Subject:normalizing audio???

Posted by: LongTallTexan

Date:10/18/2006 5:25:14 PM

Im not sure if that is what I am looking for but maby someone can tell me which way to go. I am finishing up on a Junior Brown Concert DVD done in Vegas for commercial release. I recorded multitrack audio using a DA 88 and have them imported into Vegas. The problem I am running into is that the Vocal track audio level is not consistant. Soemetimes it is low other times it is perfect. Is there a process or plug in that would go through the vocal track and even the signal out. Bring up the low vocals to match the optimal vocal level throughout the performance. Forgive my incorrect jargin. I am a video guy and lack somewhat in my audio skills. I am using Sound Forge 7. Any help would be apreciated and credit in my production when released.

L.T.

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:10/18/2006 6:06:18 PM

Yes...judical use of compression/EQ and maybe a taste of limiting to tie it all together but NO normalizing. Normalizing destroys your original file and well...that's that.

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: LongTallTexan

Date:10/18/2006 6:08:54 PM

so compression can bring the low signal up??

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: kongbalong

Date:10/19/2006 7:45:32 AM

compression brings the high signal down,so you can then bring the whole track volume up without hitting the ceiling.. compressors with auto-gain adjustment will do that part for you.

-craig

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:10/19/2006 3:30:34 PM

What did you import the DA-88 tracks with - 2 at a time into SF ?

I use Vegas with my MOTU 2408/2 to transfer all 8 tracks at a time in the digital domain. I can then do all th manipulation (compression, or volume envelopes in your case) right there and then.

geoff

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: Andreas S.

Date:10/20/2006 10:37:59 AM

Two words, one product: Izotope Ozone.

I've used this as a plug-in with video and audio projects in SF and Vegas. It's fantastic for a number of reasons, not the least of which include a) dynamic loudness maximizer (essentially normalization), b) multiband dynamics, c) multiband stereo imaging (which is my personal fave). It has a very good multiband compressor of course.

I use it on individual tracks, subs, and masters (its efficient enough to be able to handle it).

It does a fantastic job (much better than stock plug-ins) and has enough graphical representation that it makes sense to SEE what you're hearing.

That's my plug and advice. You'll get more signal with less compromise going with a mastering tool like Ozone, especially because the loudness maximizer can level out strange drops in audio level.

Hope that helps...

Subject:RE: normalizing audio???

Reply by: leedsquietman

Date:10/21/2006 4:46:41 PM

Normalizing is not usually a good procedure, it is suitable in certain instances, such as very badly recorded/low level mix but creates too many artifacts and loss of dynamics. Incorrectly used it does not make recordings punchier, they are louder but the trade off in dynamics makes them ear fatiguing bland mixes.

Judicious use of compression/limiting is a much better alternative, as you get much more control on the dynamics.

Multiband compressors can really turn a mix to mush if not used correctly, too many people see multiband as a quick fix, it can be useful in certain circumstances (mostly if the mix was bad in the first place or across a drum loop where the kick needs differnet compression compared to the cymbals etc) but a good mix should not require use of multiband, a mastering compressor (single band) should suffice.

Ozone is a decent set of tools, although it colours the sound a certain way (Waves has the same issue) that gives it a fairly distinctive sound, most people like it but a sizeable minority don't, so try before you buy.

PSP audio make some great VST plug-ins, their mastering compressor is just about the best out there and in conjunction with the mixpack can do a lot. Voxengo also make some great plug-ins for not too much money, elephant 2 being a truly superb limiter that can be very transparent or color the sound depending on your tastes, Kjaerhus audio also makes some good freebies and some excellent paid plugs such as it's golden channel eq, etc.

The plug-ins in soundforge are functional and can do the job fairly adequately in most cases but there are many better plug-ins available that can enhance your sound considerably.