How do I calibrate the sound of a trailer to 85db?

[beebob]

Hi there,

I'm editing a trailer for a cinematic release. The sound - which is mainly one song - has to be around 85db for the theatre.

Since I cannot change the setting in the export, I would like to know how I change the sound in the sequence itself.

The numbers in the audio meters panel next to the sequence vary from 0 to -60.

How do I "translate" the 85db to the 0 to -60 db in the audio meters panel?

Thanks for your help

Bob

[Kevin-Monahan]

Hi Bob,

How do I "translate" the 85db to the 0 to -60 db in the audio meters panel?

I don't believe there's a 1-1 way to match decibel levels with anything a computer can detect. I think you just need to go with broadcast standards, then perform a test at the actual location.

Check out this article: https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/home-page/2017/6/21/loudness-and-dynamics-in-cinema-sound

It says, "One possible solution is to adopt the BS1770 loudness standard we already use in broadcast workflow and music streaming and apply it to the cinema workflow, with a suggestion to set a maximum for the Program Loudness of -27 LUFS (-21 LUFS for ‘loud cinemas’) and a maximum Short Term Loudness of -6 LUFS.  The expected result of this solution is that cinema playback volume can then return to a normal reference level."

You can monitor and correct loudness in Premiere Pro and Audition: Deliver broadcast quality audio |

Thanks,

Kevin