Audio compression

Piet · Post by **Piet** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:17 pm

Hi

What is the best way to "compress" the audio on a final project. ie to reduce the dynamic range as is done professionally.

I find that even reducing or increasing the levels, as the case maybe, during the editing process the outcome is OK but could be better for the viewer.

I suspect the main problem is the large audio range in the original field recording and better monitoring may be part of the solution, but this difficult to do as a "one man band".

Any help appreciated, thanks.

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:27 pm

Try adding the "normalize" filter.
If that isn't good enough then export the entire audio track as a WAV file.
Open it with Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Make any adjustments you wish with this powerful FREE audio editor.
Save the edited file.
Now replace your exisiting audio track with this new one.

Piet · Post by **Piet** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:42 pm

Thanks Steve

I will try that.

Piet · Post by **Piet** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:56 am

Hi

I've modified the audio by compression using Audacity. Now how do I use that saved WAV file to replace the audio on the original edited video?

Thanks in anticipation!

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:39 am

Place the new audio file onto the audio track.
Select the Video track and then mute its sound.

Piet · Post by **Piet** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:02 am

Thanks Steve that works great!