Hello everybody,
I always apply ACX mastering to all my projects, even radio sports, IVR etc. A client now asked my to amplify their audio to 0 db and I am not really sure what they mean and how to do that. Any thoughts? Thanks!
I always apply ACX mastering to all my projects
Usually a good call, but that may fall apart if the client has to closely match other works to a different standard.
Add a step at the end: Effect > Amplify > OK.
The default Amplify effect pushes the voice up to maximum volume without distortion. That would be 0dB.
Koz
Thanks koz!
- Is there someway to check if I have done this correctly before sending to the client?
- Do I apply limiter afterwards or not?
- Is there someway to check if I have done this correctly before sending to the client?
0dB is a magic loudness. You can’t be completely sure of anything at that value, but you can get close with turning on View > Show Clipping. You should get some red marks in your work. That normally signifies distortion, but in this case it signifies blue waves just going up to maximum and no more.
Are you submitting in MP3? That can create problems. MP3 creation can change the volume a little and that can increase distortion slightly, but then, MP3 works by creating slight distortion, anyway.
- Do I apply limiter afterwards or not?
Master normally using all three tools, then Amplify. The tools work together and clean up after each other. Can’t leave any out. Sorry. Audiobook Mastering used to be much longer. This is the quick, convenient method.
Koz
Low Rolloff for Speech strips out rumble, thunder, earthquake, and microphone errors and noises. RMS Normalize changes the voice until the loudness reaches audiobook standards completely ignoring tips and peaks of the blue waves. Limiter gently reduces the tips and peaks completely ignoring the loudness.
Amplify boosts everything completely ignoring loudness and peaks.
Messy things happen if you leave anything out. People will kill to have everything in one tool, but we ran into trouble when we tried.
Koz