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Subject:Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Posted by: Brooks
Date:12/15/2009 11:43:05 AM
This may be a rookie question, but ... I've made my recordings (narration, mixed over a light music bed) digitally, creating peak levels at about -6db. My recordings (converted to MP3) sound rather low in volume compared to other recordings in iTunes (even lower than podcasts). Should I be raising the levels before converting to MP3? Or should I normalize? Thanks in advance for your help. |
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Subject:RE: Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Reply by: jbolley
Date:12/15/2009 12:31:32 PM
Yes, you should make it the volume you want before converting to mp3. Jesse |
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Subject:RE: Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Reply by: musicvid10
Date:12/15/2009 12:34:36 PM
You've asked several questions, but let's try to get you started. Peak levels for compressed file output are generally good at -1dBFS, so you should raise the levels or do a peak normalization to that level (same thing) before rendering. Perceived loudness is a function of peak and average (RMS) levels. If after raising your peak levels to -1dBFS, you find your material doesn't have enough "oomph," or the softs are too soft, then you should: 1) Add some compression to the program. For voice over light music, 2:1 or 3:1 should be sufficient, or: 2) Just add some compression to the peaks by using RMS normalization (called "raising the bed"), somewhere around -16dB to -12dB should be plenty in your case. Both will give different results, and which is best depends on your tastes and material. The tendency is to overdo compression, so keep in mind that less is better, always. Message last edited on12/15/2009 12:40:45 PM bymusicvid10. |
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Subject:RE: Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Reply by: Brooks
Date:12/15/2009 12:54:02 PM
That's excellent. Thanks! Peak Normalization at -1db looks like the best option. I'd rather not do any compression, as they are "relaxation" recordings (rather than dramatic readings). But I'll try it out, as you suggest. Can I assume that I should also Peak Normalize to -1 before burning to CD? |
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Subject:RE: Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Reply by: musicvid10
Date:12/15/2009 1:01:27 PM
1) You may not need it, but RMS norm at -18 or -16 will tame the hard consonants, plosives,and sibilants without affecting the rest. 2) Yes Message last edited on12/15/2009 3:50:53 PM bymusicvid10. |
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Subject:RE: Proper Levels for MP3/iTunes
Reply by: Brooks
Date:12/15/2009 1:33:08 PM
Thanks again! Extremely helpful. |