Re: [microsound] Re: microsound Digest 30 Oct 2002 22:34:53 -0000 Issue 683

[Bill Jarboe <billjarboe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 11/1/02 4:13 AM, dave henson at gweisolo@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> 
> Perhaps you can help me tackle a technical problem I am having with
> mastering one of my most recent tracks.
> The track in question focuses purely on the top end of the graphic spectrum.
> I spent a great deal of time removing the low end to achieve a variety of
> high end sounds. The problem that I am having is after having mastered it
> within sound forge and limiting everything to -0.2 DB there is not a great
> deal of a sonic output level coming out during playback. I guess comparisons
> could be made to the synthesis of a dog whistle. Although with a dog whistle
> the pitch is so high that the sound cannot be heard by humans, where as this
> track is definitly audible however the frequencies appear to be less
> friendly to general listening environments.
> Perhaps there is a way that I can master this so that the output level seems
> to be more in par with the rest of the tracks on my new CDR.
> any comments would be greatly appreciated.
> 
>

  I've looked at volume levels several different ways. Recently I prefer the
'trust my instincts' approach and try to keep soundfiles close to the same
levels they were recorded , especially if the file is the main feature audio
of the composition.

  There is also 'audacity' and probably similar apps. with an amplify
feature. Of course one can 'normalize' in soundhack etc.

  One final note: if you are coming up with something unprecedented to your
ears it probably isn't going to sound right at first. Let it sit for a while
and then come back to it , especially in a different context- the thing with
dog whistle pieces is they never really sound right unless you're a dog.

                             Bill 

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