Crossfading to manipulate dynamics

[ErichS]

I've recently started reading Bob Katz' Mastering Audio. In his discussion of manipulation of dynamic range he suggests using a crossfade technique that appears to utilize two copies of the same audio file to increase or decrease the amplitude. For example, to increase the amplitude at the chorus by 1dB, he fades one copy of the file out while the other is simultaneously faded in but continues the fade-in 1db above the original amplitude. Unfortunately, he doesn't really describe why he is using this approach or what is its advantage.

Would anyone know what is the advantage to this approach as opposed to automating a small a 1dB adjustment to the original file?

 

[Bobbsy]

Only guessing, but does he mention compression?

A trick I've used, both for live mixing and in the studio, is to have one version of a track with light compression and one with moderate to heavy compression, then mix between the two. The lightly compressed version sounds more dynamic and "airy" while the more heavily compressed track sounds louder even at similar levels. This can work well to differentiate between verses and choruses (or, used live, to have ballads and heavier numbers actually have a similar volume but have the heavier number be perceived as louder without upsetting the 'elf and safety bods or exceeding venue limits).

Dunno if that's what Katz was doing but it may provide a similar effect.

 

[ErichS]

Only guessing, but does he mention compression?

A trick I've used, both for live mixing and in the studio, is to have one version of a track with light compression and one with moderate to heavy compression, then mix between the two. The lightly compressed version sounds more dynamic and "airy" while the more heavily compressed track sounds louder even at similar levels. This can work well to differentiate between verses and choruses (or, used live, to have ballads and heavier numbers actually have a similar volume but have the heavier number be perceived as louder without upsetting the 'elf and safety bods or exceeding venue limits).

Dunno if that's what Katz was doing but it may provide a similar effect.

Thanks for the reply Bobbsy. He doesn't mention compression for this particular technique but it sounds like something similar to what you are doing. He does seem to use the two file technique for some other objectives in various parts of the book so I might need to keep reading. I like your idea with the compressed vs. less compressed file, I'll have give that a try.