distorted audio question

[mrpink89]

Went back and check my audio on my laptop here, It's as I feared, I have a good amount of distorted, clipped audio in my flick, FUUUUUUCK! But something is weird.

I don't have any editing software so I am just using my laptop to listen for it. I tured my laptop volume all the way to the max and have my head phones in as well. I am listing to my audio on my 'VLC" files which lets me turn up the volume some more so I turned up that volume all the way as well. and I hear distortion in some of my scenes, some more then others.

However, I find it that when I turn down the Volume on my 'VLC" Files to about 109% ( I had it turned up to 197%) that it doesn't sound half bad. So I am confused if the clipping is coming from my computer's Volume being turned up so high, or if it is my audio clips.

I doubt it is my computer but maybe because I lowered the volume it makes the distorted sound less noticeable.? If that is the case can't I mess with the master volume and just turn it down a bit?

I know Distorted audio is the aids of the audio world but is there a way I can Frankenstein this bitch? what programs and how well do they work?

 

[mrpink89]

Another thing is why Did I not hear any such distortion traits when I was gain staging and playing it back? highest we peaked on some scenes was -6, except for the one where we were at -0. I just don't understand it.

 

[mrpink89]

also if it helps, recording on a PMD 661 and a Rode NTG2

 

[MetalRenard]

Try looking at the audio in Audacity, that will give you a more precise way of seeing if the sound is actually distorted or if it's just a volume output issue on your computer.

 

[mrpink89]

Not a bad idea, haven't used that software yet.I have been recoding on Dual Mono, just remembered, which might end up saving my ass, but how can I get that 2nd audio track?

 

[Alcove Audio]

To get a "real" listen to the sound you should get a DAW (Audacity, although limited, is okay for freeware), an audio interface and some decent speakers.

The problem is that you don't know where the distortion occurs - on-set with the equipment, or with your very inferior playback devices. The problem with small speakers (and cheap headphones) is that they can be distorted by certain frequencies. You are also "pushing" the audio volume over 100% so it may be distorting the digital "circuitry" or the actual analog circuitry.

At the very least download Audacity and get a good look at the waveforms.

 

[wheatgrinder]

That last drawing is brilliant. it shows the tops of peaks being "clipped" off... you don't want that..