Sorry, I chimed in on this one late, I am sure your project is well underway. I have owned Adobe for year, and the "trial" versions of their software is fully functional for 30 days (i.e. Audition). I actually got the trial of Adobe CC to modify some flash work I was doing a month ago to make sure it was updated correctly to the current flash versioning on the streets. A trial version of Audition should be similar.

I wish Izotope RX was not so expensive.  I suspect it would do a better job than anything I or others have mentioned.  Has anyone ever tried this plugin: http://www.spl-usa.com/De_Verb_plugin_p/2986.htm
 
I have never tried.  One of the problems with the recording is that the reverb created by recording  from far away in a lecture hall makes it harder to use noise reduction plugins.  The white noise and voice reflections are somewhat "glued" together.  I think I will download the trial once i clear up some other projects I am working on.

'Just found this thread and wanted to chime in on iZotope's RX3 -

the "dereverb" and "dialog denoiser" features are new to the Advanced version.

RX3 Advanced is my go-to waveform editor (replacing Sound Forge in my Utilities drop-down menu in Sonar) and is one
truly amazing editor "add-on" to Sonar!
(Save up and get the standard version, then wait for a discounted upgrade path - you won't be sorry!)

I'm thinking that the 128kbps MP3 isn't the best format for detailed cleaning - BUT -
I have yet to try either new feature, both of which might be the ticket on your files.

For "practice", I would like to try it on one of your files.

If you are still working on this project, PM me and I'll get one of those from you for "experimental purposes".

Cheers,
MG

he posted a sample file earlier.    i would love to hear what can be done in RX3.  WOuld be nice if someone here had Algorthmix's renovate to get a comparison of a high end product

Yes, Dub - I put that sample in my drop box and will try it if he's done with all of the full-length files.

My thought was that if he was still working through them, I'd help by working on one!

RX also features the ability to do batch files, which I've used with great success.
(Nothing too custom - just generic processing.)

IF - all of the lectures were recorded in the same space, from the same spot, with roughly the same number of attendees,
then some gentler settings could be used with the batch feature and make light work of those 40 lectures...!

Regards,
MG