BWAV Lister, Reader and Writer for Apple Mac OSX are three excellent audio file management utilities from Quesosoft. The Writer and Lister are very useful when transfering BWAV files from a hard disk recorder (like my Sound Devices 744T) to a computer before burning to DVD.

The Writer allows you to change the Meta Data which goes with each file. You can, for example change the names of individual tracks within the files and user bit values. Very useful if you have not had a chance to do this in the field when changing set ups quickly. You can also play the files direct from the edit window to check content.

BWAV Lister simplifies the task of making sound report sheets (screen shot above). Import your files into a folder and then scan that folder within the program. Lister will then generate a list of info including file name, time code and user bit info, duration, track names etc. You can then chose which information you want exporting to a text file, and in what order. I then cut and paste this information into a sound sheet I generate in word and then add notes.

Lister and Writer are a bargain at $70 for both ($30 for Writer alone, $50 for Lister). Reader is freeware and allows you play BWAVs and to view the metadata but not change it.

I’m using Writer V 1.05 for mac (there is now a Beta version for PC) and Lister 1.5.1b. More info and downloads from the Quesosoft website.