Q: Getting consistent audio levels
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Aug 9, 2016 5:23 AMby BenB,Helpful- Without hearing/seeing the Timeline first hand, one can only give limited advice. But here goes.
- Each clip is recorded at its own gain level. Some are recorded louder than others. 0db simply means the "native" recorded level of that specific clips. Setting the gain on all to -6 changes each clip by -6db, it doesn't make them all limit to -6db. That's called a Limiter filter. So if you wanted to limit each clip relative to -3db (never hit 0, stay below at about -3db max), apply a limiter.
- Don't rely on the Timeline waveforms, they are not absolutes, but relative approximations. Go by the meters, then by your ears.
- A Compressor filter would go a long way, as it limits upper and lower gain levels, both. Where a Limiter only limits the upper gain level. Be careful, a Compressor will reduce dynamic range. That means the quiet parts and loud parts approach being the same level, which causes a production to sound artificial.
- When applying filters to all clips at once, with the same settings, apply to the first clip. Copy that clip. Select all other clips in the Timeline. Use the Paste Attributes function to place it in all the other clips. OR, place all the clips into a Compound Clip, the apply your effects, keyframes, filters to that Compound, to effect all enclosed media at once.
- Actually, a professional, such as myself, takes the time to work each clip, or similar groups of clips individually, for absolute best results. Any "do it quick, all at once" button will achieve inferior results.
- Here's a link to the Logic manual that explains all the audio effects that are in both Logic and Final Cut Pro X. Some very good information there.
