Broadcasting audio specs
 

Hello, Im currently a month away from getting my 24min doco on Network television. I have the specs sheet from Ten, but thier audio requirments are confusing me.

Heres the spec: "Audio reference level (line-up level) shall be minus 20db (or 0 VU), however, minus 18db is acceptable."

Its not an analogue video, its shot on DV so I presumed it line up level would be -6db.. Will this be alright?

No. 0 VU would be analogue. It would appear the digital level should be -20 or -18db.

That is a bit too low. -12 or -6 dB is more common.

Not in the US. -20db is pretty close to 0db analog. FCP defaults to -12db, which really annoys my colleagues that edit for broadcast with it.

Damn, Im gonna have to ring up a TD. Cause I also reckon -20db is really low. Im sure if I keep it at one level they sould be able to adjust it at thier end.

Blake, the specs are correct, for broadcast the audio reference level should be no higher than -18dB. What that means is: most of your audio should be around this level (people talking normally), yelling or other repeated noise at -10dB, in order to leave room for peaks like gunshuts for example.

Hey Ervin thanks for the info. So are you saying set my 1min tone to -18db? Do you know why do they have it at this level? is it something to do with a higher dynamic range?
Jeez corporate is so easy, Broadcast is a different beast altogether.

It's not only your tone that you need to set at -18dB, but most of your audio should be around that mark. Yeah, broadcast is strictly regulated, the station needs to make sure you're not too low or too loud; besides, they need to have your program lower than their commercials... you know, the yelling salesman needs a little room in order to be able to attract attention.