Volume With Video

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Volume With Video

LostOne

10:20 am on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

Probably rarely discussed, but I think there are only a handful of folks here at WW that actually use video judging by the activity. I'm trying to get a grasp on what's the best volume settings to use with video. This probably has more to do with each individual user.

My settings:

For actual YouTube viewing I always keep the volume cranked to the max because most videos are not loud enough to begin with. I have no hearing difficulties.

PC settings I keep the volume at 50%. In the edit mode of Sony Vegas that I use it's usually set around 8 decibels for voice overs and other audio media unless the source is too loud or weak.

Any thoughts?

travelin cat

3:05 pm on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

This is an interesting point. When we create our videos, we monitor the sound level with a peak meter built in to the software. I make sure that the loudest segments just barely touch the overload point.

I never am really concerned about how loud the videos are, the viewer can adjust that, I just like to make sure that there is enough volume so that it can be heard without distortion.

[edited by: travelin_cat at 3:51 pm (utc) on Aug 10, 2012]

J_RaD

3:50 pm on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

^ exactly what he said.

but video sites are hit and miss plus it also depends on your computer, I know on youtube the 1st thing im doing is dragging the vol DOWN DOWN DOWN as to not blow my windows out. - on my laptop i have to have it pretty cranked.

LostOne

4:35 pm on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

Good points. I think what I'm trying to get at is where the viewer doesn't have to adjust the volume on their PC. Chances are good a majority don't know how to anyway. This is based on my expected demographics..over age 30 or so. Curious? What are standard (if there are any) factory settings?

travelin cat

4:47 pm on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

I think this is unavoidable as some people will like it loud, while others would rather have their volume not be overpowering. Also, I'm not sure there are any standardized factory settings...

J_RaD

5:29 pm on Aug 15, 2012 (gmt 0)

yea there is no way to do it, ever device has its own sound settings, the same video on a range of computers will all have different levels.

I understand what you are saying, but there is no way to do it.

tbear

6:42 pm on Aug 15, 2012 (gmt 0)

I make sure that the loudest segments just barely touch the overload point.

You are probably best to keep out of overload altogether, to get the best audio from digital. Digital sound is not graceful, at all, when it enters distortion/overload levels, unlike analogue.

I usually go for between -1 and -3 dB.