Subject:Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Posted by: WnP98

Date:4/18/2014 5:19:17 PM

A question as I transition to a newer version of SoundForge. My machine was running WinXP, and I used a combination of SoundForge 4.5 and 8.0 to edit for radio and web. With a recent upgrade to Win7 (32-bit), I have a couple of questions about working with SoundForge 10.0.

When I was (informally) trained to use SoundForge, I was told to first normalize audio files in SF 4.5 (at -17.92) and then do the rest of my editing in 8.0. That combination always gave a good overall sound and I adjusted the volume as needed in softer areas (need to hit the -6.0 line for best sound quality for our purposes).

Normalizing in SF 10.0, however, squashes the sound flat rather than bringing the levels up. I attempted to work around this by simply using the volume feature; though it yielded a good result, it's neither as uniform nor as effective as the former method. I can manage the edit in that manner, but it does create a more work-intensive file.

I record the audio in Audacity, export the files in .wav form, and then edit in SoundForge.

Would you have any suggestions for adapting the normalizing function of 4.5 to features within 10.0? Or (unlikely) is it possible SF 4.5 would run on Win7? SoundForge has been a wonderful program for us; I'm just a little stumped as to how to proceed from here.

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:4/18/2014 7:43:48 PM

I am unaware of any difference in the normalization function between any of the versions i've used, and i've had most of the Studio and Pro versions from 4.5 through 10. They all work identically in every version. There should be no difference in output no matter which version you use.

That being said, make sure that in version 10 you're using the same setting for RMS, either on or off, as you had in 4.5. With the RMS option on you end up compressing the sound rather than uniformly changing the volume.

Just curious, but is there any reason you record in Audacity rather than in Sound Forge? I have done many projects that go from Live performer -> Sound Forge -> finished CD, using no other software.

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: rraud

Date:4/19/2014 10:11:11 AM

Normalizing in the RMS mode can compress the sound severely. Most professionals prefer to 'normalize' manually via compression and limiting where there is more control, (attack release, threshold, peak stop, ect. However many like the free Levelator VST plug-in.
http://tinyurl.com/mztytt2

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: WnP98

Date:4/20/2014 12:30:18 PM

Chienworks - Many thanks for this good advice! I remember RMS and other adjustment features from 4.5, and was confused that I didn't see the same adjustment options in 10.0.

However, I just saw a post on another thread that - while potentially solving the mystery - leads me to the sinking feeling that I may have the wrong software. I purchased SoundForge Audio Studio 10.0, which gives me the normalizing function but contains no RMS adjustment options. Am I now correct to assume SoundForge Audio Studio is not, indeed, an upgrade of SoundForge itself?

As for the recording method, I really inherited the setup. The folks who started this project used to record directly to CD and edit in SoundForge; another person stepped in along the way and switched over to recording in Audacity, which was then edited in SoundForge. When the project came to me, I received an instruction sheet or two from all involved and was sent on my way. Everything else I've learned through trial and error. Thanks for the suggestion; I'll try recording in SoundForge (once I have the right software in hand!) and see what results come of it. Best regards!

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: WnP98

Date:4/20/2014 12:31:23 PM

rraud - Many thanks for the link to Levelator. That's a great lead! Best regards.

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: WnP98

Date:4/22/2014 4:00:05 PM

rraud: I have to say thank you again for suggesting the Levelator. This program is a wonder! It not only gave me fabulous sound quality - more even and balanced than normalizing alone - it cut my editing time in half. Thank you, thank you - I want to send you a fruit basket or a pony!! Best regards.

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:4/22/2014 4:05:34 PM

Are you sure you are simply normalising ? Sounds like some other process is happening, as normalising is trivial and it would be hard for any app to change the sound in anything other than level. Unless you've inadvertently ticked the "RMS' box, which actually is not 'pure' normalisation. and would be expected

Alternatively, is the squashing flat visible on the waveform, or just audible in the audio chain ? To me this sounds like either something unrelated to SF (ANY version), or possibly even auto-suggestion.

Normally the differences between sound in any DAWs with the same filespec should be less that the effect of moving your head a few inches in an average room/speaker setup.

geoff

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:4/22/2014 4:10:32 PM

Correct - SF Studio is sort of like the 'bedroom' equiv of SF Pro !

geoff

Subject:RE: Sound Quality in SoundForge 10

Reply by: rraud

Date:4/22/2014 5:16:27 PM

Your welcome WinP98, I rather have a bottle of 100 proof Rumpleminze Peppermint Schnapps and 6-pack of Becks than the fruit basket or pony.

FWIW, I don't use the Levelator but prefer Jeroen Breebaart's 'Broadcast' multi-band dynamics processor with sub-band stereo width processing and auto gain riding compression. However I would not recommend this to someone not thoroughly familiar with standard comp/limit parameters and multiband crossovers.