dialogue levels for streaming

[scorsesefan]

I usually mix my dialogue tracks for my documentaries to peak at -6db and it sounds fine on my computer with headphones and speakers. However, I've noticed that the dialogue levels on a few of my docs that are on Tubi and Amazon seem low and I have to crank up the volume on my TV. Is this a compression thing? Kind of confused.,,

 

[Alex H.]

You need to get a proper metering plug-in like Waves WLM. That will give you LUFS (loudness units relative to full scale), which you need because that’s the measurement standard for broadcast and streaming now. Going by the old standards of -10dB peak, or whatever formula you used, won’t get you accurate results.

For streaming, you want -16 LUFS and a true peak of -2.

 

[Jim Feeley]

Try shifting from amplitude measurements (dB, dBFS, etc) to perceived loudness (Loudness Unit Full Scale, aka LUFS. And sometimes LKFS, though that's getting used less often in my world). For your mix, aim for -24 LUFS. For delivery to streaming platforms, aim for -14 LUFS or so (there's some variance by platform, but that's about the level). It's a different way of measuring sound, but once you have your head around it, it's not all that tricky. Your current software tools may already have loudness meters. If not, there are decent low-cost and free ones such as Youlean Loudness Meter.

Here are two articles that will get you heading in the right direction.

From the fantastic Transom.org site (which aims at narrative radio & podcasting, but is still helpful and fun for people like us):
The Audio Producer’s Guide To Loudness

And this from iZotope. Sure, they focus on using the tools they sell (which are quite good; I own and use a bunch of them), and there's a bit of a focus on mastering music rather than dialog, but the core info is still good and helpful, imo.
How to Master for Streaming Platforms: Normalization, LUFS, and Loudness

There are lots of other articles and tutorials about this stuff so if these don't do it for you, google around.

 

[scorsesefan]

You need to get a proper metering plug-in like Waves WLM. That will give you LUFS (loudness units relative to full scale), which you need because that’s the measurement standard for broadcast and streaming now. Going by the old standards of -10dB peak, or whatever formula you used, won’t get you accurate results.

For streaming, you want -16 LUFS and a true peak of -2.

Thanks, Alex. Do you they have a plugin for Premiere Pro?

 

[scorsesefan]

Try shifting from amplitude measurements (dB, dBFS, etc) to perceived loudness (Loudness Unit Full Scale, aka LUFS. And sometimes LKFS, though that's getting used less often in my world). For your mix, aim for -24 LUFS. For delivery to streaming platforms, aim for -14 LUFS or so (there's some variance by platform, but that's about the level). It's a different way of measuring sound, but once you have your head around it, it's not all that tricky. Your current software tools may already have loudness meters. If not, there are decent low-cost and free ones such as Youlean Loudness Meter.

Here are two articles that will get you heading in the right direction.

From the fantastic Transom.org site (which aims at narrative radio & podcasting, but is still helpful and fun for people like us):
The Audio Producer’s Guide To Loudness

And this from iZotope. Sure, they focus on using the tools they sell (which are quite good; I own and use a bunch of them), and there's a bit of a focus on mastering music rather than dialog, but the core info is still good and helpful, imo.
How to Master for Streaming Platforms: Normalization, LUFS, and Loudness

There are lots of other articles and tutorials about this stuff so if these don't do it for you, google around.

Thanks, Jim. It looks like I have a lot of learning to do...

 

[Jim Feeley]

Thanks, Jim. It looks like I have a lot of learning to do...

Nah, it's not so bad. Read the articles and dive in. You'll be fine.

 

[scorsesefan]

Nah, it's not so bad. Read the articles and dive in. You'll be fine.

Thanks. Looks like Premiere has a loudness meter...

 

[Bassman2003]

Thanks for these posts. I often record chamber music and choral music and it is tough to know where to set levels for a streaming experience. Especially with works that have low peaks like a soft choral piece. Do you bump it up as you know the audience listening through their phones is saying "I can't here that..."

 

[scorsesefan]

I've attached two screenshots from the loudness meter in PP. One is with the "Netflix" setting and one is the default setting. I'm assuming Netflix should be the guide for all other streaming services? Also, how accurate is the integrated reading? Thanks

 

[Rick R]

FWIW, I use -16 LUFS (Integrated) for podcasts and other dialog driven steaming projects. -14 LUFS (Integrated) for music projects: I keep True Peaks (dBTP) above -1.0 in either case.