Compressing V.O. Recordings

[David Roth weiss]

Chris,

I am not terribly fond of the FCP compression compression filter, however, in Sound Track Pro there are numerous presets for the compression filter that are worth trying. I can’t recall which one it was, but one of them was right on the money when I needed it. Take a peice of your VO and dink around with those presets for a while and I think you’ll hear one that’s just right.

Hope this helps,
DRW

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

As a starting point, adjust the Settings to my “all 2’s” formula:

Threshold (db) -20
Ratio 2
Attack Time 20
Release Time 200
Preserve Volume CHECKED (very important!)

Now click the viewer to display the actual audio track and set the Level to “2” or “3.”

Now, when you play the track it should be at a “more consistent” level.

You can play with my “all 2’s” formula if you want, but its a good starting point for compressing the levels without a lot of compressor “pumping.”
The “Threshold” setting will affect the clip the most… as you slide left, it brings more of the low levels UP.
The actual volume adjustment now comes from the “Level” slider on the actual audio track (and you can key-frame that if you want.)

[Chris Babbitt]

Thank you Thax. I’m going to print that out and save it for future reference.