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Over-processing, dynamics, volume and recording

So the idea of recording a vocal/guitar/drum (whatever) track is to keep just enough headroom so that you don't clip (a few db). Great idea, great method, smooth recording.

In many cases we find that we need to raise the level of recordings (vocals for instance)...and raising the fader doesn't always do the job, and we need to push it even further.

At this point, I'd like to ask what is the best method to do this? Would solely the make-up gain on any compressor be a viable way to accomplish this without degrading the sound?

Re: Over-processing, dynamics, volume and recording

quote:

Originally posted by Sound O fTrance At this point, I'd like to ask what is the best method to do this? Would solely the make-up gain on any compressor be a viable way to accomplish this without degrading the sound?

It depends on the end result. Some vocals (any and all sorts of tracks, really) will sound crappy with make-up gain. In those instances, if the decay on a track's element is too low I'll increase the volume of the signal going into the compressor. Make-up gain can raise the volume at odd moments.

Re: Over-processing, dynamics, volume and recording

quote:

Originally posted by Sound O fTrance So the idea of recording a vocal/guitar/drum (whatever) track is to keep just enough headroom so that you don't clip (a few db). Great idea, great method, smooth recording. In many cases we find that we need to raise the level of recordings (vocals for instance)...and raising the fader doesn't always do the job, and we need to push it even further. At this point, I'd like to ask what is the best method to do this? Would solely the make-up gain on any compressor be a viable way to accomplish this without degrading the sound?

Try a maximizer plug-in or try normalizing the recording.
Hope that helps!

Re: Over-processing, dynamics, volume and recording

quote:

Originally posted by Sound O fTrance So the idea of recording a vocal/guitar/drum (whatever) track is to keep just enough headroom so that you don't clip (a few db). Great idea, great method, smooth recording.

with 24 bit recording, headroom is hardly a concern. You can leave 20 db of headroom and it still is miles beyond the noise floor level.

Richie, great point. But what is the ideal and most transparent method to increase the volume of a recording after everything is said and done? I know that normalizing is definitely not the best option as you already introduce some form of processing on the audio file which begins the degradation process.

increase volume ? peak , rms ? I suppose my point is that you don't really need to worry about a hot signal like you used to. If you want it loud, multiband compresss ... The degradation will depend on the signal. If you are boosting noise floor, then obviously you will be boosting what you don't want but if noise floor does not enter the equation which is true for alot of really clean recordings, then it doesn't matter.

Re: Over-processing, dynamics, volume and recording

quote:

Originally posted by Sound O fTrance So the idea of recording a vocal/guitar/drum (whatever) track is to keep just enough headroom so that you don't clip (a few db). Great idea, great method, smooth recording. In many cases we find that we need to raise the level of recordings (vocals for instance)...and raising the fader doesn't always do the job, and we need to push it even further. At this point, I'd like to ask what is the best method to do this? Would solely the make-up gain on any compressor be a viable way to accomplish this without degrading the sound?

Yeah, you should record it as hot as you can IMO. You get a better signal generally. But if you get stuck, I assume your asking what to do when you want to just bring the overall level up without changing the sound? Most DAWs have a utility plugin or a gain plugin you can use. I'd put that on the front of the plugin chain, before the compressor and then hit the compressor with a higher signal. Some compressors also have an input gain control.

Output gain is fine to use, but remember that you're going to have to set your threshhold low as a result. I like to get all my levels up to peak at -3 or so and then you can standardise the threshhold a bit more.

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker It depends on the end result. Some vocals (any and all sorts of tracks, really) will sound crappy with make-up gain. In those instances, if the decay on a track's element is too low I'll increase the volume of the signal going into the compressor. Make-up gain can raise the volume at odd moments.

Don't know what your talking about here...

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