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I have been using DCART32 for approximately 2 years. I use it primarily for cleaning up recordings of concerts that have been posted in various Internet forums. Most of the recordings are posted in either Windows media format or real audio format. I have not been completely satisfied with my final end product. Consequently, I thought I would list the procedure that I am now using. If anyone out there has any suggestions or improvements upon this procedure, I would be glad for the guidance.
1) Most posted concerts can be played through Real Player or Windows Media Player. I use the program's recording feature to record the concert directly to the hard drive.
2) During a lull in the performance (such as between songs) I can usually take a fingerprint of any continuous noise. I can then run the continuous noise filter to remove that particular noise from the entire recording.
3) If the recording is lacking dynamics (which is often the case) I sometimes use the "punch and crunch" filter to expand the dynamics. Sometimes I use the virtual valve amplifier to add more presence to the high end of the recording.
4) Here is where the real problem arises. Many of these recordings were made in the 70s with a portable tape recorder from the middle of the audience at the concert. It seems that no matter what I do at this point, the performance always sounds as though it is occurring from a couple of feet behind the loudspeaker. I have tried using the "front row, center" setting in the punch and crunch filter, but that does not fix the problem. I have also tried bumping up the mid range which helps a little.
I suspect that some recordings were so poorly made that even if restored to their original condition, they simply won't sound very good. Ideally, I would like to be able to "mix" the recording, which is only possible when you have multiple tracks of information. In all of my attempts to bring vocal performances forward, I have found that I am also bringing forward any instruments with tones in the same range.
I know that my finished product is much better than it would be otherwise. Nonetheless, can anyone suggest a better procedure or additional step that might allow me to bring the vocal to the front of the mix? This is a recurring problem, because a significant number of these recordings were made directly from the soundboard at the concert hall. At rock concerts, however, the bands typically use the public address system for their vocals instead of running them through the soundboard. Consequently, the vocals tend to be buried in the mix. Other recordings were simply made with a cassette recorded from the middle of the audience.
I greatly enjoy the product and have recommended it to my friends. Anybody have any thoughts on how to improve my procedure? Thank you. Roy
1) Most posted concerts can be played through Real Player or Windows Media Player. I use the program's recording feature to record the concert directly to the hard drive.
2) During a lull in the performance (such as between songs) I can usually take a fingerprint of any continuous noise. I can then run the continuous noise filter to remove that particular noise from the entire recording.
3) If the recording is lacking dynamics (which is often the case) I sometimes use the "punch and crunch" filter to expand the dynamics. Sometimes I use the virtual valve amplifier to add more presence to the high end of the recording.
4) Here is where the real problem arises. Many of these recordings were made in the 70s with a portable tape recorder from the middle of the audience at the concert. It seems that no matter what I do at this point, the performance always sounds as though it is occurring from a couple of feet behind the loudspeaker. I have tried using the "front row, center" setting in the punch and crunch filter, but that does not fix the problem. I have also tried bumping up the mid range which helps a little.
I suspect that some recordings were so poorly made that even if restored to their original condition, they simply won't sound very good. Ideally, I would like to be able to "mix" the recording, which is only possible when you have multiple tracks of information. In all of my attempts to bring vocal performances forward, I have found that I am also bringing forward any instruments with tones in the same range.
I know that my finished product is much better than it would be otherwise. Nonetheless, can anyone suggest a better procedure or additional step that might allow me to bring the vocal to the front of the mix? This is a recurring problem, because a significant number of these recordings were made directly from the soundboard at the concert hall. At rock concerts, however, the bands typically use the public address system for their vocals instead of running them through the soundboard. Consequently, the vocals tend to be buried in the mix. Other recordings were simply made with a cassette recorded from the middle of the audience.
I greatly enjoy the product and have recommended it to my friends. Anybody have any thoughts on how to improve my procedure? Thank you. Roy
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