBCAT DX, at PRO PRODUCTS It plugs into professional audio editors and provides the
same processing selections as BURWEN BOBCAT RE. For ultimate improvement and control use Bobcat's
daddy, AUDIO SPLENDOR, (Mighty Bobcat) described at www.burwenaudio.com.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE process SACDs?
No, but it can process the CD layer and make it sound better, when comparing 2 channels. To process
SACDs you need an analog input for your player. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR
work with analog inputs. See the next question above
Can it process 5.1 channels?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE works only in two channels. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR, at PRO PRODUCTS
delivers a 5.1 or 7.1 channel output from a 1 to 8 input channels with 10 processing buttons. It includes
BURWEN BOBCAT RE 2-channel recording, playing, and file conversion to MP3 and WMA at all sample
rates. It also records, plays, converts files to BURWEN BOBCAT 32-bit processed, plugs into the Windows
Media Player, and DirectX plugs into professional editors. It requires a powerful PC and a MOTU 828MKII
Audio Interface.
BURWEN BOBCAT EXTREME processing sound goods on about 85% of program material. The remaining
15% needs equalization. Burwen Technology, Inc. can create custom processing for broadcasting specific
music genre. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR is full AUDIO SPLENDOR without the controls. Read about
AUDIO SPLENDOR at www.burwenaudio.com.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT process HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and SACD multichannel sound?
Use BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR or AUDIO SPLENDOR software on a powerful PC with a MOTU 828MKII
Audio Interface as a sound card whose analog inputs connect to an external multichannel player. See the
next question above.
What if I want to feed in an analog input?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE processes 2-channel signals the Windows Media Player sends to the sound card or
DAC. For analog input you need an adapter program and suitable sound card that enables the Windows
Media Player to work with an analog input. Use Chronotron's Line-In plug-in.
BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR are designed to work with the MOTU 828MKII Audio
Interface which provides 8 analog inputs.
Does BURWEN BOBCAT RE require the Daniel Hertz DAC?
We recommend the Daniel Hertz Advanced Audio Designs Inc, Model 1 DAC with the BURWEN BOBCAT
logo on its face, or the Genius power amplifier-DAC, but neither one is required. The original BURWEN
BOBCAT playback-only software was designed to work only with Daniel Hertz products and that give it copy
protection. New BURWEN BOBCAT RE, for recording and playing, works with all DACs including your
computer's sound card, best with Daniel Hertz products. Copy protection allows it to work on your particular
computer only.
I have a system with digital inputs. Can I avoid converting to analog?
Yes, if you have a sound card with an SPDIF output and your digital system has an SPDIF input. USB to
SPDIF adapters are available. See the next question below. Vista disables SPDIF for protected content.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE work with my hi-fi DAC?
If you can connect your DAC to your computer and use it as a sound card you can use BURWEN BOBCAT
RE. In Windows XP, one way is to use a USB to Toslink or SPDIF adapter that can connect to your DAC,
such as the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage micro at
http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadv/micro/producthome.asp .
The PA3390U-1MPM - Toshiba Multimedia Center Sound Card has a coaxial SPDIF output.
http://www.getpartsonline.com/pa3390u-1mpm.html?shttp://www.getpartsonline.com/pa3390u-1mpm.html?
source=googlebase&code=pa3390u-1mpm#Specifications.
Note that Vista disables SPDIF for copy protected content.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE work at high sample rates?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE works only at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The Windows Media Player converts most
sources to these rates.
BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR operate at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.
How can I make your original BURWEN BOBCAT work with the Daniel Hertz DAC?
Try uninstalling and reinstalling, using Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. In Control Panel,
Sounds and Audio Devices, Volume, Advanced, set Stereo Monitor Speakers. The BOBCAT DAC must be
the selected Playback Device or Bobcat won't work. (BURWEN BOBCAT RE works with any DAC or sound
card; our original versions 1.01DHD and 1.02DHD work only with the BOBCAT DAC.)
In the Windows Media Player, Tools, Options, Devices, Speakers, Speaker Properties, set Default Direct
Sound device.
Rip a CD to WMA lossless on Drive C. Play back with the desired Bobcat button.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE process WAV files?
Yes. For listening play WAV files via the Windows Media Player with Bobcat open and your favorite
processing button selected.
Burn CDs for your car with Bobcat open.
Make Bobcat processed MP3s for your iPod by first converting the files to WMA lossless using the Windows
Audio Converter plug-in. Then drag and drop them on the Bobcat window to convert from WMA to MP3
128 kbps files Bobcat processed.
Don't WAV files have better fidelity than all other formats except SACD?
16 bit 44.1 kHz WAV files from CDs are superior to compressed file formats and the same as lossless
formats including WMA. Despite some of the propaganda on the Internet, lossless really means lossless.
Each can be converted to the other bit accurate. EAC makes no difference except possibly on a very badly
pressed or scratched CD.
When you play a lossless file in any format it is continuously converted back to original WAV format for use
by the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in your sound card, with accurate clocking.
Can BURWEN BOBCAT RE make 320 kbps MP3s for my iPod?
Yes, when ripping from a CD. No, when using the Burwen Audio Converter. It makes only 128 kbps MP3s
from input files in any MP3 or WMA format.
If I convert a BURWEN BOBCAT processed file to FLAC or another format will I lose the Bobcat
processing?
No. The Bobcat sound will be preserved. If you convert to other than a lossless format there will be some
degradation, but BURWEN BOBCAT makes the difference less noticeable.
In a Bobcat processed file it is part of the audio signal, the same as if Bobcat was a characteristic of the
original sound that entered the recording microphones.
