How To Simulate Everyday Situations?

[auriaben]

How can I simulate everyday situations like understanding voice in a crowded restaurant, on a train, on the phone, on the radio (old radio with lower quality)?

[Spud]

Old radio sound is probably just eq to take out the top and bottom end, maybe some subtle distortion too? Rooms and spaces can be simulated with the convolution reverb and echo.

[ajmack302]

Old radio sound is probably just eq to take out the top and bottom end, maybe some subtle distortion too? Rooms and spaces can be simulated with the convolution reverb and echo.

As Spud says, eq'ing would work, ProQ for example has a preset called Phone for those type of settings, also Timeless plugin has a lot of variations that include settings for a vinyl crackling kind of sound and an old fashioned radio sound amongst other crazy presets.

[martygras]

I love recording simulated old stuff and ambient sound effects.
My friends and I recently got together to create some crowd noises. (restaurant, theater, etc.)
We recorded about 12 takes of stereo audio with 4 people making everyday noises. It was really fun. We had to throw away several takes due to excessive silliness.

I recommend everyone try this at least once.

For radio sounds try several stages of mild overdrive as this replicates what happened to the sound when broadcast back then.
Oh, and try using some of the convolution reverbs for the room ambience.