normalizing vocal track

LongTallTexan wrote on 10/18/2006, 6:06 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

jrazz wrote on 10/18/2006, 6:46 PM
You should try this: http://www.gigavox.com/levelator
It was posted about a while back.

Edit: P.S. it is free.

j razz
Jonathan Neal wrote on 10/18/2006, 7:58 PM
I have a solution.

1. Download and install gVST GSatMax into your C:\Program Files\VstPlugins directory, then start Vegas, which should see the new plugin without any trouble. Load this effect onto your vocal track (it will probably be listed in the VST folder) and it will implement a oversampled maximizing limiter with saturated drive - basically it will bring up all the levels really well without damaging the clarity of the audio.

2. From that point, if you want to emphasize or deemphasize any tracks, goto Insert > Audio Envelopes > Volume to dynamically adjust the audio along the time-line as as desired.
TorS wrote on 10/19/2006, 4:50 AM
With Sound Forge 7 on your machine, look no further. If it came with Wave Hammer, use that. Select the smooth compression preset and adjust it to your liking. Otherwise, use Graphic dynamics and select 3:1 compression. Make sure auto gain compensate is on.
This being live, you may find that the background noise is adjusted along with the vocals. It should drown in the mix. If not, you may add EQ (lo-filter) and reverb to the vocal track to smooth things out.
Tor
farss wrote on 10/19/2006, 4:58 AM
Also in SF there's RMS normalise with dynamic compression to prevent clipping. Presets for speech and music. I've used it a few times with good results. And I do like WH if used carefully.

OK, I'll admit I've used it once for a "WHERE DO YOU GET IT" advert, sorry, local joke.
Bill Ravens wrote on 10/19/2006, 5:50 AM
here's something to try...I reduce vocal gain by putting a notch filter at 6500Hz, for female vocals, or at 4500 Hz for male vocals. I play with the Q so that it's around 0.5. It occurs to me that you could put a gain peak at this frequency to raise the overall vocal volume. Once you've raised to overall vocal gai, you can run a multiband compressor to limit the vocal peaks and somewhat normalize the vocals. For future reference, this is why vocals are usually recorded with an inline compressor between the mike and the recorder.
farss wrote on 10/19/2006, 6:39 AM
If the vocal track is too low because the singer moved away from the mic you can face a real problem. Simply turning up the level of that track doesn't help as it's got everything else in it as well.

It is sometimes possible to fix this using cancellation from another mic but that's a lot of work. Vegas has all the tools you need to do it but man, for a long performance what a task.

Bob.
Tech Diver wrote on 10/19/2006, 10:20 AM
A bit O.T.:
LongTallTexan, which JB concert did you record? When will this DVD be released? Last year he played at a small club here in the Boston area. A friend and I stood about two feet in front of him during the sets. Really nice performance in a small setting.
LongTallTexan wrote on 10/20/2006, 8:50 PM
The show was shot in Houston, Texas at a club called the Meridian on July 30, 2006. Gem of a show. We are releasing it within a series of 1 hour shows called Texas Roadhouse Live to be syndicated nationally. We have finished the edit and Junior brown has signed off on the final edit so everything is a go. I am a big Junior Brown fan and am very excited to have him on board. We did some artsy interview stuff mixed in. The show will also be released as a DVD/CD package or that is the idea so far. Wish me luck. Now just gotta get this audio stuff tweaked. This will be our second project to recieve national distribution edited entirely with Vegas. The first being Dead Man Walking the concert released in a DVD/CD package celebrating the 10 yr. aniversary through Sony Legacy.


L.T.
dirtynbl wrote on 11/16/2006, 10:58 AM
Don't use a limiter.

Vocals need to be compressed first. Compress them with a Waves Rcomp or another freer compressor and then, maybe use a limiter on your master track.