CEDAR Audio have announced that the latest version of their flagship noise reduction and audio restoration system is now available. Said to be a significant step forward for the suite, CEDAR Cambridge 14 delivers new major processes, as well as a range of new features and architectural improvements.
New Processes
The recently announced VoicEX Voice Extractor is included, a processor which is capable of separating voices from other sounds. The simple interface offers a level control for the voice and background elements of the sound, and does so using a unique algorithm which the company say offers superior noise reduction when compared to traditional signal processing techniques.
Trinity Enhance Plus allows users to suppress background noise and increase the intelligibility of speech.A new Trinity Enhance Plus module provides a filter bank derived from the company’s latest CEDAR Trinity surveillance system, and is designed specifically for audio forensic applications. Aiming to increase the intelligibility of speech recordings, the interface provides users with independent level controls for speech and background noise, along with Rumble, Motor, Noise+ and Hiss parameters. CEDAR say that it is easy to use despite its flexibility, and is capable of delivering excellent results across a wide range of source material.
Another new addition, Isolate, is described as a blind source separation module, and has been developed to tackle the issue of poor intelligibility of recordings captured in a noisy environment. Recordings or streams captured using a suitable multi-channel microphone array can be routed through Isolate, which CEDAR say can then identify and separate all of the individual sources within the recording (not just the loudest ones). A new Mixer module has also been added, and has been designed specifically to allow users to monitor the signals provided by Isolate, making it possible to identify and reconstruct material from its multi-channel output.
Other Improvements
As well as the new processes, Cambridge 14 also introduces a number of enhancements and improvements to its existing line-up. The algorithm used for Time Stretch has been optimised for speech signals, with users now able to adjust the speed of signals between 20 and 200 % without altering their pitch. The functionality also extends to AV files, allowing video synchronisation to be maintained whilst applying stretching.
A Voice Activity Detector function uses AI to indicate where it is most likely that speech occurs in a file, allowing those working with large volumes of files in fields such as forensic audio to identify and locate important sections of their timeline.
The software is also now capable of saving video files with any processed audio synchronised with the video it was extracted from, rather than having to export the restored audio and match it back up in another software application. The process also still works if any time stretching has been applied, with the video correctly rendered to ensure its duration and synchronisation remain consistent with the edited audio.
Lastly, CEDAR Cambridge 14 is now compatible with the Opus audio file format, which has been widely adopted by manufacturers working in the fields of audio forensics and surveillance.
Pricing & Availability
CEDAR Cambridge 14 is available now, and existing users are able to upgrade to the latest version for free. Pricing for modules and systems can be obtained through official CEDAR dealers.
