Audio Editing

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:06 am

Hi Guys
I'm looking to improve the quality of my audio tracks. I mostly use MSP 8's audio editor as I can open the AVI file direct. I also sometimes use Nero's sound trax and wave editor but I have to make a separate wav file and after editing, resynchronise with the AVI footage.

When I read the manuals and help, they always talk about how certain features improve sound quality (amongst other things to remove hums in the background). Yet I have to say when I use these features (apart from using some of the special effects filters), it makes no difference or makes things worse. For instance I used the normalisation feature and it introduced some irritating intermittent clicking.

I know I'm still at the early novice stage here and recognise the quality of original capture equipment does play a big part, but I wonder if any of you know of any tutorials out there or any relevant sites with tips that could help me build my knowledge base.

Gorf · Post by **Gorf** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:09 am

Try going through the same process, but using a WAV instead of the AVI. If the problem goes away, then you've overworking your system and the clicks are just a byproduct during your work and may go away when you write back the file (but maight not).

I tend to use Audacity for anything more complex than chopping up audio.

Devil · Post by **Devil** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:17 pm

Use Audacity.

Gorf · Post by **Gorf** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:49 pm

Devil wrote:Use Audacity.

Will Audacity accept AVIs? If so, I've been arsing around with WAVs for ages with no benefit.

neonbob · Post by **neonbob** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:26 pm

Interesting thread...

I myself am a little board with the standard editing and am playing around with sound files. So far I have found that the best way to correct quality problems is at the source (better mikes).

Other than that, you are left with using various filters to 'spice up' the audio. Right now I am experimenting with 5.1 surround. Copy the original track out a couple different times and make one (for example) the rear channel track and use the voice supression filter on it... the voices come out in front and evrything else is in surround. Later when I get better at it, I will start isolating each individual speaker and laying out a track for it.

The effects come out great! So far though I am having to do this with another program because there seems to be a little troubleshoot work to be done with the 5.1 surround in MSP... don't know if it's the program or the operator yet.

Post by **Ron P.** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:06 pm

Gorf wrote:
Devil wrote:Use Audacity.
Will Audacity accept AVIs? If so, I've been arsing around with WAVs for ages with no benefit.

No it does not accept AVIs since it is an audio editing program. You would have to create a sound file, then open the sound file in Audacity. The file types it does accept is

WAV (*.wav)
AIFF (*.aif)
MP3 (*.mp3)
OGG VORBIS (*.ogg)
LIST OF FILES (*.lof)

Ron P.

Gorf · Post by **Gorf** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:55 pm

vidoman wrote:
Gorf wrote:
Devil wrote:Use Audacity.
Will Audacity accept AVIs? If so, I've been arsing around with WAVs for ages with no benefit.
No it does not accept AVIs since it is an audio editing program...

MSP's audio editor is an audio editing program (I just base that assumption on the program's name), but it accepts AVIs.

I think you've answered my question, though...

Gra · Post by **Gra** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:45 am

Thanks guys for all your comments.

For anyone that is interested, I followed Devil's advice and downloaded Audacity (it's a free download - hurrah). It seems user friendly and their tutorials look very helppful with some good basic background for those of us trying to get their heads around sound editing to get the best out of MSP.

Any other tutorials (or tips & tricks) that anyone knows about would be greatfully recieved.