#-12db

[firstwordfinalcutx]

in the broadcast and film industry, the reference before each 'serious' program is set at -18dB, and voices should modulate in between -12 and -6 dB, and when more tracks are in play, you need to mix accordingly, adjust each so that the result (main output) peaks around -6dB and still pleases your ears Yes explosions peakin' at -1dB, but seriously that should be about it...think in reality, what is naturally loud/soft, etc. and not a fan of compression here, as it reduce the dramatic effect of audio - only used when mandatory !!!

Matthieu Rodde

[firstwordfinalcutx]

Video editors' good practice is to try not to get higher than -12dB on the led meters for feature presentations. Try lowering your audio so it goes no higher than that at standard listening volume. You still can have "peaks" over -12dB, but no higher than -6dB. For web, you can go higher than -12dB, but getting red leds leads to have distortion so be aware of the caveat.

Martin Durand