1.6 - Audio Editing

Question 1

If you cut an audio region in the middle of a word, what technique should you use at the edit point to make the transition smoother and avoid a click

Answer 1

Apply a short cross fade over the edit point

Question 2

You have a vocal recording with a loud plosive (a “p” or “b” pop) at the start of a word. Describe a common audio editing technique to reduce this plosive without significantly altering the vocal sound.

Answer 2

Zoom in on the waveform, identify the sharp, low frequency spike of the plosive, and carefully apply a high pass filter just to that small section, or use a de plosive plug in

Question 3

Imagine you have a recording of an acoustic guitar where a chair squeaks loudly during a quiet passage. Describe your detailed workflow in a DAW to remove or significantly reduce this squeak while preserving the guitar sound as much as possible.

Answer 3

1. Isolate: Zoom in on the waveform to precisely locate the start and end of the squeak. 2. Spectral View (if available): Switch to a spectral editor. The squeak might have a distinct visual signature (often a narrow band of frequencies). 3. Attenuation: Carefully select the squeak in the spectral view and attenuate it. Alternatively, in waveform view, try to cut and replace the section with room tone if available, or use careful volume automation to dip the level of the squeak. 4. EQ: If the squeak has a specific resonant frequency, a narrow notch EQ cut might help, but apply it only to the squeak section or automate it. 5. Crossfades: If cutting, use very short crossfades to blend the edit. 6. Listen Critically: Check that the guitar’s natural decay or sound isn’t adversely affected. The goal is for the removal to be unnoticeable.