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I went to a show in New Orleans a couple of months ago. I went to record a band I admire very much (Deadboy and the Elephantmen).com I had my AKG C3000, and a video camara. Well on the way down there my mic got busted up with half of my luggage. So I just recorded the show with the camcorder's mic. Well I knew It wasn't going to be good, but I didnt know it would be this bad either. So I'm feeding this signal out of my cam right now, and into Nuendo. I got it running into line-in on my soundcard, and the wave looks kinda like an extremly compressed distored guitar. On the other hand it doesnt sound as bad as it looks. It still keep some of the original dynamics of this guys great voice. So I guess my question is, do you guys know of any plugins or tricks to help this signal out a little?

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anonymous Sun, 02/09/2003 - 16:43

The problem here is that videocameras have pretty agressive compression and limiting built in to give the highest average signal when sources range from quiet to LOUD!.
Mix in the fact a camera mounted mic picks up motor and handling noise and you pretty much end up with a dog's breakfast.
There's not much you can do to restore an already compressed and limited signal.
That's why most pros except those doing news gathering work skip the camera's audio section entirely and record sound on something else.

anonymous Tue, 02/18/2003 - 22:14

Okie dokie. I think I did this right. I uploaded a 320Kbs Mp3 to NWR.

But I couldnt find out how to link it, then I figured out I had to pay for that. So I submitted it to your critique section. The mp3 is called "yesterday" "beatles cover". Its about a minute or so long. Its over there in the Critique section.

Thanks alot bill for taking the time to do this for me. I am warning ya though. Its kinda ruff :d:

(Dead Link Removed)

audiowkstation Mon, 02/24/2003 - 12:45

OK deadboy, I found a way.

First, I copied the file to another file in .wav

Then I used alternating eq patterns in 1/2 octave with 6 db sharp boost starting at 40 hZ.

The I did another 1/2 octave eq with interval frequencies.

Example, first was 40,60,90,on up

Second 50 75, etc.

Then I did a master eq setting to lower the background chatter (about 7dB cut at 3.1K and 620)
I dropped the level 20 dB
Then I went full boost of 12dB flat curve on eq 12 dB up (not a graphic, but a paragraphic with inverse compression (expensive).

Then I dropped the level again, added salt and pepper and it is much cleaner.

Actually, it was about 120 edits but that is the general idea. I did it all in soundforge, except the paragraphic which was analog and outboard. This restoration came out "not bad"

I will post it tomorrow night, just too busy this weekend and tonight...

anonymous Tue, 02/25/2003 - 17:19

Thanks bill! :tu: You Rock!

I am very curious to how it came out.
I will take a listen when you post it, and I will "try" to do all of the steps myself with soundforge. Well all except the piece of outboard gear you mentioned. If I try to get the results, and fail, would you be willing to master the whole show for me?? If so, just let me know the price for an hour of audio.

:p:

audiowkstation Tue, 02/25/2003 - 17:30

Forge will get you close. I got pretty close.

Remember, you are using the eq to increase dynamics.

Alternating bands help with less mud and buildup.

Price?

Not bad, PM me, Beer for 6 is about it..not a college 6 either.

If it is really important to you, I can sinc the video as well, make a safety.

Make 2 safetys of your video.

I accept for audio, a CD or a SVHS Video tape or VHS HI FI video tape.

I actually could put all this on DVD for you but it would cost a few more beers....few less people, but more of a college style... :D