Extremely low audio levels for mix.

Mattykins

Mattykins

Cute Member
Hey everyone,

I have a quick question. I just received audio back from one of my projects. Each sound file has a general level of around -60 to -96dB. I've tried to boost the levels but can't get it any higher than -42dB.

Is there anything I can do, or are the files pretty much unsalvageable?

Thanks,

-Matt
 
Mattykins said:
Hey everyone,

I have a quick question. I just received audio back from one of my projects. Each sound file has a general level of around -60 to -96dB. I've tried to boost the levels but can't get it any higher than -42dB.

Is there anything I can do, or are the files pretty much unsalvageable?

Thanks,

-Matt
Click to expand...

Are we talking about source audio? From what format?

You can use gain plug-ins, but repeated reprocessing will chew up the signal. Plus, if there's any noise - any at all - it's going to come up with the signal. Was audio recorded to any other source?
 
Yes, the source audio. The file is a wave file. 16 bit. 48,000Hz.

There was no other source. It is all I have unfortunately.
 
Yikes.

I'm always amazed at how this is allowed to happen on-set and on-location. Meters are there for a reason, and I've seen people either rely completely on them or not at all. Neither will get you good results. You have to trust your eyes and your ears. I know this won't help your situation, but it still floors me.

All you can do is try to process the gain up. In audio post (think ProTools), a stack of plugins can be used since each one has a gain control.

And demand a different sound guy the next time.
 
What I've done is to boost inside an Audio Editing tool, I like Adobe Audition, I boost the track, while making cuts between words and dropping down the ambient background noise. Yes, it's labor intensive, but it can save files sometimes.
 
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