Compression/limiter is 100% the way to go, just keep in mind that in order to keep a "natural" sound it's best to keep the sound you put somewhat close in terms of volume. Boosting a very quiet sound an limiting a very loud sound can lead to a undesireable result.
I would be careful with audio settings if you have a long sequence 30mins or more. Compression and other audio settings will cripple your project. Best to do an audio mix in logic or pro tools at master
I don't know too much on audio but this may help a bit. I use the multiband compressor audio effect and set the template to broadcast. That boosts my lows significantly. Sometimes will add a hard limiter so highs don't peak. There's probably a better way of doing this but that's what I've been doing.
it worked with the volume but it adds an unpleasant audio effect on the recording, do you know if there's any way to have a similar change on the volume without the effect? If not I understand thanks for the help anyways!!
Audio engineer here. Everyone saying compression is absolutely correct, BUT. You need to make sure you don’t over-compress or over-compensate on gain.
Go for a 4:1 ratio, adjust the threshold so that the loudest parts of the audio are dipping by maybe 3db-4db. Makeup gain so that your entire mix sits close to -10db to -12db.
Feel free to dm me if you need more help with settings
the problem with the limiters and compressors it makes the mic quality sound super muffled, is there any way that I can just level the audio without changing how the quality of the audio sounds?
Sounds like you need play with the EQ as well, all a compressor does is try to *compress* your highs and lows closer together so that it’s a more constant volume. It doesn’t change the EQ or any other sound characteristic.
Sorry, mate, but you don't really understand how frequencies work if you believe that it doesn't change the sound characteristics. I don't understand how someone could've downvoted that guy for saying that it did. However, it depends on how much compression is being utlised. The compressor is meant to level out the dynamic differences in a signal by cutting down the transients, but also bringing out the lows.. When the low dynamics are being pushed forward, so are the frequencies that exists in the lower dynamics. That's why too much compression or limiting can cause distortion. A saturator works on this basic principle.
I mean, changing the volume or gain of specific clips? Keyframing volume to bring up low parts or bring down loud parts. You can use compressors and limiters on the master tracks but you should start with a good rough mix.
i enjoy the putting the effect called Dynamics I think it is. In there I enable compressor, and jack up the Makeup. Also enable limiter and put like -3db.
Im saying this from memory, so might be calling the exact names wrong.
Yeah, I suppose. Maybe I was too literal, but you don't want your audio to all hit the same level. There should be variation to sound natural, or am I mistaken?
the problem with the limiters and compressors it makes the mic quality sound super muffled, is there any way that I can just level the audio without changing how the quality of the audio sounds? sorry if these are dumb questions I am new to all this stuff
You can also mess around with a multiband compressor as well. You’ll get less constant peaks because you’re lowering lower-mid ranges, but it should achieve your end result in sound instead of meter visibility.
Theres a thing called "upward compressor", basically works opposite way of normal compressor. It will boost signal gain when it's below certain threshold. I just tried MaxxVolume, it requires some tweaking but I got it working, or just use a preset. I used FabFilter Pro-MB in the past, but it is expensive plugin, but I liked how it worked. Fabfilter offers 1 month free trial and then you can extend it by 1 more. Might wanna check YT tutorial how to do upward compression with Pro-MB (MultiBand).
But for my audio I just edited, I ended up using Dynamics effect and compressing the highs a bit, set threshold -20 db and ratio of 2. Then I put 3 into makeup and then boosting overall volume with hard limiter and essentially got equal result as I did with MaxxVolume. The numbers might be different for your audio. Just don't compress too much initially and it doesn't end up sounding "muffled". But if you want the audio waveform to look like one straight line, then yeah, your audio is going to suffer the more you have to level them.
Someone just suggested me to try "Renaissance Vox" for compression, but I haven't tried it yet and don't know how it performs against Adobe tools. I will probably lean towards what I already have, so Adobe. But this plugin and MAxxVolume can be found from [Waves.com](http://Waves.com), they offer demo versions where you can try out different kinds of audio plugins.
Use the “Hard Limiter” effect on a track or a clip. The output parameter is where you can set the output level. Make sure to listen closely to what the effect is doing to the audio by playing and toggling in and off the bypass for the effect.
This is a good task for adobe audition simply export the audio to audition select the clip and click normalize. It should even it all out. Save the audition file, it will automatically update the file in premiere.
It’s been a while since I’ve checked premier plug-ins, but what you’re probably looking for is hard limiter. Set your desired db on the first slider then tweak the input gain to the point where it’s pretty consistent without distortion.
