Any effects that can make a low quality mp3 sound better?

[mutantdog]

I know it's a lossy format and i can't actually restore that which is gone but...

I'm wondering if there's any processors or effects i can use to make it sound less crap. I've noticed most of the digital artifacts and major aliasing is on the side signal so one option would be to reduce it to mono and then use a stereoizer type of effect. However I'm thinking if i could somehow smear the side a a little and then use some sort of reverb or delay it might sound okay.

The big problem though is that it has some sort of brickwall lowpass at 12kHz so there's nothing above that, Perhaps some sort of harmonic exciter might work to add something in that range?

Obviously i'm not expecting to get an awesome sound as the end result, this is just more of a pet project to see what can be done. Any suggestions?

[sqigls]

find a WAV

[soulone82]

https://www.zynaptiq.com/unchirp/

[chk071]

I know it's a lossy format and i can't actually restore that which is gone but...

Well, you got it, right there. Anything you would further apply would additionally subtract from the original, so...

[mutantdog]

find a WAV

Not an option.

https://www.zynaptiq.com/unchirp/

Looks like exactly the thing i want but way too expensive, although maybe it's worth just using the demo on this one track.

[bbtr]

Yes, I also hate it when most porno clips come in full HD video (or thereabouts) and 128 bit mp3 audio. Because, some vocal performances are worthy of a bit or two more....

[MadDogE134]

may help may not... but possibly a saturation plugin or something that adds harmonic distortion which will add additional content based on what is there. problem is... it will enhance the bad also that may be present but it is a better chance than just using a compressor or limiter that will increase the levels (although some compressors based on analog equipment may in fact add harmonic distortion same as a saturation type plugin) some saturation plugs such as tape simulators can be added only to sides or mids and vice versa. if that increases say hiss from adding harmonic distortion to a crappy original may be remedied by using a de-esser to remove that section from the output.

like i said it may or may not help but that is what i would try to get more from less if you get my meaning. cheers and good luck

[mickbenjamins]

The big problem though is that it has some sort of brickwall lowpass at 12kHz so there's nothing above that, Perhaps some sort of harmonic exciter might work to add something in that range?

Firstly, nothing will ever get the original sound back. That's a given, and you seem to realize that.

That said, maybe you can try duplicating the track, and then pitching up the duplicate track. Just to get some sounds in the high frequencies? Of course you'd have to high-pass this copy, so the rest of the track doesnt get affected by it.

I haven't tried this myself, but it would be the easiest way to get 'something' in the upper frequency range

[MadDogE134]

good idea about duplicating the track... on the new duplicate you could hi-pass removing all the low end and use the saturation as i stated on just the upper range to add the harmonics to just that section if you only want the highs back somewhat or maybe a multiband compressor using only the higher bands. these are only routes you might take but as the adage goes... "you can't polish a turd" goes without sayin'

[Elektronisch]

There is not much you can do, but from my expierience i can tell you that it can sound a little bit nicier if you will add sublte bit reduction with bitcrusher. It adds some saturation on the top end wich makes it a bit "fuller" sounding

[mutantdog]

Just tried duplicating the track with Little AlterBoy: pitch +12, full saturation, used some fairly extreme pre and post eq, followed by some M/S widening. On it's own it sounds really artificial but mixed in slightly it does add a little bit of excitement that kinda fits with the original. Maybe worth exploring in more depth.

[virtualpt]

https://www.zynaptiq.com/unchirp/

What he said ^^

[Neon Breath]

Adding sugar only once the cake is baked is always a bad idea.

[heavymetalmixer]

Airwindows NotJustAnotherDither and NotJustAnotherCD.

[Halonmusic]

Yes, I also hate it when most porno clips come in full HD video (or thereabouts) and 128 bit mp3 audio. Because, some vocal performances are worthy of a bit or two more....