Decompressing audio

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Level 1

8 points

Decompressing audio

I have some digital tracks of raw analog tapes recorded over 20 years ago that have degraded and are no longer useable. To reduce tape noise, gating and compression was applied to the the digital recordings - especially the drum tracks. When I recorded new tracks, I noticed a dynamic separation between the old and new tracks. I would like to remove some or all of the compression to minimize this separation and re-master.

Any techniques you can share on decompressing audio? Is there any plugins that can decompress a track?

Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5), Also own an iPad2 and iPhone 6-plus

Posted on Sep 16, 2015 9:54 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 22, 2015 12:19 PM in response to tomdejoliet

There is no decompressor. Audio compression is a process that depends on attack time, release time, ratio and threshold, plus any distortion that was created due to the compression process. Once applied, it can't be reversed.

However, if you have a track that has not enough dynamic, you could use an Expander (which is the opposite of a compressor). It is tricky to set the parameters and your results may vary. But keep in mind, you won't get back the original dynamic of that track.

Here is the bad news. GarageBand has most of Logics Plugins, but not all, and the Expander Plugin is one of them that is missing in GarageBand.

Hope that helps

Edgar Rothermich - LogicProGEM.com

(Author of the "Graphically Enhanced Manuals")

http://DingDingMusic.com/Manuals/

'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.'

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