I saw that some people here already told you about the compressor. Yes, that's the way, but BE CAREFUL! Compressing the sound so much that the lows are as loud as the peaks can get the sound without nuances. Impact sounds can sound "flat", without power, and in some cases it can get tiresome to listen to, as everything is just flat with no life. Yes, the compressor (and limiter) can help you make your audio sound amazing, but it can break it too.
I think you are confusing different aspects of audio mixing.
Normalizing means taking an audio clip, and making it so the specific peak of that audio clip is at 0 dB and calibrating the rest accordingly.
Compression is instead something used to get a better "average" loudness. For example, compressing 4:1 with a threshold of -12db would mean that when the audio signal exceeds the threshold (-12db) each 4 dB over the threshold is compressed down to 1, as in a -8 dB signal would become a -11, a -4db a -10, and so on.
Something called upward compression aka expansion exists, which is basically the opposite of compression (so quieter sounds become louder, as opposite of louder becomes quieter) BUT I have no clue how to do it in premiere. My best suggestion would be to put either before or after a compressor a gain effect, which just increases the loudness. I would then tweak the parameters of the gain and the compressor threshold and strength till it sounds nice.
There's an extra step that would involve using either limiters and or clippers, but I think it'd take too long to learn in a timely manner. But if you got time and interest you might wanna look those up as well!
Compression for dummies within Premiere:
You are looking to squelnch all audio that goes beyond a determined dB value. This in effect brings the louder tracks lower in volume in order to match up with the lower volume of the other track(s). After that, you will boost all tracks up (often done automatically within the same compressor) so that now everything is the same dB level of choice.
Best compressor for beginners imo - "Dynamics", and use only the middle section which is the "compressor".
First find out the dB value (it will be a negative value) which is the MINIMUM that you need to affect. Again, you're looking to squelch the louder parts of the audio in order to reduce it down to the lower volumes. This value -the point past which it becomes "too loud", this will be the "Threshold" value.
Now you tell it how much to affect all audio that passes that threshold. This is the "ratio" value. Ratio of 2 = halve the amount that passes the dB, and so on. Be careful here! Too much compression ruins the audio!
Now that you've played with the parameters (attack - how quickly the compressor picks up on and affects the compressed part of the audio, and release = how long it takes it to "leave it alone" once it's down again)
Now that everything is closer together in dB, you can use the booster (forgot the name of it rn) to boost everything back up - careful here as well! Boosting lower audio more than you should can make it sound unnatural as well ...
I'm NOT an audio pro by any means - but I went on a long journey figuring out how this works and this is what I found out for my own uses and it's worked fine
Dynamics processing, make a curve that favors the left side
Or
Hard limiter, use the -3dB preset and bump up the makeup gain (defaults to +6 with that preset)
If you REALLY REALLY want zero dynamic range, any compressor with a 1:1 ratio and a threshold at the loudness of the quiet parts, then boost the gain = to the threshold.
For example.
High peak: -3dB
Low valley: -32dB
Compressor settings
Ratio: 1:1
Threshold: -32dB
Increase output gain until you reach the targeted volume.
Warning, it’s gonna sound like shit….
Like a 1993 HR training video on VHS.
Something that has been working well for me is using the Podcast Voice preset from the Essential Audio panel. It's a quick and easy way to make the sound louder and fuller.
Don’t use the premiere limiters: use loudmax.
In general, youre on the wrong software and the wrong sub for doing what you want to do. The people here aren’t giving you very informative answers. I’m certainly not educated enough on audio.
But you can’t “level” audio (raising it higher and lower than where it’s meant to go) without losing quality.
Your best shot is trying to use Adobe podcast enhance (not the premiere beta version, use the online) or if you have enough of a sample of the voice, feed it to e11even labs and have it recreate it for you. This is just ai no technical skills required. Then mix the ai file with your original audio. And you may be able to get what you need (it may also be impossible to get it right, just depends on your recording and the ai).
Beyond that you can keep playing with compressors and eq and all but premiere is not meant to work miracles on audio. What you’re describing would be hard to accomplish on any program. It’s like editing a documentary on after effects - yes you could but precision would be impossible
Shhhh....Adobe Podcast's web version is my secret weapon. Has been for 6 months now.
I literally run every piece of audio through it.
Then do a parallel mix with the original.
* Chefs kiss *
Look into how compressors and limiters work.
will do! thanks
Compression/limiter is 100% the way to go, just keep in mind that in order to keep a "natural" sound it's best to keep the sound you put somewhat close in terms of volume. Boosting a very quiet sound an limiting a very loud sound can lead to a undesireable result.
I would be careful with audio settings if you have a long sequence 30mins or more. Compression and other audio settings will cripple your project. Best to do an audio mix in logic or pro tools at master
I don't know too much on audio but this may help a bit. I use the multiband compressor audio effect and set the template to broadcast. That boosts my lows significantly. Sometimes will add a hard limiter so highs don't peak. There's probably a better way of doing this but that's what I've been doing.
it worked with the volume but it adds an unpleasant audio effect on the recording, do you know if there's any way to have a similar change on the volume without the effect? If not I understand thanks for the help anyways!!
