I’m new to using Audacity for anything other than quick file-type conversions. I am working on improving the sound on some recordings of piano/vocals (boosting the vocals to be heard better above the piano). I have found good instructions for achieving this, and am having success - my question is regarding how I can fine-tune my equalization. It seems that when I first open the window and adjust my frequencies, then click ‘ok’ and go back to the main window to listen to it, all is well. But then if I open the equalization window again and adjust anything even a tiny amount, when I go back to the main window, it seems as though the entire equalization has been re-applied(?) and everything is pushed to distorted levels. How can I fine-tune my adjustments?
It seems that when I first open the window and adjust my frequencies, then click ‘ok’ and go back to the main window to listen to it, all is well. But then if I open the equalization window again and adjust anything even a tiny amount, when I go back to the main window, it seems as though the entire equalization has been re-applied(?)
If you leave the settings and click OK again, yes, the same effect will be applied again.
For example if you boost 100hz by +3db, then re-open the Equalizer, the +3dB @ 100Hz will be remembered and if you click OK, you’ll get another +3dB for a total of +6dB@ 100Hz.
If you want to make additional/different changes, you can un-do and start-over, or set the EQ to flat before making additional changes.
…and everything is pushed to distorted levels.
FYI - Audacity uses floating-point so Audacity itself won’t clip (distort). As long as you reduce the levels below clipping before exporting, your file won’t clip. (It’s also possible to clip your digital-to-analog converter during playback, so you might hear clipping even though the audio data in Audacity isn’t clipped.)
What you can do is, after applying EQ, run the Amplify effect. The Amplify effect will pre-scan your file and default to whatever gain (or attenuation) required for 0dB peaks.
For example, if your run Amplify and it defaults to -6dB, that means you have +6dB peaks and potential clipping. If you go-ahead and apply 6dB of attenuation, your rendered (exported) file won’t be clipped.
Thank you - that is helpful. It’s frustrating that I can’t keep fine-tuning on the same equalization graph…yes, I will now flatten before changing anything additional, but it would be easier to be able to look at what I had already done and be able to do a little more in certain areas where I could see how much I had already changed it.
I agree, so I would suggest that you try the other method that Doug suggested - if you apply EQ and it’s not quite how you want it, undo the effect (Ctrl+Z) the open the EQ effect again, tweak it and re-apply.