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broadcast audio levels
Hi guys, been trying to figure it out. A local tv station has audio specificaions listed for max peak levels at +8dBm, where 0 VU = +4dBm. Submission will be on Digital Beta and the transfer is digital. I’m trying to find out where to limit my max peak/calibration. What is the equivalent in dBfs (or what does it mean in relation to reference tone levels).
Thanks
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4 Replies
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on your Sony VTR, -20dBfs is 0VU or +4dBu (or dBm if you reference to older Sony 600 ohm terminated gear).
In english – -20 is zero. That means that you have 20dB’s before digital clipping (or digital distortion).
Bob Zelin
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Almost everyone in the broadcasting business works on a system where maximum audio level should be no higher than 10DB over reference level. Your reference level (tone) belongs at -20DBFs on the DigiBeta’s meters, and your maximum permitted level on program material is 10DB over that, or -10DBFs. (PBS and its affilite stations want no more than 8DB over reference, or -12DBFs.)
Bill Stephan
Senior Editor/DVD Author
USA Studios
New York City -
so the -12 on final cut volume meter is the same as -12 DBFs?
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[Emanuel Ach] ” so the -12 on final cut volume meter is the same as -12 DBFs?”
Exactly. They can’t be relied upon for critical evaluation, but I’ve found that the peak readings track well with my professional hardware meters.
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