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In this Quicktip, learn how to work with the Frequency Spectrum View to analyze and identify any unwanted noises from a selected audio file in Soundtrack Pro 2.

Though a common way to address problems with sound quality is to navigate to the Process tab on the Toolbar and then select the Noise Reduction option, using the Frequency Spectrum View offers an easier and more efficient way to clean up the assemblage of issues that might be found in an audio file. You can access this function by going to the top right corner of the project window and choosing "Frequency Spectrum View".

Doing so will give you a clear visual presentation of the glitches in your audio, (better than what you'd be able to see just by looking at the wave form). With this view you can also implement two different scales: Linear and Logarithmic. Linear would be the appropriate choice if you're trying to see each of the frequencies, whereas Logarithmic would be better if you want to view the oscillations in a greater range.

To isolate the problem areas in your audio file, go to View on the Toolbar, scroll down to File Editor Display and select Show Spectrum Controls. Once that is done, you'll get a Heads Up Display (HUD) which will allow you to hone in on the parts of the file that you want to work with. On the HUD you can set the min/max frequency (Hz) and power (dB), which will allow you to determine the degree to which you focus on specific problems within the file. After you've done that, choose the "Frequency Selection Tool" in the top left corner under the Toolbar, because it will let you designate the portion of the audio that you want to alter. Be sure to play around with different settings of min/max to see which view is best--certain perspectives may offer you better visibility in terms of "problem areas".

Enjoy!