This IS the Avid L2: Re: [Avid-L2] True peak audio limiter

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Re: [Avid-L2] True peak audio limiter

Steve,

Normalize will NOT do it. What Mike is referring to is True Peak. This is a peak value that is determined by the perceived converted value from the dBFs into real world loudness. For example, a clip with audio peaking at -9 dBFs might have a True Peak value of -8.6 dB TP. You need a True Peak meter and/or True Peak limiter to handle it. It's in the CALM spec and worth looking into for anyone dealing with final audio in their program/content submission.

I've used the Waves RLM, the Avid Pro Limiter, and the Dolby Media Meter. These are all valid plugins that when used properly can help achieve the task. The Nugen stuff seems legit too, so if it works and is affordable, use it. Another option is LoudnessChange by Video Toolshed. Each of these has a slightly different workflow but I'm sure anyone used to software in general can handle it once the appropriate learning curve is achieved.

On Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 8:45 AM, Steve Hullfish steve4lists@veralith.com [Avid-L2] <Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Have you considered "Normalize"?

I'd be a little concerned about what it might do to SOME clips, but this would definitely get the peak of every clip to match, and you can set the peak where you want it. However, if there are big hits in the audio, it could lower the levels on the rest of the clip.

Maybe with a good sounding mix, you could do an audio mixdown and apply across the entire track, so that the highest peak in the whole program would hit your number and everything else would be in relation to that.

Steve Hullfish
author, "Avid Uncut"

On Jun 3, 2014, at 6:15 AM, 'Mike Parsons.tv@gmail.com' mikeparsons.tv@gmail.com [Avid-L2] <Avid-L2@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I am creating MXF OP1a masters for digital distribution in a country
where the louder a spot is the better the mix is considered.
I receive fully mixed 'approved' tracks from clients that vary wildly in
peak levels. I need to be able to guarantee -9dBFS on the final mxf.