Topic: Help editing spoken word recording (audacity help?)

[crossthreaded]

I recorded my grandpa telling some stories and the levels are all buggered up.  He was speaking quietly but got loud at some points, and I am really not sure what  I need to do to make these listenable.


I have cd wave editor, but don't think it will be any help.

I opened the files up in audacity and was able to increase the gain, but that didn't help the loud parts at all.  I couldn't even figure out how to move throughout the recording to listen to a different part.

I think I need to try a different mic setup next time or get some lapel microphones.  either way, if anyone can give me some tips I would really appreciate it.

[ghellquist]

I believe that the only way to get a really good result with the current recordings is to manually edit volume curves. The function might be called envelope tool (in audacity) or volume automation depending on the program. It takes a bit of work to learn how to use it well but it is a good technique to have available.

I am not too fond of Audacity in this respect. There are a lot of other programs to choose from. My favourite is in this area is the Sequioa/Samplitude series (same program, different amount of features and price). I would believe a good choice would be the entry level Samplitude Music Studio (around $100). Only windows though.

Another choice is Reaper which you may download and start using for free, after a while you are kindly asked to buy a license although the program will continue to be useable.

Alternatively you could start working with a combination of compressor / limiter. This in my experience is also an art that has to be learned by working on it. These tools are available in Audacity as well as all other programs of this class.

Changing mic / recorder could improve the quality of the sound, but it will of course not change the way your grandfather speaks.

Gunnar

[boojum]

Compressors are used on vocalists for the same reason: volume changes.  You can play with the compression in any of the editors.  Just remember two things: 1) keep a pristine copy of the file and 2) make sure the editor's  "undo" feature is enabled.   ;o)