How to Use the Command 'shnsplit' (with Examples)

Shnsplit is a versatile command-line tool that allows users to split audio files according to a provided .cue file. This utility is particularly useful for manipulating large audio files, such as entire album recordings, by dividing them into individual tracks for easier access and management. More information about shnsplit can be found at its official page: Shntool .

Use Case 1: Splitting a .wav + .cue File into Multiple Files

Code:

shnsplit -f path/to/file.cue path/to/file.wav

Motivation:

When dealing with a single .wav file that contains an entire album or a long audio session, it can be cumbersome to navigate or listen to specific tracks. By using a .cue file to provide the necessary split points, shnsplit enables users to break down this large file into individual track files, making it more manageable and allowing for easy navigation and selection of particular songs or segments.

Explanation:

• -f path/to/file.cue: This argument specifies the .cue file that contains the timings and track information necessary to split the audio. The .cue file acts as a guide, telling shnsplit where each track starts and ends within the .wav file.
• path/to/file.wav: This is the input .wav file that will be divided into separate tracks as specified in the .cue file.

Example Output:

Upon execution, individual .wav files are generated for each track, named incrementally (e.g., split-00.wav, split-01.wav), making it easy to recognize and play each track separately.

Use Case 2: Show Supported Formats

Code:

shnsplit -a

Motivation:

Before attempting to split an audio file, it is beneficial to understand what formats shnsplit can work with. This ensures that users don’t waste time trying to split files of unsupported formats or unnecessarily convert files when it is not required.

Explanation:

• -a: This option instructs shnsplit to list all the audio formats it supports. This information helps users to identify whether their files are compatible with shnsplit and adjust if necessary.

Example Output:

Executing this command will provide a list of supported formats such as .wav, .flac, among others, which allows users to know which file types they might need to convert to before proceeding with their audio splitting tasks.

Use Case 3: Splitting a .flac File into Multiple Files

Code:

shnsplit -f path/to/file.cue -o flac path/to/file.flac

Motivation:

With lossless formats like .flac, audio enthusiasts can maintain high-quality sound even when files are split. This is particularly important for archiving purposes or for music collectors who insist on quality preservation. Splitting a .flac album into individual tracks allows these users to manage and organize their collections without compromising on quality.

Explanation:

• -f path/to/file.cue: Specifies the cue sheet file that contains the specifics on how to split the .flac file.
• -o flac: This option indicates the output format. By specifying flac, all individual split files will be in the .flac format, retaining the original file’s high audio quality.
• path/to/file.flac: The .flac file is the source audio file that will be divided according to the instructions in the .cue file.

Example Output:

The result is a series of .flac files titled similarly to split-00.flac, split-01.flac, and so on. Each of these files is a separate track from the original album, allowing for flexible playback and file management, all while preserving audio fidelity.

Use case 4: Splitting a .wav File into Files of the Form “Track-Number - Album - Title”

Code:

shnsplit -f path/to/file.cue path/to/file.wav -t "%n - %a - %t"

Motivation:

For individuals who prioritize organization and easy identification of audio files, having clear and descriptive filenames is valuable. By utilizing a custom naming convention, users can ensure that their split files contain all relevant information like track number, album name, and track title, facilitating a neat and efficient structuring of their music library.

Explanation:

• -f path/to/file.cue: This directs shnsplit to use the provided .cue file to orchestrate the split process.
• path/to/file.wav: Indicates the target audio file to be split.
• -t "%n - %a - %t": This argument sets the naming format for the output files.
  • %n stands for the track number.
  • %a is replaced by the album name.
  • %t corresponds to the track title. Essentially, this format ensures each file is labeled with the track number, album, and title, making them easily recognizable and organized.

Example Output:

The command produces output files named in a structured format like 01 - AlbumName - TrackTitle.wav, 02 - AlbumName - TrackTitle.wav, providing a clear and informative label for each track.

Conclusion:

By offering these detailed use cases, it is evident that shnsplit is an essential tool for those working with audio files. Whether the need is for splitting large recordings, ensuring compatibility across various audio formats, maintaining high-quality audio, or simply organizing your audio collection efficiently, shnsplit provides a straightforward and highly customizable solution.