Thanks Fons for your detailed response. Some thoughts inline...
On 08/10/14 22:17, Fons Adriaensen wrote:
There are several methods, and the best approach is to make
each of them handle a few dBs, and combine them.
* If you use Ardour to record, then editing the region gain
curve is a very convenient way to reduce the dynamics in
function of the music itself (it's much easier than trying
to use automation for this). The advantage compared to using
compression is that you can anticipate level changes - as
you would when adjusting the level manually while reading
the score.
* In many cases I've used a gentle automatic compression, with
a ratio of 1.2 or so and a low threshold, so you get a very
gradual gain change over a wide range of levels. This was done
using zita-dc1, which unfortunately is not released yet.
This is almost the method I've been trying so far. I think my mistake
was setting the threshold too high and then compressing too much. I
think I set the threshold to -9dB or something like that, and then
compressed 1:2 to flatten out the peaks. It sounded unnatural. I will
try your advice.
* In most cases peaks are very short, and a peak limiter will
remove them and allow 5 dB or more extra gain without any
perceptible artefacts. The best one for this is zita-dpl1
which was designed exactly for this type of use. I've used
it on all recordings I made the last years, without exception.
This sounds helpful. I will experiment with this. It might not help
though, since in my case, the peaks are not normally too short. The
loudest parts are full choir and pipe organ, while the quietest parts
are solo voice.
Combining these, it's not at all difficult to boost your average
level by 15 dB or so (and even more if needed) in a way that will
still sound completely natural.
Good to know. That will easily be sufficient. Thanks for your advice -
I'll let you know how I get on.
Have a nice day,
Jonathan
_______________________________________________
Linux-audio-user mailing list
Linux-audio-user@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user
