Audio saturation

[garencha]

Hello,
I recoreded a voice over for my documentary and I found a discovered after I received the audio file that the siund is very low (about -33 db), so I amplified and compressed it to rise until -12 db. The sound still low and need to be more pushed but I can't go more because it become eerytime saturated.
I try everything I know on mastering and compressing and it's been weeks without result ! And the idea to make a new recording with the actor is an impossible possibility, and I can't replace him.

so I am thinking if ther's a possibility, technicaly, to make a recording of the recorded voice over? As they can record it in studio with a higher level so it can be good without distorsion? is it possible?

Or another idea outside working the audio in postproduction.

 

[JackD201]

Hi Garencha, you could do the same thing as rerecording it by keeping the ratio of your compression to 1:1 and applying the equivalent make up gain. Sadly the background noise will go up along with everything else.

My last ditch effort would be to first push up the level on the voice over channel and not compress it but rather expand it with an expander in the hopes that the noise can be pushed back lower. I have no idea if it will sound natural but I'm pretty sure this would have a better chance than compressing it. While I usually only cut and not boost with EQ since I try to get good level from the get go anyway, this is one of the few cases where I would need to use boost. You can try to increase intelligibility by giving some lift in the presence region because this is the range of consonant sounds.

Good luck.

 

[garencha]

Thank you jack for your help,
I will try what you said but I doubt that can help.
Thank you again

 

[JackD201]

Good luck garencha. If you do find a solution do let me know. I'd really be interested to know.

All the best,

Jack