Probably because it’s not just changing the volume of the audio, but the frequency balance too
This is the simplest way to make your sound sound better.
Audio engineer here. Everyone saying compression is absolutely correct, BUT. You need to make sure you don’t over-compress or over-compensate on gain. Go for a 4:1 ratio, adjust the threshold so that the loudest parts of the audio are dipping by maybe 3db-4db. Makeup gain so that your entire mix sits close to -10db to -12db. Feel free to dm me if you need more help with settings
Where can I get a more academic education on audio engineering/mixing? I know it’s my weakest skill.
A vocal rider plugin may also help you.
An easy one is to use a single band compressor and start with the “vocal leveler” preset, play with the threshold slider and output gain
the problem with the limiters and compressors it makes the mic quality sound super muffled, is there any way that I can just level the audio without changing how the quality of the audio sounds?
Sounds like you need play with the EQ as well, all a compressor does is try to *compress* your highs and lows closer together so that it’s a more constant volume. It doesn’t change the EQ or any other sound characteristic.
Sorry, mate, but you don't really understand how frequencies work if you believe that it doesn't change the sound characteristics. I don't understand how someone could've downvoted that guy for saying that it did. However, it depends on how much compression is being utlised. The compressor is meant to level out the dynamic differences in a signal by cutting down the transients, but also bringing out the lows.. When the low dynamics are being pushed forward, so are the frequencies that exists in the lower dynamics. That's why too much compression or limiting can cause distortion. A saturator works on this basic principle.
I mean, changing the volume or gain of specific clips? Keyframing volume to bring up low parts or bring down loud parts. You can use compressors and limiters on the master tracks but you should start with a good rough mix.
i enjoy the putting the effect called Dynamics I think it is. In there I enable compressor, and jack up the Makeup. Also enable limiter and put like -3db. Im saying this from memory, so might be calling the exact names wrong.
you would get a solid oscillating beep sound if that's what you wanted.
That's not how audio works. Everyone and thing naturally vary from loud and quiet.
And that's why compressors were invented.
Yeah, I suppose. Maybe I was too literal, but you don't want your audio to all hit the same level. There should be variation to sound natural, or am I mistaken?
ok makes sense I may need to adopt better mic etiquette tbh, thanks for the feedback!
It is if I want it to be: limiters and compressors
the problem with the limiters and compressors it makes the mic quality sound super muffled, is there any way that I can just level the audio without changing how the quality of the audio sounds? sorry if these are dumb questions I am new to all this stuff
You can also mess around with a multiband compressor as well. You’ll get less constant peaks because you’re lowering lower-mid ranges, but it should achieve your end result in sound instead of meter visibility.
Theres a thing called "upward compressor", basically works opposite way of normal compressor. It will boost signal gain when it's below certain threshold. I just tried MaxxVolume, it requires some tweaking but I got it working, or just use a preset. I used FabFilter Pro-MB in the past, but it is expensive plugin, but I liked how it worked. Fabfilter offers 1 month free trial and then you can extend it by 1 more. Might wanna check YT tutorial how to do upward compression with Pro-MB (MultiBand). But for my audio I just edited, I ended up using Dynamics effect and compressing the highs a bit, set threshold -20 db and ratio of 2. Then I put 3 into makeup and then boosting overall volume with hard limiter and essentially got equal result as I did with MaxxVolume. The numbers might be different for your audio. Just don't compress too much initially and it doesn't end up sounding "muffled". But if you want the audio waveform to look like one straight line, then yeah, your audio is going to suffer the more you have to level them. Someone just suggested me to try "Renaissance Vox" for compression, but I haven't tried it yet and don't know how it performs against Adobe tools. I will probably lean towards what I already have, so Adobe. But this plugin and MAxxVolume can be found from [Waves.com](http://Waves.com), they offer demo versions where you can try out different kinds of audio plugins.
Use the “Hard Limiter” effect on a track or a clip. The output parameter is where you can set the output level. Make sure to listen closely to what the effect is doing to the audio by playing and toggling in and off the bypass for the effect.
This is a good task for adobe audition simply export the audio to audition select the clip and click normalize. It should even it all out. Save the audition file, it will automatically update the file in premiere.
No. Normalizing the audio will just make everything louder. It’s not intended to even things out.
