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Audio levels?
I am editing HD material to make a DVD. Thinking about audio, which levels are recommended? The footages are seascapes where one can hear waves and occasional birds. Using Audio Mixer and iMac, it seems that a level of -30 seems to good for this kind of background audio. If aiming to level 0 I have to change the settings too much, since the recorded level is quite low, even if I have had the max recording level on the camera. Or … ?
Sverker Hahn, Stockholm
Slower is better!
Sony EX1
Final Cut Studio 2
iMac Intel
MacBook Pro 15″ -
3 Replies
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Since the beginning of digital audio, no one can use 0 level as a standard, unlike analog audio. At a maximum -12db is acceptable when doing interviews, but -20db is what most pro audio guys record at so they have the headroom in case a loud noise makes the audio peak.
Greg Ondera
http://www.Plexus.tv
http://www.SurgeonToday.org -
Hi, Greg,
So I wasn´t completely wrong, then? I will start with your suggestion of -20.
Thank you.
Sverker Hahn, Stockholm
Slower is better!
Sony EX1
Final Cut Studio 2
iMac Intel
MacBook Pro 15″ -
Do you mean record levels in the field or post production levels?
There are standards for post production broadcast levels which has been covered here a lot so a search of the forums will help. Even if you are making a DVD it would help to know what standard levels are so that your program has the right perceived loudness.
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