Hello! I am new to group and just downloaded the 2.1.0 version of Audacity.
I have an old Super 8mm film that is now an avi file on my computer. I have a 19 second audio clip that I put onto Audacity. Since this is a single layer track (1980’s technology on 8mm Fim) can I still edit problems with it? 1. The sound levels lower and become a little distorted but when I increase the volume it also increases the humming…’ Is there a way to increase the volume and filter out the humming noise?
New and trying to learn Audacity software!
Thanks,
Ken
Since this is a single layer track (1980’s technology on 8mm Fim) can I still edit problems with it?
You mean because it’s mono? That’s no problem. Audacity has no issues with mono and virtually analog and digital stereo format is mono compatible so a single-channel recording will play through both speakers.
- The sound levels lower and become a little distorted
As long as you don’t increase the volume to the point of clipping, boosting the volume digitally won’t increase distortion. It could make the existing distortion (and any other details) more noticeable, but that’s no different from turning-up the analog volume control. The Amplify effect has Allow Clipping un-checked by default, so you are OK unless you check that box.
…but when I increase the volume it also increases the humming…
Again, that’s also no different from turning-up the analog volume control. When you amplify the signal, you also amplify the noise…
Is there a way to increase the volume and filter out the humming noise?
Assuming it’s power line hum, try a notch filter at 50 or 60Hz, depending on the power line frequency where you live (60hz in North America). And if there is some “buzz” remaining, try a 2nd notch filter at double the line frequency.
Here are links to two plugins for Audacity which reduce mains hum …
Hum removal plug-in Steve’s “Hum remover”
Multiple notches with Nyquist prompt? - #10 by Trebor Trebor’s “Mains dehummer”.
Try Steve’s first, if there is still too much hum remaining try mine instead.
It’s a trade-off : the more hum removed the more it sounds like you’re listening via a tube.
I find this is a complicated program to use. Probably because I am new to using it and have not tried editing sound before. The instructions from the manuel seem limited in detail, more for someone that knows previous terminolgy and sound editing. I am just trying to take a 19 second film sound clip and adjust the sound levels up or down in different parts of the track and try to remove the hum that also increases when volume is raised. It may be that this cant be accomplished because of the format it is --single layer sound track from an old Super 8mm movie’ All sound including mic hum and distortion along with vocal is on the same track. If anyone is familiar with the first 8mm film it had a small sliver of magnetic sound tape that was used for a single mic recording. Is it still possible to use this sound track?
Thanks!
Ken
Audacity is an audio editor.
If you have a digitial audio file such as WAV then you can drag the WAV into Audacity then try Noise Reduction ( Audacity Manual ) followed by Envelope Tool ( Audacity Manual ).
If you have a digital video file such as an AVI then to use its audio in Audacity you will need to install FFmpeg from Audacity Manual and see if Audacity can import the audio from that video file. However it may be simpler to use a video editor. A trial version of a paid for editor will have filters for audio hum.
If you only have the film then you will need to capture the film to a digital video file by buying a telecine (could be a few thousand dollars) or use a camcorder: Windows help & learning.
Gale
Thanks Gale I will see if this helps!
If your objective is to reunite the sound improved in Audacity, with the visuals,
then you’ll need a Video-Editing program to combine the improved-audio with a copy of the video visuals. ( “Avidemux” is a free video editor) , see … Help with editing video sound - #2 by Gale_Andrews