Subject:Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Posted by: favbhs

Date:8/4/2005 5:31:44 PM

I'm new to Sound Forge. I have version 8 with CD architect.

I'm looking to learn from someone who has experience in creating a voice recording of the best quality.

I really don't know what I'm doing with compression, normalize, processing, etc.

If someone is experienced with creating a good voice track, I'd like to know the steps you use (for settings) before you record and then when you edit for mastering. Thanks!

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: mpd

Date:8/5/2005 5:15:04 AM

For recording:
1. Write good content
2. Hire good professional talent
3. Use a decent mic
4. Use a decent preamp
5. Record in a decent room

For mastering
Not as cut and dry, but I typically apply some light EQ as necessary. For example, I may try to tame some harshness in someone's voice, or make a thin voice try to sound a little fuller. I then usually apply some light compression. I usually use a 2:1 ratio, and 3-6 dB reduction. I will also usually use a soft noise gate in the chain. My typicaly starting point for the levels are -20 dB, RMS. With the compression settings I use, this usually gives me about 6 dB headroom for adjustments.

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: favbhs

Date:8/5/2005 9:21:27 AM

Thank you. Can you give me more specific instruction on the EQ.

There are so many variables and settings. I'd appreciate a list of what you set all the variables to. And I'll try it.

Also, on the Processing/dynamic. I only see an option to limit -6db. How do I do -3 to -6db?

Thanks!
Frank

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: favbhs

Date:8/5/2005 9:42:41 AM

What is the proper order in which to do the following edits to make your master file?

audio restoration
normalize
EQ
compression
limiting

I would like to know the order... thanks!

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: rraud

Date:8/5/2005 3:58:15 PM

- Audio restoration: only if needed.. and as little as possible.
- EQ: roll off low-end starting @ 80-100 Hz, -- roll off high-end starting @10kHz,
- Normalize: not nessesary if using a Comp/Limit Maximizer like Wave Hammer for instance.

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: mpd

Date:8/5/2005 6:29:34 PM

My order is typically

EQ
Noise Gate
Compress
Set level

By set level, I mean that I normalize all of my files to the same RMS value (not peak!), and then adjust individual files as necessary. Personally, I don't like Wave Hammer; it is hard to get consistent results across many different files. My starting point for levels is -20 dB RMS, so I don't really need a limiter.

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: mpd

Date:8/5/2005 6:36:00 PM

Google on vocal EQ and you will get a lot of better info than what I can give you. Keep in mind that all voices are different, so there is no golden rule. Go for subtle, not drastic, adjustments.

I typically set the compression ratio to 2:1 or so, and then adjust the threshold so that the gain reduction meter shows 3-6 dB reduction.

Subject:RE: Creating Books on CD or similar tasks

Reply by: rraud

Date:8/6/2005 10:23:41 AM

Yes, I agree with "mpd" all voices are diferent and Wave Hammer cannot match RMS relative loudness very good. WH also adds distortion whan pushed. In any case there is no auto pre-set. And go by the adage, "less is more".

Your ears and good monitors are probably the best judge of perceived loudness.

edit- -- However, use a good mic, mic-pre, hardware compressor & A/D converter for the initial recording.