Improving audio quality from 16mm optical track

[travismoran]

The audio quality coming from 16mm films is 'crappy.' Even with our unit that has line outputs, the sound leaves much to be desired.

Is there a way to extract better sound from these optical tracks. Or is it just one of those things a person has to live with (we do use audio programmes like goldwave, etc. to fix the sound somewhat after the fact, but it would be nice to have a better initial source).

I guess what I'm asking is if it would be worthwhile to find a way to modify the sound pickup cell or the projector's amp (if possible) to get better quality. Or is the poor quality a limitation of the film's sound track?

We are attempting a 'poor man's' version of higher quality telecine. See https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1112853#1112853 for thread on this.

[Sillyname]

The audio quality coming from 16mm films is 'crappy.' Even with our unit that has line outputs, the sound leaves much to be desired.

Is there a way to extract better sound from these optical tracks. Or is it just one of those things a person has to live with (we do use audio programmes like goldwave, etc. to fix the sound somewhat after the fact, but it would be nice to have a better initial source).

I guess what I'm asking is if it would be worthwhile to find a way to modify the sound pickup cell or the projector's amp (if possible) to get better quality. Or is the poor quality a limitation of the film's sound track?

We are attempting a 'poor man's' version of higher quality telecine. See https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1112853#1112853 for thread on this.

It all depends on your definition of crappy. If it is heavily distorted, there is not much you can do to make it sound better. If it is muffled, I'd try an Aural Exciter or an EQ. If Goldwave takes DirectX plug-ins then there are a few exciters out there you can purchase. I've got an actual hardware one made by APHEX.

Try to describe the audio and I can tell you what you need. Crappy is to general a term.