Left the sound dials down on my DVX100A - any way to boost?

[D-Day]

It wasn't an important clip. I was just messing around with the camera with friends at the time and didn't notice the dials. Like I said, not a real big deal; I just want to hear the dialog. With the volume maxed on the computer, I can barely make out some faint words.

I doubt there's a way to remedy this, since if the dials on the camera were too low, there might not have been enough to even register at times. Was just curious.

Thanks.

 

[Alex H.]

You can try using audio plug-ins such as compression and EQ, and use their gain controls as makeup gain. But if its that low, there's probably very little that can be salvaged.

To keep this from happening ever again, especially for something you might actually consider an important clip, follow the first rule of audio for video: listen. This means keeping headphones connected to the camera as you shoot (and it means wearing them). If you aren't listening to the audio as it records, you are, as you have discovered, doomed to unpleasant surprises in post.

 

[JordanBlock]

Any boosting you are able to do will boost the noise along with you audio. Consider yourself very lucky it was just throwaway footage and learn from the mistake. Always listen while you record.

 

[smithy]

That is unfortunate that your dials were down...but at least you know what to check before shooting. If it was necessary dialog that needs to be clear, then your only recourse to reshoot or ADR in post.