Tips on increasing Audio levels in Vegas???

belsokar wrote on 8/19/2003, 3:21 AM
Hi,

I have some video with fluctuating sound levels...basically, one person's voice comes through loud and clear, while the other person's voice is much lower. I would basically like to even them out a bit, and was wondering what the best tools to use in Vegas 4 would be...

I haven't really dabbled much in terms of audio in vegas, so any tips are appreciated....thanks!

Comments

PeterWright wrote on 8/19/2003, 3:34 AM
The basic way is to Right Click on the Audio Track header, select Insert Envelopes / Volume, and an envelope, which is here a blue line - will appear.

Double clicking anywhere on this line creates Nodes, or pivot points.
Dragging these or the line either side enables you to ramp volume up for the quiet speaker and down for the loud one. Don't over adjust, or you may introduce noise, which may need treating separately ...
TorS wrote on 8/19/2003, 3:54 AM
Try Peter's advise first. Then - if you're not happy or if you want to experiment, drop the graphic dynamics filter on the sound track. Try out different compression presets. They will raise the general volume of your track while keeping the already loud parts in place. Learn how to use those presets and eventually how to adjust them and save your own.
Tor
belsokar wrote on 8/19/2003, 4:16 AM
How do you "drop the graphic dynamics filter on the sound track"...I tried Peter's advice, and it doesn't seem to increase the volume level enough in the low points...furthermore, it does increase noise on the track...

thanks for these tips by the ways!
belsokar wrote on 8/19/2003, 4:21 AM
I found the graphic dynamics filter and applied, that does exactly what I need it to!!! Thank you very much! :) it does introduce a little unwanted noise, but I'm sure I can play with the presets and different settings to find something that works...

thanks again for all the help
PeterWright wrote on 8/19/2003, 4:42 AM
Belsokar - hope you get a satisfactory outcome.
Fixing up audio is usually possible to some degree, but hard work.

Being faced with tasks like this helped me to realise how much easier it is to record good audio to start with!

peter
Grazie wrote on 8/19/2003, 5:18 AM
Peter is absolutely correct.

Audio, where it really matters, e.g. interviews, HAS to be done correctly. There is no other solution. Yes, one can filter and "bump" the floor - the functions in our Vegas4 suite are fab. But, this is not an alternative to correctly captured sound. This is timely for me as I'm dithering over a further +£300GBp Senni radio mic kit. I've got to this point as I'm not yet satisfied with the present set-up I use. Yes, I've got a Senni MK66 shotgun - it is an extremely excellent handheld or "mounted" ambient sound removal mic - but, it is that good that it will pick up reflected and sound surrounding the "subject". So . . it's gonna be wallet time . . again.

Grazie
farss wrote on 8/19/2003, 5:52 AM
Wireless mics are very useful, particulalry for weddings, I canot believe the number of wedding guys I've come across how never think about the audio.

But I'd think there's a limit to just how good you can get sound outside a studio, there's no magic tricks to getting good sound out of an interview next to a main road.

Reflections are another problem and as good as wireless mics are they do have their limitations as well. If you use the lapel variety they can pick up noise from clothing and a fair amount of background as well. They're not that close to the person speaking.

If you were buying them I'd suggest getting a lapel mic and a handheld, depends upon what your shooting of course, I've had good results using a handheld on a short stand on a table during a discussion, good thing I like about the wireless gear is not having to worry about cables. Also some of the transmitters will take in balanced line level, very handy if your getting a feed from a desk that's a long way away.
Grazie wrote on 8/19/2003, 6:48 AM
farss, as always yer good value - thanks!

Yup, handheld hard wired XLR to Cammie and perhaps now a lapel mic wireless for the subject. I'm also considering a type of forum "flat" mic. Maybe I can wireless this up too?

Anyways that's me . . .

Grazie