Audio Levels For Video And Documentary Production
by Sharon Katz
(Philadelphia PA, USA)
Ask Your Documentary Question
What are the current standards regarding acceptable audio decibel levels of 1. Interviews 2. Music under interviews and 3. Music concert footage?
Thank You.
Sharon
Answer | Desktop Documentaries
Hello Sharon, to make sure to get you the best answer, we pitched your question to Bobby Ellis who runs a video production company in Georgia, USA called The Image Company. He and his team produce broadcast commercials, mini-documentaries and other media products.
Answer | The Image Company
For broadcast, we are currently recording voice at -6 to -12 db in the field with -3db levels voice in editing and around -8 to -16db for our music under levels. Not sure about concert footage? We don't get complaints from broadcast stations. Hope that helps.
Indepth Audio Training
Want indepth audio training? Try the excellent online Audio Tutorials at LinkedIn Learning including the course on Audio Recording Techniques with Bobby Owsinski.
Feedback/Comments
Do you have experience with audio levels for video and documentary production? What audio levels are you using? Please post feedback and comments below.
Ready To Make Your Dream Documentary?
Sign up for our exclusive 7-day crash course and learn step-by-step how to make a documentary from idea to completed movie!
HOT!
Low-Budget
Documentary Gear
What People Are Saying
Desktop Documentaries
Comments
I just wanted to say that I think your website is amazing . I am a beginner with an idea, and the info and articles on your website are easy to understand and answer many questions I have. I can not wait to start filming!
- Sarah (Sydney, Australia)
I am a professional filmmaker, and I applaud this site for detailing the ABC's of documentary filmmaking. It serves as my own checklist as I continue making my own movies ... Thanks!
- Sabrina Aviles - Boston, Mass.