Adjust Playback Volume Without Affecting Project ?

Dave_B wrote on 2/22/2009, 3:49 AM

I would like to be able to adjust project playback volume in Vegas Pro 8.0 during editing without changing the actual project volume. I think I'm looking for something like the Hardware Meters & Fader I found in the trial version of Sound Forge 9, which seems to work fine. My understanding is that if I use the Vegas Master Output Fader for this it will change the actual project volume, which I don't want.

I found the Preview Fader & Meter but as indicated in the User Manual and Help files, they aren't active for Project Playback; they only apply to previewing done in the Explorer, Project Media, or Trimmer windows. I guess I could use the Windows Volume Control for Vegas, but I suspect I may just be missing something simple.

Related to that, if the Vegas Master Output Fader does affect actual project volume, is there a specific dB setting or any other way to disable this effect ? If I double-click on the slider, it returns to a default of -21 dB; is that possibly a "neutral" setting. For example, say I make volume edits to a sound clip with Sound Forge (Volume, Normalization, Wave Hammer, etc) because the clip will be used in multiple Vegas projects. If I then add the clip to a Vegas project, might the volume level I ended up with in SF be changed depending on the Vegas Master Output Fader setting ?

Any help is appreciated.

Dave

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 2/22/2009, 4:00 AM

"I guess I could use the Windows Volume Control for Vegas, but I suspect I may just be missing something simple."

Not missing anything at all. That is the simplest thing, and it's exactly what i do.

rraud wrote on 2/22/2009, 8:44 AM

I used (prior to installing my Echo card and using "purewave" mode) a free utility that enabled using the L-R mouse buttons to increase-decrease volume hovering over the icon on the task bar. As I recall one could also assign a keystrokes to mute and dim. I'll see if I can find it on the web or dig-out my old PC from the attic. Unless someone else knows where to find it... and.... if it would work with Vista.

Geoff_Wood wrote on 2/22/2009, 11:38 AM

Not quite the 'simplest thing' ! Mine is simpler, quicker, and as well as quick easy volume control, is a great 'peace of mind' thing to have for those nasty unexpected loud moments.

I built a diecast box with a 10K dual ALPS fader that sits bewteen my keyboard and BCF2000, and goes between my DAW (though hardware mixer, but that's incidental) and power amp. I was going to put Mute and Dim push-button switches on it, but flicking the fader is so easy I don't feel inclined to mess up the simplicity.

The most expensive part was getting a slot milled in the diecast box top ! Painted it nice vintage Hammertone Silver.

Instead of a linear fader, one could use a lever-operated rheostat for that real retro-feel !

geoff

Chienworks wrote on 2/22/2009, 9:05 PM

I would use the big convenient volume knob on the front of my amp, but the amp ended up on a shelf back in the corner to get it off the desk and it's just a little bit out of reach. Since i normally have Windows volume control open all the time anyway it's almost as easy as the physical control would be.

Geoff_Wood wrote on 2/23/2009, 12:21 AM

Not necessarily quickly (or at all) when Active Mic/Application/Windows/Driver/Soundcard goes ape. Not that my MOTU 24i ASIO is on the Windows Volume Control at all !

And I can twiddle my knob while mousing with my other hand. When using DAW applications I mean :-0

geoff

jbolley wrote on 2/23/2009, 8:06 AM

Also check out the NHT PCV pro. It's just a knob but for monitoring volume control it's worth it...

Jesse