Editing Live Compilations

[Hugh Mungus]

I want to be able to make a live compilation where you can't notice the transitions between songs. Is it simply just a cross fade that is used? I have a few ideas for some compilations I would like to make and I would like to re-edit my "ManOfTheHour 2000 Tour Compilation" that I did a couple years ago. The two programs I have are Audacity and Sound Forge 10 but I cant seem to figure out how to do this. I'm hoping that maybe Ridley, LowLight79, Spenno, or Chud could give me some tips or info. I have Compilations from all of you that I think sound incredible and I would like to contribute some of my own.

[Norah]

Yeah you pretty much crossfade the crowd noise between songs. I line them up to overlap a bit in multitrack sessions and then fade them into and out of each other. I use Adobe Audition so that might not be much help to you.

[Hugh Mungus]

Thanks. I'll try downloading that and see if I can figure it out.

[Norah]

It's not free, unless ya know, you steal it.

[Hugh Mungus]

Anyone know of a free editing program I could try?

[Birds in Hell]

I've used Audacity for all the mixes I've made, it's free.

[Hugh Mungus]

I have Audacity. I can't figure out how to ad multiple tracks in and line them up so I can cross fade. I will spend some more time with it and try and figure it out.

[Birds in Hell]

I'm busy this minute but I'll come back and give a quick explanation later.

[Alex]

I'm busy this minute but I'll come back and give a quick explanation later.

what's occupying your time?

[Hugh Mungus]

Ok, thanks.

[LetMeSleep]

Didn't Jorge do a quick audacity tutorial video?

[nyquillyn]

open Audacity >> open a track >> import next track >> Use the time-shift tool (<-->) >> align the edges of the tracks so the audience noise overlap a bit >> highlight first/top track >> effect cross fade out >> highlight next/bottom track >> effect cross fade in >> repeat >> export >> go steal a copy of Audition

[Hugh Mungus]

Thanks, sounds easy enough. I'll give it a try later when I get some time.

[hlniv]

open Audacity >> open a track >> import next track >> Use the time-shift tool (<-->) >> align the edges of the tracks so the audience noise overlap a bit >> highlight first/top track >> effect cross fade out >> highlight next/bottom track >> effect cross fade in >> repeat >> export >> go steal a copy of Audition

The most frustrating thing I haven't yet figured out is how to set up a multi-track project in Audactiy and export into individual tracks once the lining up, fading, etc... is complete. I've just always cut it back to a single track, exported, undid the cut, cut what I exported, shifted to the next track, and repeated. There has to be a better way. Any pointers on that one?

[ridleybradout]

Hey Hugh, I didn't realise you were ManOfTheHour

Sounds like you might be sorted with Audacity, but I thought I'd chip in with my two cents.

I use Nero Wave Editor and SoundTrax - both easy, user friendly and free:

http://www.nero.com/ena/downloads/

Really simple and intuitive controls to fine tune fade-ins/outs, cross fade and change volume, which is sometimes needed when the crowd noise is too different between tracks.

I also really like how you can zoom in with the scroll wheel, I don't think Audacity does that...

[nyquillyn]

open Audacity >> open a track >> import next track >> Use the time-shift tool (<-->) >> align the edges of the tracks so the audience noise overlap a bit >> highlight first/top track >> effect cross fade out >> highlight next/bottom track >> effect cross fade in >> repeat >> export >> go steal a copy of Audition

The most frustrating thing I haven't yet figured out is how to set up a multi-track project in Audactiy and export into individual tracks once the lining up, fading, etc... is complete. I've just always cut it back to a single track, exported, undid the cut, cut what I exported, shifted to the next track, and repeated. There has to be a better way. Any pointers on that one?

When cutting it up, I highlight the part of the tracks I want (you'll have to drag up or down) with the text tool, then >> file >> export selection. I would imagine there's a sexy way to do it, but it's always worked well for me.

But you guys should really do whatever ridleybradout does, because his shit is awesome.

[Hugh Mungus]

Yeah, I think I will follow ridleybradout's advice and try that first. It sounds like Audacity might not be the easiest or best way to go. I appreciate all the feed back from everyone.

[Norah]

If you can steal a copy of Audition from the Internet I'd recommend doing so. It's incredibly easy and intuitive.

[Hugh Mungus]

I'm not above stealing from the internet. This is an option.

[Norah]

Just don't get version 2.0

1.5 is fine, as is 3.0. Any of the version in the CS line after that will also work. (CS5, CS6, etc)

Just avoid 2.0, it's awful.