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The mysteries of the “loudness” enhancement
In FCP7 I use normalization gain all the time. Literally, I almost never drop a clip in the timeline without adding normalization gain. It got my audio in the ballpark, and I could use CMD+ and CMD- to easily tweak the level to perfection.
Has anyone found an easy normalization in FCPX? Is there another easy tool to use to help easily balance my audio clips?
So…
FCPX is supposed to automatically balance audio levels for you. It adds an audio enhancement for “loudness”. It’s there in the audio enhancements window along with background noise removal, and hum removal.
Two sliders “amount” and “uniformity” seems to be consumerspeak for something more professional.
With loudness applied, if you open the audio animation on the clip in the timeline, controls for compression open. It turns out that loudness is another term for compression with auto gain.
Amount pertains with the compressor threshold.
An amount of 20% sets the threshold to about -10db
40% sets the threshold to -20db
60% sets it to -30db
80% sets it to -40dbLikewise, uniformity translates to the compression ratio.
Uniformity of 6% = 2:1 compression
13% = 4:1
16% = 5:1
20% = 6:1
26% = 8:1
33% = 10:1
50% = 15:1There aren’t controls in the audio enhancement window, but you CAN control several parameters in the audio animation in the timeline, including attack, release, gain, knee, limiter threshold, and mix. These are all adjustable.
It looks like loudness is basically the Logic compressor with some of the admustments turned off.
I think I’ll set up a basic compressor preset for my narration and dialogue, apply it to my clips and tweak as needed, avoiding the loudness enhancement.
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I’m calling it FCX. They took the “pro” out, so I will too.
I’ll reconsider after the first upgrade.Mark Morache
Avid/Xpri/FCP7/FCX
Evening Magazine,Seattle, WA
blogging at https://fcpx.wordpress.com -
1 Reply
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Great info. Thanks. Have been trying to figure this out myself. So, that still the recommended procedure?
Do you use the limiter as well? Which do you do first? Does it matter?
Thanks for sharing.
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