Audio Compression or Equalization

J

JillyFilmKid

New member
Anyone know how to equalize audio on Soundtrack Pro or Final Cut?

The sound of my clips are either too low or too loud and I want to make them equal, how can I do this?

A detailed walk-through would be appreciated, this is my first time to have this problem and I am perplexed! :huh:
 
"Equalization" has a rather specific meaning in audio.

I think the word you're looking for is "normalize", although normalization proccesses will typically boost the gain of a clip until the maximum peaks reach a desired level (typically -0dB).

Here's what you do: increase the gain of the quiet bits, and lower the levels of the loud bits.

A "compressor" can be used to automate this function by reducing the gain when the signal level exceeds a certain point, and then increasing the gain of the output signal. However, a compressor is best used to reduce the overall dynamics of a track, rather than being used to wrestle with under-recorded dialogue.

If you want a detailed walk-through, then you should probably crack open the software manual.
 
Hi JillyFilmKid,
Off course you can equalize your sound in STP and FCP very smoothly.
In FCP use /Effects/Audio Filters/Apple/AUGraphicEQ and /Effects/Audio Filters/Final Cut Pro/3 Band Equalizer or Parametric EQ. In STP use Channel EQ. Before using EQ you should have some knowledge about Frequency Band of audible sound. Good Luck.

Ashique Ahmed Khair
Instructor FCP, STP
Media Consultant
 
+2 on trying not to use EQ to do what you are trying. Compression would be more beneficial.

The best way to do it though is to import the audio file into a DAW (Digital Audio workstation) (I use Digital Performer) and edit it there. You can clean it up, eq, add a touch of reverb, etc. etc. Also I would use a little automation to rough level the sound

Audio editing is just as much of an art as videography. And unfortunately it represents a huge portion of the desired effect with a video. You can have the best shot footage, but if the sound is off in any way, well you get the idea.

Being a sound engineer first, then a vidiot second like me, comes in handy!
 
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