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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Hi,

I am trying to master/normalize multiple VO from different studios using Adobe Audition. What is the easiest way to get standard volume and sound consistency?

Thanks,

Dan

Hart · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:38 am Post subject:

May I ask why? Might shape then answer some.

I think I would use a little compression just to even the peaks out, normalize for consistency (depending on the files you may have to reverse these steps), then pick a "master" file and apply EQ to the other tracks to get them as close as possible.

How's that?
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:48 am Post subject:

don't Normalize unless you're SURE you have a noise-free recording! Normalizing boosts everything in your signal chain. You're better off using the swanky multi-band compression in Audition. This will have the effect of normalizing without boosting the lower frequency noise shelf. I can send you my generic VO settings later, if you'd like.
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Hart · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:53 am Post subject:

Jeffrey,

You're right of course. I have such a quiet environment I don't think twice about using normalize.

I assumed Dan is using 1.5 which doesn't come with that swank multiband from Ozone. If he has 2.0 you're right, that will make it easier.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:03 am Post subject:

Even without 2.0, the single-band compression in Audition is better than normalize. When clients say they want it "louder" compression is ususally the best way to satisfy them, especially if your levels are good.

As you mention, compression kills the peaks, but it can also boost the valleys giving the impression of everything being louder.

Can you tell I'm a huge fan of compression? Bitchin

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Hart · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:11 am Post subject:

I am too, but he's trying to match up audio files recorded at different times and places. That's why I suggest using both in this case.

To take it a bit further, after normalizing all the files to the same level (and both auditions have a function to do that...group normalise) I personally would use either the Waves C4 multi-band or more likely Izotope Ozone to master them.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:16 am Post subject:

I see what you're saying Brian, And certainly normalization could be a tool in the arsenal as long as he's careful with it.

I guess the real question is, how are the files different? Is it just volume? What do you mean by "sound consistency"? Or are there colorization differences due to different booths, microphones, and engineers?
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Hart · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:20 am Post subject:

And I totally get what you're saying. Normalize can be dangerous in the wrong hands, lol.

Yeah, the real question is how are the files different. That ultimately defines how hard or easy this will be.
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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:23 am Post subject:

Hart · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:58 am Post subject:

Sorry Dan

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asnively · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:07 pm Post subject:

I have Adobe 1.5 and Ozone.

If I were to send a superduper absolutely raw as a carrot sound file, would you guys be able/willing to recommend the processing steps I should take before delivering files to a client?

I suspect the settings I'm using are not the best ones for me since adding padding to my cell. And since I have hearing loss (I'm missing some frequencies due to Meniere's disease) I can't trust my own ears. Frown

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Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject:

I'd be happy to play with your file, Amy.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject:

Post it up Amy... I'm sure a few folks would love to take a whack at it Laugh

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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:15 pm Post subject:

May other girls play, too? I'd like a whack...and I mean that in the nicest way, bless your heart.
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