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Audio Levels for broadcast
Hey,
I have to do a final audio mix on this project that will be broadcast on Cable TV, and I got a few questions:
The spec sheet says:
“NOC house reference is +8dBM @ 1 KHZ for analog and +4dBM for Digital.
in bars, audio levels should be -20 (VTR output)
In Program, audio should average -15 (VTR output) and not exceed -10 (VTR output)”I have no external VU monitor. I will need to burn this to DVD. I usually have my dialogue peaks hit -6 dB. I guess I should bring everything down to -10. Should I just mix normally, then bring down the overall level to -10? That just seems really low to me. Is there a difference between regular output and VTR output? What’s NOC house reference? I’ll be bringing it into Soundtrack Pro.
Thanks. I love this site!
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3 Replies
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If your levels are between -20 and -12 in FCP, you will be fine. From your post, it seems you do not have experience in broadcast delivery. DVD is excepted as a delivery format of on extremely rare conditions. Check with them on the delivery format. DVCAM, Beta SP, Digi Beta, etc.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Director-At-Large
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group -
[Steve Eisen] “DVD is excepted as a delivery format of on extremely rare conditions.”
To paraphrase HBO promotions:
Its not TV… its CABLE.
😉
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Add bars and tone to the top of your program and set tone level to match their spec. Since they use -20, and FCP’s default tone level is -12, just pull it down 8 db in the time line. Bars, tone and slate are probably a part of their delivery specifications as well.
Then mix so that your peaks don’t exceed -10 on the FCP meter, and try to make it average -15. The reason the mix level seems a bit low is that the signal will be compressed for broadcast or cablecast, and the compression will not treat the higher audio levels well.
What is your delivery format? I you use your reference tone to set the input levels of the VTR, the VTR will match what you do in FCP. Put the vtr in EE and adjust input levels as you play back -20 bars. When your meters read -20 on the deck you are ready to record.
I would do your initial mix for delivery format, and worry about the DVD later.
Tom
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