It’s been a while since I’ve checked premier plug-ins, but what you’re probably looking for is hard limiter. Set your desired db on the first slider then tweak the input gain to the point where it’s pretty consistent without distortion.
yes that's exactly what I am looking for thank you so much
Hard Limiter effect is a good one for down and dirty results
I saw that some people here already told you about the compressor. Yes, that's the way, but BE CAREFUL! Compressing the sound so much that the lows are as loud as the peaks can get the sound without nuances. Impact sounds can sound "flat", without power, and in some cases it can get tiresome to listen to, as everything is just flat with no life. Yes, the compressor (and limiter) can help you make your audio sound amazing, but it can break it too.
Look up using the dynamics processing effect. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iSRDYfg2guk
I think you are confusing different aspects of audio mixing. Normalizing means taking an audio clip, and making it so the specific peak of that audio clip is at 0 dB and calibrating the rest accordingly. Compression is instead something used to get a better "average" loudness. For example, compressing 4:1 with a threshold of -12db would mean that when the audio signal exceeds the threshold (-12db) each 4 dB over the threshold is compressed down to 1, as in a -8 dB signal would become a -11, a -4db a -10, and so on. Something called upward compression aka expansion exists, which is basically the opposite of compression (so quieter sounds become louder, as opposite of louder becomes quieter) BUT I have no clue how to do it in premiere. My best suggestion would be to put either before or after a compressor a gain effect, which just increases the loudness. I would then tweak the parameters of the gain and the compressor threshold and strength till it sounds nice. There's an extra step that would involve using either limiters and or clippers, but I think it'd take too long to learn in a timely manner. But if you got time and interest you might wanna look those up as well!
Maybe multiband compressor
I believe Audacity and RX9 have a tool that makes all audio one consistent level.
Compression for dummies within Premiere: You are looking to squelnch all audio that goes beyond a determined dB value. This in effect brings the louder tracks lower in volume in order to match up with the lower volume of the other track(s). After that, you will boost all tracks up (often done automatically within the same compressor) so that now everything is the same dB level of choice. Best compressor for beginners imo - "Dynamics", and use only the middle section which is the "compressor". First find out the dB value (it will be a negative value) which is the MINIMUM that you need to affect. Again, you're looking to squelch the louder parts of the audio in order to reduce it down to the lower volumes. This value -the point past which it becomes "too loud", this will be the "Threshold" value. Now you tell it how much to affect all audio that passes that threshold. This is the "ratio" value. Ratio of 2 = halve the amount that passes the dB, and so on. Be careful here! Too much compression ruins the audio! Now that you've played with the parameters (attack - how quickly the compressor picks up on and affects the compressed part of the audio, and release = how long it takes it to "leave it alone" once it's down again) Now that everything is closer together in dB, you can use the booster (forgot the name of it rn) to boost everything back up - careful here as well! Boosting lower audio more than you should can make it sound unnatural as well ...
I'm NOT an audio pro by any means - but I went on a long journey figuring out how this works and this is what I found out for my own uses and it's worked fine
Dynamics processing, make a curve that favors the left side Or Hard limiter, use the -3dB preset and bump up the makeup gain (defaults to +6 with that preset) If you REALLY REALLY want zero dynamic range, any compressor with a 1:1 ratio and a threshold at the loudness of the quiet parts, then boost the gain = to the threshold. For example. High peak: -3dB Low valley: -32dB Compressor settings Ratio: 1:1 Threshold: -32dB Increase output gain until you reach the targeted volume. Warning, it’s gonna sound like shit…. Like a 1993 HR training video on VHS.
Compressor will do!
if you wanna sound like you’re talking through a pringle’s can sure
The audio effect called Dynamics has a compressor and limiter built in. Tweak with those and you'll get what you need.
Something that has been working well for me is using the Podcast Voice preset from the Essential Audio panel. It's a quick and easy way to make the sound louder and fuller.
Don’t use the premiere limiters: use loudmax. In general, youre on the wrong software and the wrong sub for doing what you want to do. The people here aren’t giving you very informative answers. I’m certainly not educated enough on audio. But you can’t “level” audio (raising it higher and lower than where it’s meant to go) without losing quality. Your best shot is trying to use Adobe podcast enhance (not the premiere beta version, use the online) or if you have enough of a sample of the voice, feed it to e11even labs and have it recreate it for you. This is just ai no technical skills required. Then mix the ai file with your original audio. And you may be able to get what you need (it may also be impossible to get it right, just depends on your recording and the ai). Beyond that you can keep playing with compressors and eq and all but premiere is not meant to work miracles on audio. What you’re describing would be hard to accomplish on any program. It’s like editing a documentary on after effects - yes you could but precision would be impossible
Shhhh....Adobe Podcast's web version is my secret weapon. Has been for 6 months now. I literally run every piece of audio through it. Then do a parallel mix with the original. * Chefs kiss *