Skip to main content
A
aallington
Participant
September 22, 2020
Question

Any tips for adding warmth to audio recorded on smartphones?

  • September 22, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 2349 views

I'm working on a podcast that is using alot of audio recorded as voice memos on smartphones.
Not only is this audio often tinny and thin by design...sometimes it was recorded in large echoy rooms (please see attached sample).
So far, I've has some sucess using the noise reduction effects to remove things like hum or buzz, but I still don't know what to do to help the audio sound "warmer," and not as thin. Can anyone recommend a way to add warmth and resonace to audio that was recorded on really crappy microphones?
Many thanks!

1 reply

SteveG_AudioMasters_
Community Expert
SteveG_AudioMasters_Community Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2020

I realise that it sounds a little counter-intuitive, but with your sample I got it to sound a lot better by actually removing something, not adding it. Use the Parametric EQ in Effects>Filters and EQ and set it like this:

This will suck out a lot of the 'harshness', and generally gives much more of a correct frequency balance, at least on your sample. You may need to increase the level a bit afterwards.

    A
    aallingtonAuthor
    Participant
    September 23, 2020

    Thanks! I think that did take the harshness down a bit, but still very much sounds like the speaker is inside a tin can. Any ways to minimize that tinny, echoey sound?

     

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices