pushing limits of low-noise level

[sean90291]

So I had a new set-up and unfortunately it threw me for a loop. Was using a BeachTek adapter with the MKH-50. When the volume level was set correctly, the sounds is just lovely. Clear and resonant. I like it. But the first scene had strangely LOW sound. I don't know why. I probably screwed something up. So the dialog is there, just too low/faint. When I try to simply pump up the gain in my Avid, I feel like it gets some "fuzzy" background noise added. Do you think this is something that can be salvaged? Or do I need to re-record that scene. I'm not very experienced in sound mixing. I have access to Adobe Audition, though nothing much about it. I've always done my sound right in Avid (using "rubber bands" and some minor EQ effects). I just need it to be LOUDER.

Advice appreciated! Cheers.

 

[Noiz2]

A noise reduction plugin will probably do wonders since this is exactly the kind of thing they are designed for. However your on a PC so I'm not sure what is available. Lets put that better. I'm on a Mac so I'm not sure what is available on the PC side. On a Mac I would look at Bias Sound Soap as a cost effective solution or BNR if you have ProTools. If $ are no object then Cedar makes some very high end NR devices. If the LOW sound is high in pitch, like tape hiss, then you can also use the very cost effective NR boxes from Behringer, but they are useless on low tones and hum. Waves also makes some NR plugins but they are very pricey. There was a great NR app on the PC if it still exists called Diamond Cut. But that was from my PC days 10+ years ago so who knows if they are still around. But if you do a search for BROADBAND NOISE REDUCTION I bet you will find something.

 

[TheDingo]

But the first scene had strangely LOW sound. I don't know why.

The LOW sound level might have been:

- BeachTek channel set to LINE instead of MIC

- BeachTek channel pot set too low
( normally I set them to max level, and adjust on the preamp or the camera's preamp )

 

[sean90291]

Yes, I discovered that setting the BeachTek to max level resulted in the best sound. I thought it would be weird to have it maxed at 10 on the BeachTek, but you can control peaking in camera and get the cleanest sound that way. I didn't apply that technique to the first scene, sadly. I will simply try to clean it up: classic problem.