Dynamic Decompression?

[miguelito]

I've asked this in the past but never got a clear answer so here goes again...

 

Is there any software/filter/etc that would on-the-fly (preferred) or offline allow me to undo dynamic compression? Is this at all possible really? Obviously the distortion coming from this compression cannot be removed...

[mansr]

A dynamic range expansion filter is possible, but it won't restore the original since it's impossible to know the exact compression applied at each point in the track.

[tranz]

Here is a good example of a multi band compressor. If you watch the video you can get an idea of what happens and how difficult it would be to roll that back unless you have the original recording stems and software.

 

http://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-in

 

In addition, there are many hardware compressors used that change sound in the analog domain, which would be impossible to roll back.

[misterspense]

I found one, after doing some searching on this. I was wondering the same, some music is so compressed or clipped it's almost unlistenable, so why not try to decompress it a bit. And there is one that does an impressive job, 'perfect declipper'. It can declip and 'restore' some of the natural dynamics. There is a free plug in that has some peeps and advertisement every minute or so, but I was able to use it with Foobar. The results are quit interesting. I haven't tried it yet with the Red hot chili peppers' Californication or Jagged little pill from Alanis Morisette, to name some great but horribly mastered music. There are a lot of options to try, it's fun and worth the try.

[Jim Smith]

I would LOVE to find such a device/program that worked!!!

[Miska]

I've asked this in the past but never got a clear answer so here goes again...

 

Is there any software/filter/etc that would on-the-fly (preferred) or offline allow me to undo dynamic compression? Is this at all possible really? Obviously the distortion coming from this compression cannot be removed...

 

There are plugins, for studio use, such as

Avid | Pro Expander

 

Most multi-track recording software bundles contain some kind of compressor/expander.

 

More commonly called and used as noise gates. Typical use case are for example drum microphone channels, to cut out background music and noise when drum is not being hit. Noise gate has some input threshold where it opens. Expander has more gentle curve. Expander has inverse input-vs-output gain slope compared to compressor.

[miguelito]

Thx guys... Will try ...

[CR250]

Thx guys... Will try ...

 

Reaper would be a good choice. Its very powerful, but easy to use.

 

REAPER | Audio Production Without Limits

[SavantGarde]

I've asked this in the past but never got a clear answer so here goes again...

 

Is there any software/filter/etc that would on-the-fly (preferred) or offline allow me to undo dynamic compression? Is this at all possible really? Obviously the distortion coming from this compression cannot be removed...

Stereotool has a couple of modules that try to ameliorate the effects of loudness-wars-mastering: Natural dynamics and Declipper (same as Perfect Declipper mentioned in previous post). It works live/on the fly as a VST plugin (Windows or OS X) or standalone application that you route audio to using JACK (OS X or GNU/Linux).