PlayIt Software Support

PlayIt Live default settings for Track Fading and Silence analysis will provide consistant Segues IF the MP3 or Wave file is saved at it's optimum level. One of the problems with when playing MP3 or Wave Files from different sources is varying audio amplitude. Quieter tracks lead to early transitions and seemingly makes some tracks seem overly loud. Yes, you could use a Compressor/Limiter to control this, but post processing will not change how PlayIt Live responds when in the Playout process.

My experience tells me that you must begin with consistant levels before adding tracks to PlayIt live.

If I hear or see a track is quiet, it's opened in an audio editor, such as Audacity, where the levels are Normalized to peak at -1db. Let me point out that most audio editing software sees the odd peak as the maximum amplitude of the track. The trick to this is to bring these individual peaks down to the overall average. Then Normalise the entire track to -1 dB. To compare, import another audio track that you find acceptable and compare the loudness of the two tracks.

It's not likely that a louder track is actually peaking over -0- db. But if it is, use the idea above to reduce the overall amplitude of the “Hot” track.

Remember: -3db is Half as loud. +3db is double the volume.

Over the years I have known people who use Programs, such as Audacity, to create Chains. Whereas all the titles in a folder are processed to cut silence, Normalize to -1dB and Saved to a separate file that is added to PlayIt Live.

By doing so they feel they have a more consistent sound requiring less Post processing.

I maintain that Original recording have the best fidelity but differ in amplitude. I suggest, if any processing with EQ or compression should happen post digital when being being played as audio, so all tracks are consistently processed at the same settings.

Perhaps these ideas will help you achieve consistent audio levels and great Segues with PlayIt Live.

For MP3 files it would be better to use a program such as MP3 gain rather than Audacity as this will avoid re-compressing the audio, instead the range bits are adjusted for the track.

You can preview transitions and set the gain profile for each mix but that is lots of work. Setting out points and a quick fade might help. Use MP3 gain to get all files to a similar subjective loudness. There are limits to what can be done automatically.

Stephen,

It would be possible to reduce the quality of the MP3 file by setting a level that produces clipping but yes it changes the overall gain setting.

The key thing to avoid with MP3 and similar is multiple decode - encode cycles and MP3Gain doesn't decode and re-encode.

Normalise isn't a word I would use for MP3Gain as that implies setting peak levels, MP3Gain is about subjective loudness not peak level.

If you want to know more on that subject try:- https://tech.ebu.ch/groups/ploud

That's great.  I will give it a try.  Thanks.

Just so that I am clear .... using MP3Gain does not reduce the quality/fidelity and only resets (normalises) the amplitude parameters; right?

This is the best address:   http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/download.php
mp3gain-win-1_2_5.exe   on first line.  In the one most users download.      the others below it are have specific usages if they apply to you.
The basics are: Add  files, Select them, , then Press Analysis ( tells you where the level is and if there is clipping), and then Track Gain to adjust all.  I use the default 89.5 as max.  When the processes are complete  use the EXIT button on the bottom Right.
If you have performed this process and you load the same titles again, the software will let you know.

 

Stephen,

I've had my copy of MP3 Gain since 2003 (and not needed to update it) but what seems to be the same programme is now on Sourceforge

http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/index.php

The simple answer to your question is yes but there are some better explanations at 

http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/faq.php

Mark Hawkins

 

So that I don't use the wrong one, could someone please post the link to MP3Gain ?

I was worried that this would reduce the quality of the audio.  Are you saying that it only adjusts the volume parameters within the file?

Stephen.

In my radio days, we just cued past things like that, as they tended to disrupt the flow.  This is one of the wonders of digital editing that I appreciate.  It's a simple matter to bring the level up of a quiet intro without raising the noise floor. 

 

Hmm you are correct re master and Wav.   Although many can't  hear the difference.   In the digital world it's best to "remaster'  at the best level of quality.  

 

Back in the 70s, The early Optimods and Gates AGCs were very noisy, so   we recorded to Cart with  our levels mastered for -0- Db,  so we  pumped up the intro on Virginia Plain to an acceptable level BUT it had a lot of hiss.  I don't recall a Broadcast version.

We had a few problems with Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath also,.  The FM underground  stations preferred no talk over intros, so we could not hide the breathing.

As far as age.   I recall seeing The Stones in Hyde Park in 1969 (I think).  46 years ago.