Audio analysis & enhancement

In forensic audio analysis, if required AVF firstly use a range of software tools and techniques to enhance the quality and clarity of audio recordings. This may involve boosting the volume of the low level speech in a recording, filtering out unwanted background hiss and noise, mains hum reduction, the reduction of background music or Police/Ambulance sirens and reducing distortion or interference caused by factors such as wind or microphones rubbing against clothing.

Once the audio has been enhanced, we can then use a range of analytical techniques to extract information from the recording. This might involve identifying the number of speakers in a conversation, analysing the timing and duration of certain words or sounds, for example gunshots or mobile phone alerts. Other uses are in determining the authenticity of a recording as to whether it has been composited from other sources

Forensic audio analysis and enhancement can be used in a wide range of legal contexts, including criminal investigations, civil litigation, and corporate investigations. For example, in a criminal case, audio recordings might be used to identify the voices of suspects or to provide evidence of a particular conversation or exchange. In a civil case, audio recordings might be used to support a claim of poor/negligent instructions in a supervisory setting or discrimination in an employment tribunal.

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