The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Group,

#35 on my Podcast features an example of how I am able to take an Acoustically recorded song (Nobody Lied when they said I cried) by the Broadway Dance Orchestra and modify the sound to "add back in" some of the missing lower and upper notes. The method is much more than just turning up the bass and treble setting. Check it out and let me know what you think about my method.

Vic

https://www.buzzsprout.com/676831/

Sounds pretty good. Bass synthesizer or something newer technologically ?

Wolfe,

Thanks for the complement. The software algorithm is somewhat more than a bass synthesizer in that it picks specific frequencies below a set value and when it finds a frequency, interjects a value one-half of the found value.

Along with this software I also use software to eliminate "thumps" and low frequency noise. In addition, there is other harmonic generating algorithms and lastly bass and treble tone controls.

One of the interesting aspects to this method I developed is that it works well with Edison recordings but not so good with Victor records. I believe that the use of "dead" recording studio by Edison vs "Lively" recording studio with Victor is a reason.

Marc

Marc Hildebrant wrote:
The software algorithm is somewhat more than a bass synthesizer in that it picks specific frequencies below a set value and when it finds a frequency, interjects a value one-half of the found value.

Interesting. Very interesting.

You have basically re-invented the dbx subharmonic synthesizer...

https://dbxpro.com/en/products/510

It sounds really nice - but I couldn't help noticing that the saxophone solo is now doubled an octave below.

The manipulated version sounds warmer than the acoustic, but also less focussed. It reminds me of stereo versions of 20s music that Robert Parker issued in the 80s. In that case there was so much manipulation of the phonograms that the music sounded as played in a deep cave. This version is much less artificial, but to my ears removes the directness of the acoustic recording, especially in the case of Edison. Their engineers mastered the acoustic recording technique, leaving little to be added in terms of improvements.

Thanks for the comments. I approached the problem of lack of low end and have one solution. Others can suggest other techniques or just enjoy the music for what it is.

I first heard these wonderful songs about 60 years ago and have always enjoyed them. The added low end adds another level of enjoyment.

Marc

Group,

So, what is your opinion of the method ? Would you want to hear more of these enhanced songs or stay with the original sound ?

Marc

I like both, as long as the original audio is supplied for comparison