FORENSICS: AUDIO CLARIFICATION SERVICES

Oftentimes, audio recordings received by Primeau Productions will have quality issues for one reason or another. Clarification can be an important factor when an audiotape is to be used in a legal situation – as is maintaining the integrity of the actual recording. Our staff is well-versed in industry techniques and techno-equipment used to help achieve audio clarity challenges you may face whether your need is related to audio forensics assistance or otherwise.

Primeau Productions will be pleased to assist your audio clarification objectives. Meanwhile, here’s an overview of common audio clarifications encountered and how they’re routinely dealt with.

Noise Removal/Sound Clarification:

This process involves the use of fairly sophisticated electronic/computer equipment involving outboard equalizers and noise suppressors. Extraneous noise or audio distortions are analyzed for waveform structure and for frequency type. Once identified, these noise/distortion frequencies and waveforms can be minimized through equalization. The goal is to reduce unwanted noise while enhancing or boosting the true sound – to attain clarified audibility.

Voice Identification and Comparison:

Generally, this is a multi-part procedure. First, voice sample is identified, both aurally and visually, using computer technologies. Sentence structure, vowel and consonant pronunciation, voice tone, pitch and accents are carefully reviewed. Visual examination of sound wave shape, time/distance relationships with regard to speech patterns, and integral amplitude also come under scrutiny.

When the quality of the submitted recording is poor, steps to address clarity will be taken and/or the same noise occurring on the audiotape may be added to the exemplar to reach a scientific conclusion. An exemplar would be created in an effort for the forensics professional to be able to compare “apples to apples”.

The exemplar is made with the same audio characteristics used during the recording process as the original recording. If possible, the same recording device is used in creating the exemplar – all in an effort to duplicate factoring characteristics as closely as possible.

When the process is complete, the voice can be identified and compared. A statistical report, incorporating numerics attributed to the varying values discovered, is issued at completion. The number of similarities and dissimilarities must be noted to arrive at a conclusion.

Generally, the following chart is employed as a guideline in determining conclusions:

• Probable identification = + 10
• Possible identification = + 8-9

• Probable elimination = - 10
• Possible elimination = - 8-9

Anything with a -8 or lower similarities or dissimilarities rating represents an inconclusive finding.

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	Forensics Services – AUDIO and VIDEO SERVICES
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