Topic: Inconsisent levels from master cassette

[inoutoffocus]

I just transferred one of my 1st recordings into the digital realm. Once the file was pulled up in wavelab, you can tell my levels are inconsistent through out the file. It was 1st time with this deck (marantz pmd 430) and kept adjusting levels. Most noticeable in the middle of some tunes. The screen shot shows this.   So looking for advice/suggestions on getting the levels smoothed out and consisent through out the wave. I know a volume envelope may be a step in the right direction.

thanks!

[runonce]

Without hearing the material - they dont look terribly inconsistient.

But - if you dont like it...start over.

I like to avoid fiddling with levels on transfers unless there is some wild shift in the masters levels.

[inoutoffocus]

Without hearing the material - they dont look terribly inconsistient.

But - if you dont like it...start over.

I like to avoid fiddling with levels on transfers unless there is some wild shift in the masters levels.

that's the problem. the changes are 3-5db, it's noticeable  any other thoughts?

[goodcooker]

Listen to the material all the way through while taking notes about the timing and level of the gain changes. Go back and select portions and manually change the gain. It's time consuming but basically the only way to make it sound like you didn't change the levels during the recording is to "undo" it in post.

Using some mild compression after the gain changes could help smooth out the transitions and make it more cohesive.