Maxing your output volume

[arsenaultk9]

Ok, I'm sorry If this post is posted in the wrong forum I was really hesitating about this, but anyway here it goes. I'm currently recording something(Oh god how unpredictable ) and I notice that my output volume was lower than those by other song and I was wondering how can I maximize my output volume. I'm currently using cool edit pro and I know that function like normalize existe or stuff I'm not a know nothing, but I don't how to call them (I would say peaks) I got parts of audio(very tiny) that are louder than the rest and I was wondering is there a function to like soften them and put the other stuff louder. I'm also aware of the hard limiting function and don't like((maybe I'm using it wrong). Anyway I could use some help or suggestion of software that could help me with my probleme.

[Zetajazz44]

I think I understand what you're asking, so I'll give it a shot...

I don't use Cool Edit Pro, but I'll try to explain it to where you can use it... I have created some crude images here to illustrate...

If you attempt to 'maximize' your volume the way your wav file it now, it'll clip... In other words if you raise the lower volume parts to a volume that suits you, those 'peaks' will be too loud...
(Illustrated by image: Uncompressed.gif)
(Illustrated by image: Clipping.gif)

To 'pull' those peaks down, you'll need a compressor... A compressor will make your wav file 'more even/less dynamic' from start to finish.
(Illustrated by image: Compressed.gif)

Once your file is compressed, you have room to maximize your volume level. Notice how the quieter parts of your file have become louder now, but the 'peaks' have not touched the top or bottom red lines?
(Illustrated by image: Maximized.gif)

Hope this helps...

[Ford Van]

You can gain a little volume increase using compression on a whole mix, but, it is very tricky to do without it sort of "dulling" the sound of the mix. Make sure you use a fairly long attack and release setting!

A limiter will help you achieve much more volume without drastically changing the sound of the mix.

I could recommend what I think are a couple of the best limiters for mixed music, but they will run you over $1000 to buy! But if you are into spending that kind of dough, I would really recommend the Waves L3.

If you are totally broke and need something that will work ok, or are a cheapskate, don't hesitate to use the Classic Master Limiter by KJAERHUS Audio. http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-master-limiter.php Don't let the price tag fool you, this is a very nice sounding limiter.

Between $1000 and free is a whole slew of stuff I have tried that works to varying degree's. Myself, for a software limiter, I don't think anything works quite as good overall as the L3. Many others I have tried have worked on certain mixes here and there, but have failed miserably on some too! The L3 is equally good/bad on everything it would seem.

Good luck.

[arsenaultk9]

Sorry for the long wait. I've been looking out those vst plugins and don't have one damn clue of how to make em work. I think my problem is that I don't know witch software to use to open them or don't know how to open them in cool edit pro or some windows things (if any of them is really possible) So I would like help to guide me how to use those plugins.

[Nick98338]

The others have explained compressors and limiters really nicely. Seems to me, though, that you really need help with how to use Cool Edit Pro. I don't use it, so I can't help, directly. Zetajazz44 said he doesn't use CEP, and my guess is that Ford Van doesn't either. I believe you might get more specific CEP information if you ask your questions in the Cool Edit Pro section of this forum. Print off this thread, and those nice graphics. Refer to them when you know how to use compre. and limit. and other stuff in your software.