Question for Darryl on Audio

Hi Lori,

I just noticed your question....but I just got off the plane and I'm having trouble with typing even easy sentences at the moment. The answer is slightly complex, depending on the level of quality you want, and how much you want to spend, but I will get back to you in the next day or so if that's OK.

Thanks,
Darryl

Right now I have wavepad, Audacity and cool edit just expired which wasn't suppose to but no problem.

I want to find something thats user friendly. Something I can figure out pretty easy. I use to have sound forge years ago which was pretty good.

Money wise something thats not going to break the banl if ya know what I mean. All the equipment we are picking up comes from yours truely so I have to space things out or hubby will shoot me.

No rush I know you have a TON of audio to go threw and I know you have to do that section by section SLOWLY. Yup been there. I'm an EVP gal. I find EVP's better evidence then pics because I'm so tired of the orb thing. Altho my cam rarely picks them up, others do. 😉

Thanks hon

Hi Lori,

I wanted to get back to you about audio editing software and noise reduction. I noticed that you have used Sony's Sound Forge before. The current version (Audio Studio 9) includes some noise reduction software for records, but could also help with broadband noise (like constant noise of bugs or hiss). I have not used this before, but I've heard from people who like it, and it is reasonable.

Because of my work, I use Digidesign ProTools for editing and recording (and mixing). It is the studio standard. It is slightly more expensive for the entry-level interface (software included) with limited inputs/outputs. It does have a bit of a learning curve, but it is very flexible and has a lot of important features. However, it does not come with any kind of broadband noise removal software. I use the software at one of the studios I work for, and it is expensive (Waves Restoration Package with X-noise). Waves also has a new type of noise removal called Z-noise, but I have not used it yet.

Many people think it is best not to process with noise reduction software, as it could add artifacts that can contribute to matrixing during analysis of EVPs. I use it in certain situations, but I use the software everyday to restore old masters, 78 records and court audio and can tell when the software is getting in the way.

A less intrusive way to minimize certain frequencies would be to use equalization (tone control or EQ). This could allow you to minimize bug noises, allowing other frequencies to come forward. (Here is a little tip on finding what the frequency is you are trying to eliminate: boost a frequency range drastically, then slowly sweep it up or down in frequency value until the unwanted noise really jumps out, then dip that spot down drastically, and the unwanted noise will be diminished...)

One really helpful place for audio equipment and software is sweetwater.com They can help you find something that will fit your needs exactly, and their prices are very good (and service is excellent).

I hope this is helpful to you,
Darryl

Hi Lori,

I wanted to get back to you about audio editing software and noise reduction. I noticed that you have used Sony's Sound Forge before. The current version (Audio Studio 9) includes some noise reduction software for records, but could also help with broadband noise (like constant noise of bugs or hiss). I have not used this before, but I've heard from people who like it, and it is reasonable.

Because of my work, I use Digidesign ProTools for editing and recording (and mixing). It is the studio standard. It is slightly more expensive for the entry-level interface (software included) with limited inputs/outputs. It does have a bit of a learning curve, but it is very flexible and has a lot of important features. However, it does not come with any kind of broadband noise removal software. I use the software at one of the studios I work for, and it is expensive (Waves Restoration Package with X-noise). Waves also has a new type of noise removal called Z-noise, but I have not used it yet.

Many people think it is best not to process with noise reduction software, as it could add artifacts that can contribute to matrixing during analysis of EVPs. I use it in certain situations, but I use the software everyday to restore old masters, 78 records and court audio and can tell when the software is getting in the way.

A less intrusive way to minimize certain frequencies would be to use equalization (tone control or EQ). This could allow you to minimize bug noises, allowing other frequencies to come forward. (Here is a little tip on finding what the frequency is you are trying to eliminate: boost a frequency range drastically, then slowly sweep it up or down in frequency value until the unwanted noise really jumps out, then dip that spot down drastically, and the unwanted noise will be diminished...)

One really helpful place for audio equipment and software is sweetwater.com They can help you find something that will fit your needs exactly, and their prices are very good (and service is excellent).

I hope this is helpful to you,
Darryl

Thanks D will check that out. Its hard to ditch the bugs without ditching the voices. Soon as winter comes that will end so have to deal with em until then, esp when it rains seems like every tree frog like to voice its opinion *Laugh* If you've every been to the Louisanna Bayou, thats what my yard sounds like after a heavy rain.