Have you tried the Help file? I don't know about Sound Forge, but Cool Edit Pro / Adobe Audition has excellent documentation.
How do I fix or improve the sound quality of these shows.
Depends on the perceived "problems" with the recordings, of course. On to the two specific shows you mention...
I have a Black Crowes show that clips as a result of extremely heavy base
Are you sure it's clipping? [1] Clipping = levels hitting 0dbFS, [2] brickwalling = overloading the analog inputs on the JB3, [3] overloading of the mics if they can't handle the SPLs (volume) at the performance. If you're uncertain which problem the BC show has, post a sample?
and a Velvet Revolver show that doesn't clip but the volume is low/soft and the base needs to be reduced some.
Not sure of the specific functions in Sound Forge, but you want to normalize, or add gain (amplify) so the loudest peaks are just below 0dBFS.
Can someone explain or direct me to a step by step guide on how to do this and understand the process involved.
Normalizing or adding gain in SF should be easy - check the help file.
What does Normalizing do and what needs to be done?
Normalizing simply amplifies (usually). You want your peaks approaching, but not hitting, 0 dB. Most audio editors provide an option for calculating the gain required to approach 0dB. Search the Help file for "normalize", "amplify", "gain".
Also could someone explain when I should adjust the volume and Eq levels.
When recording, adjust your levels so peaks approach 0dB. If, after the recording's complete, the levels are too low (say < -2dB), adjust the levels (normalize, or amplify) accordingly with SF. EQ depends entirely on the recording, and your playback system, your preference for sound.
I need help understanding the the dB, Hz and Gain values as they relate to the sound.. When using the graphic EQ there are Hz values at the bottom ranging from 28, 56, 113, 225 and so on. What part of the sound do these numbers affect?
From the CEP Help file:
Decibel (dB)
In audio, a decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement used for amplitude (specifically, to compare sound pressure with a reference pressure). Generally, 0db is the maximum possible amplitude value (as in 256 for 8-bit audio).
Used to measure gain, or amplitude. When people refer to "setting levels", these are the units about which they're talking. You want your peak levels to approach 0dB, a challenge on the JB3 since it's level meters leave a lot to be desired. But if you get close, great. If you don't get close, then normalize or amplify in SF as noted previously.
Hertz (Hz)
This is a unit of measurement used to measure the frequency of a sound. Hertz are equal to cycles per second.
These values relate to where the sound falls in the frequency spectrum. The lower the value, the lower the frequency; higher the value, higher the frequency. Check the Archive forum's
frequency chart thread for an idea of where certain sounds fall in the frequency spectrum.