Hi,
I have a piece of music (1812 Overture) that I ripped from an old 33 1/3 several years ago. I didn’t realize how flat it sounded until recently, very little base. This is the finest version of this piece I have ever heard, because of the bells near the end, but I would like to give it more depth without reducing the sharpness of the bells. I’ve been playing with increasing the base, and the low pass filter (both of which help) but I would like to get some advice on how to maximize the effect I’m seeking, perhaps using the equalizer? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
… john
Do you still have the record? I’m betting the vinyl was transferred without an RIAA Phono Preamplifier. Music will sound very flat and gutless if you do that. So transferring it again with a good phonograph should clear it right up.
Failing that, I think there’s an RIAA filter in Effect > Equalization.
Yes, there is.
Koz
I know from experience the following is true of Audacity running on Windows operating systems.
The latest version of Audacity allows VST plugin effects to be adjusted in real-time.
VST equalizer plugins can be obtained for free. If you add one of those equaliser plugins to the latest version of Audacity you can [almost*] instantly hear the consequence of adjusting its controls , almost as if you were using a physical hardware equalizer , ( rather than software-simulation of one ).
That allows one , by trial & error , to obtain equalization to ones taste in a matter of seconds.
[ * there’s a ~1/4 second delay between adjusting a control and hearing its consequence on the sound ].
Hi Koz/Trebor,
I tried the RIAA modifier and it makes a noticeable improvement, but I’m beginning to think that I’m trying to make a silk purse from a sows ear, that in the copying process I eliminated a lot of the frequencies I’m trying to bring up. Is this a fair assumption? If so, I won’t beat it any further, and just try to find a better recording. (I don’t have the original, nor do I have a good turntable.) Do you think that the VST plugin will make a significant improvement over the RIAA option?
Thanks,
… john
The RIAA equalization curve boosts bass frequencies, but also and cuts treble …
Using your own personal equalization curve will probably produce a better result , either via Audacity’s own equalizer, or an equalizer plugin.
Much easier just to buy a good CD: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_4?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=1812&sprefix=1812%2Caps%2C295
The best live version I heard was one 4th July when The Boston SO was playing to a huge crowd on the banks of the Charles River, accompanied by the US Army firing real modern cannon - and with fireworks too …
WC
Wow!! Yes, I’ll bet that was spectacular. I once saw/heard the Toronto Symphony playing Bolero at the Exhibition stadium. That was a mind altering experience, as I’m sure yours was. Oddly, people were leaving before the end.
… john
P.S. Trebor, I’m still working on this. You’re suggestion made a considerable improvement. It has much more depth now; but applying the Equalizer seriously blows the amplitude off the chart. If I apply a -10 amplification correction it stays between the ‘guardrails’ 
. Is this the way to do this, or is there another way of controlling the amplification?
Thanks,
… john
On Audacity’s equalizer drag all the points on the curve you’ve drawn downwards by say 10dB.
Some of your curve may then be in the “cut” zone reducing the overall volume.