How can BURWEN BOBCAT RE be used with my FLAC files?
Plug-ins are available that enable the Windows Media Player to play FLAC files. Get them at
http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html.
Another way is to convert your FLAC files to a format the Windows Media Player can play. For example
Softe Audio Converter, www.softe.net, can convert FLAC to WMA lossless. Since FLAC is also a lossless
format, the quality will be equivalent to playing your original CD via BURWEN BOBCAT.
How can I make the BURWEN BOBCAT FILTER work in my editor?
Close all programs. Reboot your computer. Play a 44.1 kHz file with no other plug-ins. Insert the BURWEN
BOBCAT FILTER and preview with it. Then add other plug-ins. In WaveLab the order of insertion is
important and Bobcat should be first.
BURWEN BOBCAT DX works at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. BURWEN BOBCAT MONITOR and AUDIO SPLENDOR
operate at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.
Do Properties of the file show Bobcat processing?
No. The file type is exactly the same as without Bobcat processing. In a Bobcat processed file it is part of
the audio signal, the same as if Bobcat was a characteristic of the original sound that entered the recording
microphones.
Bobcat processed files are identified by a Subtitle that shows only in the Windows Media Player (right click
on the title bar) and by a red Bobcat icon beside the file name in Windows Explorer or My Computer if the
Subtitle is detected.
You don't need to install the Bobcat File Identifier to detect the Subtitle because you have it already as part
of BURWEN BOBCAT RE. Files made with BURWEN BOBCAT DX don't have the Subtitle.
How can I tell if a commercial CD is Bobcat processed?
Mastering engineers add a caret (^) usually at the beginning of each track name.
What does the No Bobcat button do?
If you want to compare your selected Bobcat sound with the original which is Bypass, the comparison won’t
be fair because Bypass is 5 dB louder. So use No Bobcat which is the same as Bypass, but 5 dB softer. A
louder sound often seems better even when it is inferior. The Bobcat selections, except for Basic in the
small window, are made softer than the original to avoid overload due to extreme low frequency bass boost.
What does the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER do?
The free Bobcat File Identifier does nothing but that. If someone gives you a Bobcat processed music file,
and you have installed the Identifier, you will see a red Bobcat icon at the file name in Windows Explorer or
My Computer.
If you have purchased a BURWEN BOBCAT product you already have this feature built in and don't need
the IDENTIFIER too. Installing both does no harm.
Whether or not you have installed the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER, if you have set up the Subtitle field in the
Windows Media Player you will see the Bobcat subtitle. See the next question below.
With either the BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER or another BURWEN BOBCAT or AUDIO SPLENDOR product
installed, the Bobcat icon works on Windows XP and Vista computers. Detecting BOBCAT in the subtitle
displays the red icon.
Where are the Subtitle and the Bobcat icon?
To view the subtitle in the Windows Media Player, in each of your groupings such as Artist, Composer,
Album, etc. right-click on the title bar and select Choose Columns to show Subtitle and whatever else you
want, in your desired order. That is where you will see BURWEN BOBCAT V2 for Vocal 2 processing if the
file was made by converting or ripping with Bobcat open.
There is no icon in the Windows Media Player. It shows in Windows Explorer and My Computer.
If you play Bobcat processed MP3 or WMA files with other than the Windows Media Player and allow
Windows to set that player as the default for that file type, the Bobcat icon will no longer display. Simply
right click on one of the files, select Open with Windows Media Player and set it as default.
Another method is to download and save the free BOBCAT FILE IDENTIFIER utility at http://www.
burwenbobcat.com/Free-Download.html and run it. Installing one of the latest BURWEN BOBCAT products
designed for XP and Vista will also display the Bobcat icon.
At Start, Programs, Burwen Bobcat there is no way to open it. How can I run Bobcat?
BURWEN BOBCAT RE does not open from the Start button. Open the Windows Media Player by inserting
a CD or DVD in the drive or by double clicking its icon. Go to the menu item View, Plug-ins, Other, Burwen
Bobcat and click to place a check mark at Burwen Bobcat. The Burwen Bobcat window will open.
Bobcat can't convert my files. What is wrong?
The Burwen Audio converter works only on WAV, WMA, or MP3 input files. It won't convert to the same
folder containing the input file because the name and tag information are the same as the input file.
Specify a different folder.
Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 (not 2.0) is needed for file conversion, but not for listening, ripping, or
burning. Download and install Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en
The BURWEN BOBCAT button on my Taskbar does not open the Bobcat window. How can I fix it?
Right click on the Bobcat button on the Taskbar. Select Move with the left button. Release the button. Use
the arrow keys to move the Bobcat window on screen. It may have gone off screen due to a reduction in
display resolution.
HOW CAN I TELL WHETHER IT IS REALLY ACTIVATED?
If BURWEN BOBCAT has not been activated, the Bobcat window will display in red just below the logo:
No valid license found. Click here to activate the software. Clicking opens the Bobcat Activation wizard which
offers the three methods for activation.
IT DOES NOT WORK! HOW CAN I FIX THE PROBLEM?
If the software has been activated and you cannot find it, it fails process audio or convert files, or it stops
the sound, something may be blocking Bobcat. Check the options in your software for proper speaker and
plug-in setup. Close all programs. Reboot your computer. Open only the software BURWEN BOBCAT
plugs in to. Play some music with no other plug-ins. Then insert the Bobcat plug-in to make the Bobcat
window appear. With music playing, click various processing selections and compare with no bobcat or
bypass.
If you are unable to make it work, email a description of what happened and a copy of any error messages
you saw to contact@burwenbobcat.com .
Dick Burwen
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