How to properly master the volume on a project?

BD3344 wrote on 8/29/2013, 12:07 PM

On my last video project, I did not master the audio, and I found the audio to be a bit overbearing in the finished product. Do I master the overall audio of the project by clicking the "master" button and let it run through the whole project, and then save it? thanks.

Comments

Steve Grisetti wrote on 8/29/2013, 12:30 PM

Have you been setting your audio levels using the Master Audio meter? Never trust the volume you hear on your computer speakers.

BD3344 wrote on 9/2/2013, 11:59 AM

Steve, yes, I have been using the master volume meter, but what I'm concerned about is making sure that the overall volume of the track is at the right levels. How do you know when the real master volume of the track is actually being set. Do you have to push that little "master"button over the meters in the volume window?

Steve Grisetti wrote on 9/2/2013, 5:32 PM

I'm not sure I'm understanding the question, BD.

The meter shows your audio level. Keep it full but not over-modulating and your final video should sound great.

richard-amirault wrote on 9/2/2013, 5:50 PM

That "Master" button is not a button, but a label .. indicating that that meter is the Master output meter (opposed to sub bus meters that may show in the window)

musicvid10 wrote on 9/2/2013, 5:53 PM

The master volume will be louder because it adds the track volumes. -6dB is a nice round number.

MSmart wrote on 9/2/2013, 10:02 PM

To master my audio, I always use the 3:1 compression preset on each audio track; Track FX > Track Compressor with Auto gain and Smooth saturation enabled, sometimes 6:1. If sections of the audio track need additional attention, I add a volume audio envelope and raise or lower areas as needed.

In addition in have the NewBlue Audio Scrubber effects and use the Noise Reduction effect to minimize hiss/static/hvac noise.

Don't be afraid to use the compressors in VMS they work well. Keep the Track Compressor effect open as you play your video to see what effect it is having on your audio, that is, raising or lowering it as needed.

BD3344 wrote on 9/3/2013, 9:05 PM

ok, thanks everyone, that is very helpful!