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Tech Reports & Audio Levels
Hi all,
I have two queries…that in some ways are related.
I have edited and dumped down a TV commerical onto Beta SP, PAL 16:9 – via Final Cut Pro, Blackmagic Decklink and into the UWP 1800.
My audio levels in FCP are set to – 18db. That is for the bars and tone, as well as the commercial peaking at just over this level as well. I then set this level upto 4 on my PPMs and into the Beta Recorder. It does look a low on the Beta’s levels and I have had complaints about the level being low on the tape. Am I doing all of this correctly? How can I assure that the -18db in Final Cut is -18bd on the tape.
Secondly – the tech report – I have a tech reports with aspect ratio, programme codes, audio levels etc. – which I fill out accordingly. But I obviously I am not sure that what I am putting, in regard the audio especially, is correct. On top of this, in order for the commercial to be broadcast, I transfer the Beta SP to Digi Beta with another company. They are acting as the quality control at the moment (with regards the sound) but obviously I want to make sure I am giving them the right information and content on the tape.
Hope someone can help – I will also post this in the Blackmagic and FCP forums.
Thank you.
Xavier
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3 Replies
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And one other thing, in FCP you should be mixing your levels to just under 0dBfs, WITHOUT going into the red at all. If you go into the red, back it off until you don’t.
Peter -
So you set the tone in FCP to -20dbfs. Then mix your audio to just under 0 dbfs.
Is that correct? Or will you then have clipping when the station or wherever sets their analog meters to 0 dB while your program will be mixed at +20dB?
Please confirm asap.
Thanks guys!!!!
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sure – equate neg 20 db on fcp to o-level (vu) on you deck, most broadcasters restrict any material to peaking 8db above reference,
sooooo, you fcp meters should never peak above -12 db(if you’re reference at (-20db) – peak hold is useful here. Long term – invest in a pair of hardware ppms, they’re invaluable.
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