Audiobook EQ & Mastering

[Elly]

I have recorded an audiobook and pretty much done all the editing (bar a final listen through), but I am at a loss as to how best to finish.

What EQ should I use, if any? I have been a broadcaster for more than 20 years, and my voice sounds fine. Anything I seem to do to it, makes things worse, rather than better. My instinct would be to leave it alone, but I known studios tend to use EQ, even with top actors. So advice would be appreciated.

Compression seems to bring up background noise (inaudible in the recording), so I am disinclined to use it. It seem using the hard limiter would be better for me. I've had a little play and that seems to even out the sound. But what settings should I use?

The audio will be for internet download and CD.

I am using Adobe Audition 3.0 and I'm looking at what settings to use in that programme. I read about "cutting muddled low and mid range", but I don't know how that would relate to settings in audition. Plus, I maintain that my reading isn't muddled.

Please help. I've looked all over the net, but most discussion seems centred around music vocals.

Thanx,

Elly

 

[RAMI]

my voice sounds fine. Anything I seem to do to it, makes things worse, rather than better. My instinct would be to leave it alone

I would suggest that you trust your instincts....BUT.......

(bar a final listen through),

Since you said this, you might want to give it a final listen on a few different systems, car stereos, boom-boxes, other people's stereo systems, etc.....You might discover issues you're not hearing on your system.

Either way, even if there are adjustments to make, it would be completely impossible for anyone to suggest what EQ/compression/etc settings to use without hearing it.

 

[Steenamaroo]

"My instinct would be to leave it alone, but I known studios tend to use EQ, even with top actors."

Instinct is everything. If you think it's fine, then leave it alone.

It sounds like you're trying to find a place to use a tool, just for the sake of it...trust your ears


Maybe you could post a clip in the mp3 section for more direct feedback on how to finish/master your project?


*edit* +1 for rami's idea. listen is different environments/setups if possible.

 

[Elly]

Excellent idea! I didn't see the mp3 clinic. I've uploaded a 5 minute sample for you in there.

I'm not looking for a tool to use, I just know that most audiobooks go through some sort of EQ and I'm trying to get it right.

My final listen is to make sure I haven't missed any edits and to listen to flow. I'm having to edit in a bit of space. But listening on different equipment is a good suggestion - I know they do that with music a lot.

Anyway, thanks for the replies - hope you have time to listen to the sample.

 

[Bobbsy]

Thanks for posting...I've replied over in the MP3 clinic.

Bob

 

[witzendoz]

If something sounds good, I leave it alone and think I did a good job of that" don't eq for the sake of it.

alan.