Subject:Clipped Audio (Too Hot)

Posted by: BrizDad

Date:2/1/2007 6:27:12 PM

I have a wave file that was recorded too hot and of course is clipped.

I do not have the opportunity to re-record. I used the Sony Noise Reduction plug-in to reduce the noise quite a bit and now would like to clean up the narration if possible.

I am very new at this - any clues for the proper plug-in(s) to use to fix this audio?

TIA,
Greg

Subject:RE: Clipped Audio (Too Hot)

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:2/1/2007 9:39:48 PM

Hopefully you saved an original copy before you used Noise Reduction. What you're hearing is distortion, not noise. Using Noise Reduction will make it harder to clean up the distortion. There's another tool in that package called Clipped Peak Restoration. You should use that first before doing anything else. It really only works well on digital clipping, but it helps analog clipping somewhat too.

Subject:RE: Clipped Audio (Too Hot)

Reply by: shredheadinstead

Date:2/6/2007 3:16:21 AM

You could also try and go back to the original file, and whatever DAW you were using at the time to record the audio, try lowering the master fader starting at -5 and working your way down. What I also do sometimes it start by normalizing the audio, and choosing the "music" option as the setting, as well as the "apply dynamic compression" option at the bottom. I'll than go back after this done and click PROCESS>DETECT CLIPPING. The file shouldn't include any clipping at this point. You than apply volume and wavehammer to raise your audio levels back up, paying attention to clipping once again. Everytime I raise the overall VOLUME OPTION, I'll go back and choose to DETECT CLIPPING. This gives me a precise hold on what is working, and what is heading into sonic madness. This gives you a foundation to work with.

ps

Adding a light reverb to the track also helps greatly I found also. Adds a warm layer and takes away a lot of the crackles and clicks. Doesn't happen all the time, but it works great higher level audio signals.