Sufficient volume when recording

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sombunya
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Sufficient volume when recording

Post by sombunya » Sun Jul 10, 2011 2:16 am

I'm using a NAD PP 3i A to D converter with a Thorens TT and Shure Cartridge.

My results have been pretty good so far but my CDr recordings don't have the volume that a factory recorded CD has.

I save all my work so I have gone and opened a previous recording and amplified it but I'm not sure how far to go. Also, if I boost it a db or two, hit "apply" then boost it again, it resets to zero db and I don't know how far above the original recording I have moved.

Is there any way other than trial and error to set the correct/maximum record level? Also, if I set it to a certain level using effects>amplify, will that setting remain the next time I open this program?

Thanks, Joe

waxcylinder
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Re: Sufficient volume when recording

Post by waxcylinder » Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:01 am

I normally amplify to a ceiling of -3.0 dB which is normally plenty loud enough while leaving a little headroom (as some players don't like audio files that go to the max. 0 dB apparently).

And in 1.2 make sure that you use Amplify for this and not Normalize (as in 1.2 Normalize works on both your stereo channels independently and can thus change your stereo balance - this is fixed in 1.3.13 onwards (update only fixed in 1.3.14 onwards) where this behaviour is now optional amd Normalize can be used without the risk of stereo damage).

And do yourself a big favour and upgrade to 1.3.13 the latest Beta - it is now a very mature Beta and works better and is more stable on most modern platforms than the now ancient and no longer supported 1.2 series. You can get it from here: http://audacityteam.org/download/

WC
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sombunya
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Re: Sufficient volume when recording

Post by sombunya » Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:29 am

Great information there.

I will give 1.3 a try. Thanks for your reply.

waxcylinder
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Re: Sufficient volume when recording

Post by waxcylinder » Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:49 am

UPDATE: it is only in 1.3.14 (currenly Alpha, not yet released in Beta, though expected soon) that the Normalize function has been fixed.

So for now, if you are using 1.3.13 continue to use the Amplify function.

Personally, even with Normalize fixed in 1.3.14 I find myself still preferring to use the Amplify effect rathere than Normalize, as Amplify showws the amount of headroom which may be so close to my desired target of -3dB that I abandon the Amplify.


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steve
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Re: Sufficient volume when recording

Post by steve » Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:16 pm

I'm still using Amplify out of habit, but I'm training myself to use Normalize as it has DC offset removal.
I only get a very tiny amount of DC offset from my sound card, but I may as well get rid of it at the same time as Normalizing.
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sombunya
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Re: Sufficient volume when recording

Post by sombunya » Wed Jul 13, 2011 3:14 am

Yes, I'm using 1.3.13, great info here.

If I'm getting any DC offset it must be very small because it looks good to my eye.

Also, I'll use the Amply function and then burn to an inexpensive CDr to listen to the results. If they are good, then I'll use my better grade discs.

The more I use this program the more I like it. Thanks to the developers!

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