D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.

Q: how to average audio levels

This is a 'how-to-best-use-FCP 10.2 question

 

I recorded a stage musical with a one camera setup and the scenes are achingly low in volume and the songs (which were mic'd) are very hot.  Can I get some suggestions on how to globally bring up the low scenes without further blowing out the songs?  There are too many scenes and songs to want to go in and keyframes spot corrections.  Limiting did not work well.  Thanks.  Glen

Posted on Apr 12, 2016 4:22 PM

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Q: how to average audio levels

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  • by Alchroma,

    Alchroma Alchroma Apr 12, 2016 6:11 PM in response to D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.
    Level 6 (19,036 points)
    Video
    Apr 12, 2016 6:11 PM in response to D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.

    First up, duplicate the Project and work on the Duplicate.

     

    Select a clip and use Loudness and adjust as desired.

    Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 11.07.06 AM.png

    When you are happy with the result, copy the clip, then use Paste attributes and apply to any others required.

    Select only the audio Attributes.

    Others audio effects can be used in a similar manner.

    Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 11.08.55 AM.png

     

    Al

  • by ehmjay,

    ehmjay ehmjay Apr 13, 2016 5:39 AM in response to D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.
    Level 1 (37 points)
    Apple Music
    Apr 13, 2016 5:39 AM in response to D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.

    Alchroma's solution is good, but if you want a little more fine-tuning, I suggest using some audio compression. You can find a compressor in the audio plugins section. This will allow you to make the quieter sounds louder, and limit the louder sounds as well. Dialing it in will take a little tweaking and trial and error but you should be able to get the results you're looking for.

  • by D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr.,

    D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr. D. Glen Vanderbilt Jr. Apr 13, 2016 11:19 AM in response to Alchroma
    Level 1 (34 points)
    Audio
    Apr 13, 2016 11:19 AM in response to Alchroma

    Thanks for the replies, but the first one does not work.  It changes all levels globally and the long clip's challenge is that there are scenes that are very soft alternating with songs that are very loud (it is one long clip).  While I have tried the limiter function (without success) I have not tried compressor in the plugins.  Thanks for the suggestion, will give it a try.