Distortion and other artifacts after extensive audio edits

Question

Level 1

30 points

Distortion and other artifacts after extensive audio edits

After extensive edits on a lead vocal, I started getting distortion in specific, isolated spots and what sounded like clicks or "bumps" from bad edits when comping the vocal. Those issues aren't in earlier saved files of the track from the same session.

The work-around seems to be to create a new audio track, copy/paste the channel strip settings from the original, and then drag the affected audio region into the new track. If I just duplicated the original track instead of creating a new one then pasting the channel strip the bad artifacts were still there. I've had the same thing happen with guitars tracks in the past.

Anyone else had the same experience? Know why it happens or any preventive measures?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.4

Posted on May 7, 2025 11:13 AM

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Answer 1

yoyoBen

Level 4

3,329 points

May 7, 2025 04:27 PM in response to Jesilv

Instead of bouncing you could also freeze the tracks.

I mentioned gain-staging because I don't know if there are plugins inserted and/or if the signal is too hot. The issue with post-fader metering is that you can make the meter (signal) look good even if it's not. BTW, I don't know how the OP's issue sounds like because a sound example is not provided.

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Answer 2

yoyoBen

Level 4

3,329 points

May 7, 2025 11:42 AM in response to Jesilv

Just guessing:

• CPU Overload? Bounce the track including Plugins or/and increase the I/O Buffer

• Flex enabled? de-activate Flex

• Gain-Staging issues? In the top Main Menu, go to Mix > Pre-Fader Metering, activate it and check your levels again

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Answer 3

Jesilv Author

Level 1

30 points

May 7, 2025 12:11 PM in response to yoyoBen

Tried I/O Buffer and toggling Flex but didn't make any difference. Bouncing the track might be a last resort, too, but I do so much tinkering I resist "carving in stone" as long as possible. I don't know why level would suddenly become an issue when the editing has been almost exclusively timing issues, but will check gain staging, too. Thanks, Ben.

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