Audio in FCP at DVinfo.net

Matthew Overstreet · February 6th, 2006, 09:34 PM

Hi,

Probably a stupid question but . . . when dealing with audio in FCP, everyone seems to say that you should keep audio peaks at -12dB. I do this and it sounds fine. I know that volume is somewhat independent from audio levels, but the question I have is . . . why is it that when I play a video on my computer, that the audio seems so much quieter than everything else. Meaning, I have to turn the volume way up to get it to an acceptable listening level, even though the peaks are at -12dB. Seems like I may be doing something wrong or there is simply something I don't understand. Any suggestions?

Matt

Chris Marty · February 6th, 2006, 10:21 PM

What's your hardware setup? I might be able to help if I can get a feel for how you're handling your audio output.

Your osX Audio/Midi setup will give you control over your outputs, but if you're using your built-in sound card, there's nothing more than a master volume, really.

If you're using aftermarket hardware (internal or external), it may be an issue of system output volume versus other outgoing channels.

The simplest option, of course, is that your master volume in FCP is dialed down.

Hope this is at least a little helpful.

Dave Wagner · February 8th, 2006, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Overstreet

Hi,

Probably a stupid question but . . . when dealing with audio in FCP, everyone seems to say that you should keep audio peaks at -12dB. I do this and it sounds fine. I know that volume is somewhat independent from audio levels, but the question I have is . . . why is it that when I play a video on my computer, that the audio seems so much quieter than everything else. Meaning, I have to turn the volume way up to get it to an acceptable listening level, even though the peaks are at -12dB. Seems like I may be doing something wrong or there is simply something I don't understand. Any suggestions?

Matt

I've heard that it should peak at 12dB. I try and keep mine between 6 and 12, and for almost everything, it sounds great. I don't have to adjust the volume controls much beyond the "standard settings" that I have them set at on my TV, theater system, PC, etc.

February 6th, 2006, 09:34 PM	#1
Matthew Overstreet Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Whitman, Massachusetts Posts: 168	Audio in FCP Hi, Probably a stupid question but . . . when dealing with audio in FCP, everyone seems to say that you should keep audio peaks at -12dB. I do this and it sounds fine. I know that volume is somewhat independent from audio levels, but the question I have is . . . why is it that when I play a video on my computer, that the audio seems so much quieter than everything else. Meaning, I have to turn the volume way up to get it to an acceptable listening level, even though the peaks are at -12dB. Seems like I may be doing something wrong or there is simply something I don't understand. Any suggestions? Matt

February 6th, 2006, 10:21 PM	#2
Chris Marty Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicago, Illinois Posts: 28	What's your hardware setup? I might be able to help if I can get a feel for how you're handling your audio output. Your osX Audio/Midi setup will give you control over your outputs, but if you're using your built-in sound card, there's nothing more than a master volume, really. If you're using aftermarket hardware (internal or external), it may be an issue of system output volume versus other outgoing channels. The simplest option, of course, is that your master volume in FCP is dialed down. Hope this is at least a little helpful.