Comments

Geoff_Wood wrote on 8/12/2009, 2:16 PM
Quick fix ? Turn the level down so the interface isn't clipping ?!!

For pre-existing digitally ( and otherwise) distorted tracks you need the audio restoration tools in SF or other sound editors - nothing equivalent in Vegas. They require a totally different operating princple to be able to work.

geoff
JMacSTL wrote on 8/18/2009, 9:29 AM
If the question refers to how to deal with distortion AFTER it's already been recorded (for instance when location sound comes back with overmod/distortion in the file), then I have a technique for dealing with this, but it only works on peaks which are overmodulated. Put automated EQ bands in a plugin (I like the Sonifex EQ, but any will do), and use automation curves to pull down the mid and high frequencies only at the points where the distortion occurs (at the peaks). By the time the ear recovers from this short muffled section, it's already back in the cleaner audio immediately following the distorted peak. SoundForge does have a 'clip restore" feature which can sometimes work, but only if the actual waveform is clipped. If the distortion was caused prior to the recorder (i.e. in the wireless microphone transmitter or the mic pre-amp) then the SF plugin won't do much for that.

jmm in STL

jmm in stl

Windows10 with Vegas 11 Pro (most recent build). Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.40GHz 3.90 GHz, 32GB ram, separate audio and video disks. Also Vegas 17 Pro on same system. GPU: NVDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER. Dynamic RAM preview=OFF.

musicvid10 wrote on 8/18/2009, 6:43 PM
Both the Sony NR plugin and Izotope have clipped peak restoration. Neither is free.
That being said, the success of either depends on light clipping in your audio.
If the waveform is flat-topped like a Marine's buzz cut, you are so SOL. Something about polishing a turd comes to mind . . .
rraud wrote on 8/19/2009, 6:12 AM
The peak restore plugs can fix some digtal overs'. But if extreme, or in the case of preamp distortion.. as musicvid said... you're SOL.
Steven Myers wrote on 8/19/2009, 8:43 AM
If the waveform is flat-topped like a Marine's buzz cut, you are so SOL.

As I recall, Sony's NR can't recognize clipping unless the peaks are absolutely flat. Sometimes you get those little devil's horns on the clipped part of the waveform? NG. Sony NR doesn't see clipping.
My workaround for this Sony NR limitation was to apply just enough amplification (to the clipped half cycle only) to make the peak truly flat. Then apply clipped peak restoration. Not fun, but it worked. Sometimes.