Topic: Help with improving sound quality

[Man of the Hour]

Hi, people.
First of all, let me tell you I'm new to this. Not only to the forum, but to the whole taping thing. (And now that I've checked the basics here, I'm not sure I've done things right...  .)
Well, the thing is I've taped a show using a Sony Icd-Px 820 voice recorder (records directly to mp3 format: 192 kbps/44.1 kHz) I see you guys go much more professional than that, but I needed a good combination of something fast (I mean, fast to arrive in time for the show) + cheap + conceivable + good quality. Well, what is done is done, and I hope you can help me to improve the sound quality...

In overall, the sound quality is pretty fair, which is good. Because I know it is sort of hard to make a recording sound better... But I specially looking for hints on how to eliminate noises (coughs and digital cameras' beeps - those that sound like R2-D2's noises... ). As I said, I know it's not exactly easy to do such a thing, but I'm hoping someone can give me some helpful hint.

First of all, what program should I use? SoundForge? Vegas - I know it is designed for videos, but someone told me it works pretty well with audio too -? Audition?

Then, if I'm not abusing your patience, what tools in these programs could I use for such modifications?

What I did up to now was:

Recorded the show > copied the mp3 file to my computer > splitted the songs (Direct WAV MP3 Splitter) > leveled the volume (MP3Gain) > applied fades (Nero WaveEditor).

Sorry if my explanations weren't clear, English is not my first language.

Best,

M.H.

P.S.: One of the songs was played in a lower volume, with fewer instruments being played... that causes a sudden volume change, when the song is over and the audience starts applauding... any good way to fix that awkward sensation? Or do you think it is best to keep the original impression people at the audience had at that moment?

[Napo]

If you recorded music directly on a MP3 format, there is little you can do in post editing.

I use Wavelab as editor, but it is expensive. Audition is good and freeware but you need to add VSTs (i.e. adds-on applications to the basic editing software).

To remove coughs one of the best dedicated VST  is Izotope.

Good luck ( and rememer to record always 24/44.1 or higher)

[Man of the Hour]

I use Wavelab as editor, but it is expensive. Audition is good and freeware but you need to add VSTs (i.e. adds-on applications to the basic editing software).

Audition is not freeware. It is an Adobe software (US$349). You may be thinking of Audacity, that is freeware.

To remove coughs one of the best dedicated VST  is Izotope.

This VST works with what audio editors?

Thanks for your help - and I'll always record at the best quality I can untill I buy some more professional gear.

[aosone]

To remove coughs one of the best dedicated VST  is Izotope.

There is a very special place in hell for people who cough at concerts.

Which of the Izotope products do you use? Their web page is confusing.

[Napo]

You are right! It's Audacity.

Now that you make me think about it, Izotope can also work stand alone.

[Man of the Hour]

You are right! It's Audacity.

I didn't think any company would have prices higher than Adobe, but Wavelab is more expensive than Adobe Audition.

Would you say Audacity is better than Audition?

Oh, and what version of Wavelab are you running? Is it necessary to download plug-ins for it or it comes with some?

--

I know it won't be easy (or even possible) to improve general quality of my sound file. But is it possible to remove coughing and beep sounds?

Thanks, ppl!

[aosone]

I'm using Wavelab 7. Have been using it since v.2. Yes, it comes with some plug-ins. It is also cross platform, AT LONG LAST!

[Man of the Hour]

I'll give it a try, but can't find a trial version download.

I'm running Win7, I think I'll have no problems running it...

Best,
M.o.t.H.

[Man of the Hour]

One I've installed it, what steps you'd say I should follow to eliminate beep and coughing?

[skelly14120]

   eliminate them at the source  -kill all give them the stink eye

[it-goes-to-eleven]

There is a very special place in hell for people who cough at concerts.

People who are sick should be at home, not spreading their germs in congested public places.  Especially if they are so sick that they can't hold the cough until between songs.  Worse, few people contain their germs when they cough by using their sleeve, or sticking their face inside a jacket or sweater.   And few people have the courtesy to even bring cough drops.

After a quiet show with a bad cougher right next to my open mics, I've been known to loudly say to my friend "Hey Jeff, did you hear about the new medical breakthru?   It just won a Nobel price.  It's amazing.  It's actually a device that stops coughs!   And the best part is they're going to be sold everywhere for only a few cents.  They say it will be called a coughdrop!"

[Man of the Hour]

LOL... These are good suggestions.

But how about eliminating with software? Any hints?

[rjp]

Beeps can usually be taken care of with a notch filter. You'll first want to plot the spectrum to find the frequency of the beep. Then, what I do:

• Create a second "fixit" stereo track
• Copy the section of audio with the beep and a couple seconds' margin on each side into the fixit track
• Apply the notch filter to the copied section in the fixit track
• Silence the actual beep in the main track
• Crossfade the filtered fixit audio with the main track at each end

The crossfades are important - just applying a notch filter over the beep can sometimes put clicks in the output.

This has worked very well for me in dealing with squealing hearing aids at classical shows.

As for coughs, you're on your own. If they occur between tracks, they can be edited out, at least.

[Cheesecadet]

You are right! It's Audacity.

I didn't think any company would have prices higher than Adobe, but Wavelab is more expensive than Adobe Audition.

Would you say Audacity is better than Audition?

Oh, and what version of Wavelab are you running? Is it necessary to download plug-ins for it or it comes with some?

--

I know it won't be easy (or even possible) to improve general quality of my sound file. But is it possible to remove coughing and beep sounds?

Thanks, ppl!

Hell no Audacity is nowhere close to Audition...IMO of course.

[dorrcoq]

"voice recorder" - there's your first problem, you used something that isn't intended for recording music.