How do you adjust audio levels and equalization for different devices?

1 Why audio levels and EQ matter

Audio levels and EQ can affect how your audience perceives your video content. If your audio is too loud, it can distort or clip, causing unpleasant noise and distortion. If your audio is too quiet, it can be hard to hear or drowned out by background noise. If your EQ is not balanced, it can make your audio sound muddy, tinny, or unnatural. To avoid these issues, you need to monitor and adjust your audio levels and EQ throughout your production and post-production process.

2 How to monitor audio levels

The first step to adjust audio levels is to monitor them using a tool called a decibel (dB) meter. A dB meter shows you how loud your audio is in relation to a reference level, usually 0 dB. You can use a dB meter in your camera, audio recorder, or editing software. The ideal audio level for most video platforms and devices is between -12 dB and -6 dB, which is loud enough to be heard clearly, but not too loud to cause distortion or clipping. You can also use a tool called a loudness meter, which measures the perceived loudness of your audio over time, using a unit called LUFS (loudness units relative to full scale). The ideal loudness level for most video platforms and devices is between -16 LUFS and -14 LUFS.

3 How to adjust audio levels

If your audio levels are too high or too low, you need to adjust them using a tool called a gain or volume control. A gain or volume control allows you to increase or decrease the overall loudness of your audio track or clip. You can use a gain or volume control in your camera, audio recorder, or editing software. To adjust your audio levels, you need to use your dB meter or loudness meter as a guide, and aim for the ideal range of -12 dB to -6 dB or -16 LUFS to -14 LUFS. You can also use a tool called a compressor or limiter, which reduces the dynamic range of your audio, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. A compressor or limiter can help you smooth out your audio levels and prevent distortion or clipping.

4 How to monitor EQ

The second step to adjust EQ is to monitor it using a tool called a spectrum analyzer or an equalizer. A spectrum analyzer or an equalizer shows you how the frequency spectrum of your audio is distributed, from low to high frequencies. You can use a spectrum analyzer or an equalizer in your camera, audio recorder, or editing software. The ideal EQ for most video platforms and devices is balanced and natural, meaning that no frequency range is too dominant or too weak. You can also use a tool called a reference track, which is a professionally produced audio track that has a similar style and genre as your audio. A reference track can help you compare and match your EQ to a standard of quality.

5 How to adjust EQ

If your EQ is not balanced or natural, you need to adjust it using a tool called an equalizer or a filter. An equalizer or a filter allows you to boost or cut specific frequency ranges of your audio track or clip. You can use an equalizer or a filter in your camera, audio recorder, or editing software. To adjust your EQ, you need to use your spectrum analyzer or equalizer as a guide, and aim for a balanced and natural frequency spectrum. You can also use your reference track as a guide, and try to match your EQ to its frequency spectrum. You can also use a tool called a high-pass filter or a low-pass filter, which removes unwanted low or high frequencies from your audio. A high-pass filter or a low-pass filter can help you reduce noise, hum, or hiss from your audio.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?