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Audio levels for web series
I am finishing up a project and am looking for some insight as to where my sound levels should be.
I know there are probably a lot of opinions, and I’ve searched through the forum and can’t find just the right options.
I have a series of web videos. They are mostly either dialogue/music or voice over/music with a few sound effects but nothing major.
I’ve mixed the sequence currently with my audio peaking around -6. I’ve heard some strategies that for video being delivered over the web to keep it high because gosh knows what kinds of speakers it will be played out of.
Back in the day I used to edit for a different website and they wanted everything at -12.
The current plan is for the videos to be encoded into flash for delivery. I’m not sure if that has any bearing on how I should set the final levels for these.
Thanks for your help and insights
-Ben
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4 Replies
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[Benjamin Oliver] “I know there are probably a lot of opinions, and I’ve searched through the forum and can’t find just the right options.”
There are a lot of opinions because there is no standard since it’s the web.
I generally keep my audio around -12dB. I allow loud hits to go above that, but not above -6dB.
Rob Grauert, Jr.
http://www.robgrauert.com
command-r.tumblr.com -
I’ve had client requests as high as -3 (absolute peaks)
There’s nothing wrong with going that high. like you said you never know who has unpowered cheap speakers and for them high levels will be ideal.
as long as it’s not slammed at a constant zero like those lovely youtube users like to do… 🙂
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I keep my output level to the same as yours -6db peak for online.
What I do think you should consider is the implications of outputting to Flash.
I took all my website showreel footage off flash a year or so ago after numerous messages from producers saying they couldn’t access it on mobile devices whilst in pre production meetings. Take a look at the number of iPads and iPhones out there, whether you like them or not they’re now a huge portion of the audience.
Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/ -
Thanks for all the great feedback.
As for Flash, that is not up to me, but the client. I think once html 5 gets more prevalent a change will be made.
Thanks,
-Ben
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