[AUDIO] How to Mix Audio Levels for Films & Movies

[kandinsky]

Interesting videos on mixing audio, something I really want to improve on.

[video=youtube;X23yl_Mu520]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X23yl_Mu520[/video]

 

[kandinsky]

[video=youtube;Ybs-L-DHUKE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=308&v=Ybs-L-DHUKE[/video]

This video contains the following steps for setting up your speakers for mixing your soundtrack:

1. Use Pink Noise (link address in video) set to -20dBFS (digital scale on timeline - use free Orban Loudness Meter to check and render it to -20dBFS if needed).
2. Adjust speaker level to about 85dBSPL (measure with an SPL meter or a calibrated phone app).
3. EQ speakers and make them as flat (even frequency response) as possible.
4. Play back dialogue and set to just over 60dB (A-weighted) - I said 60 in the video, but trust me for now.
5. Set Loudest FX to under -2dBFS (try -5, even, it depends on how loug the FX will last)
6. Mix music, Foley, ambiences, etc to taste, but don't change the speaker level!

 

[Deunamist]

this was useful man, thanks! audio has always been my weakest point. obviously basic ability is there but mixing is always a mystery. not often we have the capability to get a dedicated guy to mix all the audio.