Normalizing vocal track

LongTallTexan wrote on 10/18/2006, 5:45 PM

Im not sure if that is what I am looking for but maby someone can tell me which way to go. I am finishing up on a Junior Brown Concert DVD done in Vegas for commercial release. I recorded multitrack audio using a DA 88 and have them imported into Vegas. The problem I am running into is that the Vocal track audio level is not consistant. Soemetimes it is low other times it is perfect. Is there a process or plug in that would go through the vocal track and even the signal out. Bring up the low vocals to match the optimal vocal level throughout the performance. Forgive my incorrect jargin. I am a video guy and lack somewhat in my audio skills. I am using Sound Forge 7. Any help would be apreciated and credit in my production when released.

L.T.

Comments

JoeMess wrote on 10/19/2006, 10:22 AM

You have two possibilities, you can Normalize, as you listed in the subject line. I would recommend normalizing to Peak values if you want to preserve all the dynamic variation of the live performance. Use a peak value of -3 db if have a really wide dynamic range, if this is still too low relative to the rest of the audio, you will want reduce the dynamic range of the recording and use compression. The presets in Vegas and Sound Forge are quite good out of the box. The soft limiter setting may leave you with a good dynamic performance while letting you ride the gain on that track a little bit up so it sits more forward in the mix, without sounding like an overcompressed pop recording. If things are sounding thin vocally, try the more formal compression settings starting with the lower compression ratios and working your way up.

Joe