Recommended Peak Audio Value?

Altair 4 wrote on 5/19/2008, 1:47 PM
I need audio advice in VMS 6 Platinum.

What is the recommended peak value for audio as shown on the Mixer graphics on playback? I've got too much audio that is hitting into the red zone and I'm guessing that is too high. Where should I let it peak?

Second, what is the best way to reduce the value as shown in the mixer? The clips I am working with are loud across their entire length.

Should I use Options, Preferences, Audio and set the "normalize" value there, and then select the entire audio track and then use Edit, Switches, Normalize?

Or, should I use the volume slider on the Voice track?

Which has the least impact on the quality of the final audio? Or are these two ways achieving exactly the same thing?

I don't think using a audio envelope is what I want, since the entire audio is too loud on final playback. I need something to reduce the levels on the entire audio track. Thanks!

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/19/2008, 2:59 PM
The track slider is probably your best bet, and certainly the simplest option. Quality-wise all volume options should be equal.

The ideal digital peak value is *just* below 0dB. Anything at all in the red is over the limit and distorted. Depending on your final output often lower values are recommended. If you're producing material for a TV station then probably -12 to -18dB is more appropriate. For a DVD somewhere around -6dB is better.