CS6 on MacOS--Noise in Saved wav and mp3 Files

Report · Dec 17, 2016

Looking for info or advice:

Anyone having issues with noise (static) destroying saved wav or mp3 files?

After I record a voice over into a mono waveform, I will apply a Normalize process and a Noise Reduction process (if needed) and then save the file as an mp3 or wav, depending on the project. The files are crystal clear, even in playback while the waveform editor is still active. BUT--after closing the file and shutting down Audition, when I go to reopen the file, the files have a strong static-type noise through the entire file.

I attempted another round of Noise Reduction process without luck. I have checked all my hardware and save settings--they're fine. I even downloaded a free trial of Audition CC and tried to record on it just for the purpose of getting the project to my client, but it did the same thing. I did record with Garage Band successfully, but I prefer to use Audition b/c I can see inside the waveform and edit more accurately.

This doesn't seem to be an audio issue--it's more like the file has been damaged and will not play the content properly.

Can anyone make any suggestions?

Details:

MacOS Sierra 10.12

Adobe Audition CS6 Version 5.0 Build 708

Mic--Blue Spark Digital (USB plugin)

Report · Dec 17, 2016

I will add.... The program has been uninstalled and reinstalled, and still has presented the same issue. I also changed the location of my temp files, but it doesn't help.

I have been doing these projects this way for almost a year now, without any problems. Now, all of a sudden this week, the problem presents. Trying to keep my head up, but I think the 45ish files I had ready for my client are all destroyed.

Report · Dec 18, 2016

When you save the files, exactly what format do you use? Bit rate, bit depth?

Report · Dec 18, 2016

I've changed those particulars several times and it doesn't affect the issue. However, my main setting is 8 bit depth with 44100 Hz sample rate. If you think it matters, I always record my VOs in mono.

Report · Dec 18, 2016

It's the 8 bit bit depth that is adding the noise. You should always save your working files with Audition's default bit depth of 32 bit and in .wav format. 8 bit audio files need to be specially mastered to use all of the available bits for your audio otherwise, as you have found, noise is a problem. 8 bits provides a dynamic range of only 48dB (about the same as an old fashioned audio cassette tape) so unless you compress and normalise your audio properly you won't even be able to use all of that. Each bit equates to 6dB of audio level so if your audio only peaks to -6db (for instance) occasionally you can be wasting 2 bits of your storage space resulting in a dynamic range of only 36dB using 6 bits.

Report · Dec 18, 2016

ryclark wrote:
8 bits provides a dynamic range of only 48dB (about the same as an old fashioned audio cassette tape)...

Except that with NR, cassette tape could do better than that by at least 10dB!

But this was indeed why I was asking the question - noise only gets 'added' to files when you save at a reduced bit depth.