Goldwave: Maximize vs. Match Volume

[ChachiFace]

I've been using Goldwave for a few weeks now, it's excellent. I've mostly been using it to increase volume levels from the .wav file before authoring it with the .m2v file. I've noticed that using the "maximize" function works well but it seems like you don't get the maximum volume possible throughout the file if there is even one level spike that is significantly lager than the rest. Where as if you use the "match" function you can select which db setting you'd like to use, of course the can cause clipping.

My question is, what is the best way to get the maximum volume from a file without clipping/distortion if you have a volume spike or two that seems to be preventing this when using the "maximize" command?

I've tried using the "match" function but it's risky as it >may< cause distortion in some parts of the audio file on your surround system and not on your computer speakers (at least I've experienced this).

Any experienced Goldwave users out there?

Thanks in advance,

ChachiFace

[Tommyknocker]

Since the spike is throwing off your conversion, why not reduce the volume of just the spike, and the continue your conversion?

[ChachiFace]

Tommyknocker,

I did think of that but I do not know how to reduce the volume of just the spike(s). I'm still new to Goldwave so not too familiar with editing like that. Any ideas?

ChachiFace

[Tommyknocker]

First, you need to know almost exactly where the spike is. Just position mouse pointer just to the left of the spike and left click. Position it to the right of the spike and right click. Now nothing should be highlighted but the spike and the immediate surrounding area. Select Effects-->Volume and set the new volume level. Save as a wave.

[theDruid]

Tommyknocker's right about that being the simplest way of doing it in GoldWave.

Make sure you zoom right in on the spike before selecting it - otherwise you might reduce the volume on a lot of stuff surrounding it.

With Soundforge, you can use the normalise function in different modes, and in one of them it will apply dynamic compression to avoid clipping.

Not much help if you don't have SoundForge though - sorry!!

cheers,
mcdruid.

[SMHarman]

I think there is a dynamic compression mode in GOldwave also.

I''ve noticed that if the volume is over 50% (the middle bar) then I get distortion on my standalone DVD player. The 3dB cut is a lifesaver.

[theDruid]

It looks like you can set the new RMS rather than the new maximum in GoldWave when you maximise the volume.

This is the same as what I was talking about in Soundforge, but I don't see anything about applying compression to avoid clipping.

I'm not really an expert on GoldWave though - I always use SoundForge for things like normalisation.

cheers,
mcdruid.