wav files

[Pat Lara]

I really need help. I am working on my dissertation and am using wav files for my research. The volume on the wav files varies from one portion of my task to another. I was told I could fix this using audacity. I tried to export the wav files but am still having the same problem. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks Pat

[kozikowski]

A common misconception is that you can fix everything in post production -- after the fact. You can, but sometimes it take weeks where as little pre-prep takes an hour or so.

Editing goes very rapidly if all the WAV files in your show are the same volume before you dump them on the timeline. You can do that a number of ways, but you can get in the ballpark very rapidly with Effect > Amplify. I would change the default "target" value down from zero to -1dB or -2dB.

Then export each one to a new WAV. After you prepare all the work, then you can go ahead and cut.

You might be able to patch together your existing edited show with one of the compressors (if it isn't too far off) and the grand master of these is Chris' Compressor.

Chris's Compressor
http://pdf23ds.net/software/dynamic-compressor/

I don't remember if Chris's Compressor will run in Audacity 1.2. I think he said it was OK. Compressors change the character of the show, so if you've been artsy and expressive, this may change things around a little.

Koz

[Pat Lara]

Thanks this worked better than anything else I had tried. I was afraid I would have to re-do a year's worth of work. You were a great help.

[kozikowski]

I change the default compression (the first number) to .77 from .5 and Chris does a really good job simulating the local radio station. On-Line presentations and Podcasts do not go through radio station compressors, so it's very difficult to listen in the car. Loudness variations are much greater than you think.

Koz