Audio Expander?

Mike M. wrote on 9/19/2006, 12:20 AM
I've got an older version of Vegas (3)............regarding the audio plugins............

Has anyone ever fiddled around with the track compressor, or a couple of them chained, to get a workable expander???? similar to the "Optimod" sound that many AM stations had or still have? What I'd like to do is decrease the audio dynamic range, by bringing up the soft portions and limiting the loud. (Note: The "Auto Gain" compensation isn't what I"m looking for".)

Hope to hear some ideas.

Comments

farss wrote on 9/19/2006, 12:33 AM
An 'expander' does the opposite of what you describe, a compressor decreases the dynamic range , an expander increases it.

If what you're describing is what you want then a compressor will do the trick however you probably need to set the knee correctly, or you can use the graphic dynamics FX that ships with Sound Forge.
Jonathan Neal wrote on 9/19/2006, 12:45 AM
Here's an idea. Download the free VST Plugin gVST SatMax which is an oversampled maximizing limiter with saturated drive.

http://www.gvst.co.uk/dlgvst/GSatMax.zip

Put this onto your track and I think you'll get exactly what you're looking for. I use this for mastering as well as normalizing voice overs and it works beautifully.

There is also gVST Max which will boost the level of a signal without letting the peaks exceed a given maximum. It's less refined, but if you put this AFTER SatMax then you'll have audio that's almost ALWAYS at full level.

http://www.gvst.co.uk/dlgvst/GMax.zip
TorS wrote on 9/19/2006, 2:00 AM
I had Vegas 3 several PCs ago. I think you have (most of) the Sound Forge FXs in there, including Graphic Dynamics. Fiddle with that, try the presets and readjust them a little - or a lot. It is a beautiful FX and I used it all the time until Wavehammer came along. I still use it a lot. Remember, in those days Vegas was an audio app. that had just begun working with video.
Tor
grh wrote on 9/19/2006, 4:49 AM
If you're looking for a compander, the compressor with auto gain compensation and a hard limiter setting should get you close. Will have to check out these VSTs, however.
Mike M. wrote on 9/19/2006, 3:17 PM
Great ideas everyone. I'm not sure about using VST type plugins with my version of Vegas (Vegas 3.0c that is).

If I can, where do I put the "dll" file so Vegas can "see" it?

Sorry, but I'm a bit confused on the VST plugin thing.........I remember reading somewhere about a "wrap around" that would maybe support VST's in 3.0c.

Comments?

Thanks,

Mike