Best processing for crappy bootleg?

Sebaz wrote on 11/22/2011, 3:22 PM

I obtained a bootleg for a concert I attended, so it's very important for me to get the best possible sound out of it. As it is, it sounds terrible, and I know that I won't be able to get crystal clear sound out of a recording like this, but I want to give it the best I can. I'll be using Vegas 10 for this. What kind of audio filters in Vegas or free VST plugins I can use to enhance the quality? Obviously I'll start with the Track EQ, but there's only so far I can go with that. Is there anything else I can try?

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 11/22/2011, 7:47 PM

Let's see, former ASCAP, BMI, AFM. Nope, sorry I can't help you.
Others may find themselves in a similar predicament, just saying.

Sebaz wrote on 11/22/2011, 9:15 PM

This band happily allows people to record their concerts so there's no copyright issue of any kind. It's not that it's available commercially, or I would buy it. Besides, I'm just asking a technical question, if there is any way to improve the sound other than raising the high end with the Track EQ when the source is a guy holding a digital recorder up in the air.

musicvid10 wrote on 11/22/2011, 9:49 PM

It was the word "bootleg" that got my attention, a synonym for "contraband." Maybe it means something different to people now than it did when I was performing and producing.

Sebaz wrote on 11/22/2011, 10:03 PM

Oh, I see. Many bands allow people to record their shows, although the only value in that is to have a memory of the concert you attended, because normally they sound like crap. I actually posted on their official forum that it would be great if they simply recorded the concert directly from the mixer and sold that on their website (I think Pearl Jam does that actually), since I'd be more than happy to pay more than the price of a retail CD to have this concert in decent quality, even if it's not super polished like a mainstream live CD, but it will obviously be far better than a guy in the audience holding a recorder.

rraud wrote on 11/24/2011, 9:29 AM

The phrase "polishing a turd" comes to mind. Without actually hearing a segment, it's difficult to 'recommend' any process or setting. EQ is usually one of the 'go to' tools, but like saws and hammers, it can do more harm than good if not used properly.
With the word 'bootleg', I'd be hesitant to offer any specific suggestions too.
I did recently read that 'Phish' offered 'stem' feeds at a recent concert (or something to that affect) for their 'tapers'.