Establishing a Guide for Refining the Sonic Quality of Malay Classic Film Music: A practice-led Research

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) has accelerated the use of digital technologies in creative industries, yet the sonic quality of classic Malay film music remains compromised by mid-20th-century recording limitations. Archival soundtracks often suffer from noise, tonal imbalance, and reduced clarity, while systematic restoration efforts in Malaysia remain limited. This study applies a Practice-Led Research methodology to establish a structured, multi-platform workflow for audio restoration, combining FL Studio, iZotope Ozone, and DaVinci Resolve Fairlight. Each platform was assigned specialised tasks, including noise reduction, spectral balancing, and dynamic optimisation. A case study of Mak Inang confirmed the workflow’s effectiveness: signal-to-noise ratio improved by +4.62 dB, dynamic range increased by 0.43 dB, and high-frequency extension was enhanced. Expert and non-expert listening evaluations validated these improvements, confirming that the workflow preserved timbral authenticity while improving clarity and spatial definition. Benchmarking against single-platform approaches highlighted the advantages of a modular design, while safeguards against over-processing ensured historical fidelity was maintained. Beyond technical outcomes, the methodology aligns with UNESCO’s guidelines for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and offers a model that can inform Malaysian and Southeast Asian archival policies. By bridging contemporary listening standards with cultural authenticity, the workflow provides both a practical restoration guide and a scalable framework for heritage audio preservation.