Using Peak Align in SoundReplacer

Proper use of the Peak Align feature can significantly improve the results of sound replacement. Since turning Peak Align on or off controls how SoundReplacer aligns the replacement audio with the source audio, it will significantly affect the timing of audio events in the replacement file.

In general:

Turn on Peak Align if you are replacing drum or percussion sounds whose peak level occurs at the initial attack.

Turn off Peak Align if you are replacing sounds whose peak level occurs somewhere after the initial attack. Peak Align should also be turned off if the sounds you are replacing are not drum or percussion sounds.

To illustrate why Peak Align makes a difference, look at the following two illustrations.

 

A fast-peaking kick drum

 

 

A slower-peaking kick drum

The first figure shows a fast-peaking kick drum whose peak level occurs at its initial attack.

The second figure shows a slower-peaking kick drum whose peak level occurs after its initial attack.

If you turn on Peak Align and attempt to replace the fast-peaking kick with the slow-peaking kick (or vice-versa), SoundReplacer will align their peaks—which occur at different points in the sound. The audible result would be that the replacement audio file (slow-peaking kick) would trigger too early.