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The Videomaker's Journey: part seventeen |
Audio level calibration
The audio level gauges in some editing software are not related to standard
zero dB audio. [For audio recording purposes "zero
decibels" is the upper limit before distortion is evident - so it means the
loudest your soundtrack should ever normally be. Most of our soundtrack should
be in the "minus" range.]
The audio level has to be set by ear - this seems to be typical of some of the computer systems in use in the club I attend. This is not good enough - I have calibrated the audio level in my iMac -so that I can read the audio volume on an external audio level gauge, as I adjust the volume to the required level on each clip. Adjust the audio level so that most of the peaks touch zero dB. An occasional high level peak is OK - but no higher than about + 3dB. I have made a DVD with zero dB sound recorded on it. I use this to calibrate my audio level gauges and other equipment: |
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A now superceded JVC, S-VHS VCR serves as my audio level gauge.
If you still have an old Panasonic FS 90, S-VHS VCR and the audio doesn't work - it may be OK -some of these failed regularly. Make sure the power cord is disconnected from the power point. Remove the top from the case. The fold down control panel is connected by multiple wires to the internal circuit. The connector plug corrodes - unplug it and re-connect it - if that was the fault - it will now work.
This is how I set up my equipment
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[Some editing programs include Vu meters - Premiere Pro for example. For PC users there are a number of software sound meters available free from here. For general advice on getting the best from your soundcard look here. I have not tracked down any free Vu Meter software for Macs yet - please email me if you know one. - asstweb@theiac.org.uk]
If this nuisance noise is of a lower volume - the special effects "noise
reducer" may do the job.
The "noise reducer" removes the unwanted background music. Another way to get rid of excessive background noise, is to replace the bad dialogue with fresh dialogue which is lip synced to the video clip. Refer to Clip 11 (8 seconds) extract from New Beginnings. |
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The method
< Part 16 | Intro | Part 17E | Part 17G | Part 18 >
© copyright Arthur Bullock, 2008