5 Replies Latest reply: Feb 14, 2010 6:59 PM by Vixter101 RSS

    Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?

    Vixter101 Community Member

      Hi Audio Experts!

      I'm really, really new to audio recording. Just bought a G-Track mic and am recording with Soundbooth on my MacBook Pro (for video production using Final Cut Express). My last project sounded GREAT during editing, as I listened to it on my desktop computer speakers plugged into my Mac. But, when I output the final project onto a DVD and watched it on my television, I could hardly make out the narration, and the music was terribly muffled.

      I'm thinking that at least part of the problem is because the range of frequencies delivered by the tiny speakers built into my television (TV is old!) meant that the nice base sounds didn't come through. But, I really don't know what else I need to work on to get my sound better. What other factors would cause such a difference between listening from my editing/computer system and listening to the final production from the DVD through my television?

      ANY advice you can offer will be very much appreciated.

      Thanks,

      Vic

        • 1. Re: Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?
          370H55V Community Member

          How does it sound when you actually play the DVD on the MacBook? (assuming you've done that)

           

          If it sounds like the TV, then the trouble is in the production process.

           

          If it sounds great, then it's just your TV's audio shortcomings.

          • 2. Re: Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?
            Vixter101 Community Member

            Actually, Cowboy, I never even thought of that. I didn't try playing it in the Mac. That's a good suggestion! I will try it. Though, if it sounds good on the Mac, I'm still at a loss. You see, I play DVD's (rented ones) and even still some VHS stuff through my old television, and they all sound perfectly fine; no trouble hearing any of 'em. So, if the audio is fine on the Mac, why can't I output something that's at least on some kind of par with those rented ones?

            Any thoughts?

            Anyways, I'm getting ahead of myself. Your suggestions will shed some light on the issue. I will definitely try it and see what it tells me. Thank you again! I will post the results.

            Vic

            • 3. Re: Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?
              Vixter101 Community Member

              Okay, I tried playing it on the Mac, and it sounds good. Probably not the best sound I've ever heard, but definitely better than on the television. It seems there is too much level on the voiceover, so I guess that's a good starting point for me to address. Listening to it this second time around, I'd say my problem is in the poor job I did on mixing. The fact that the television is old doesn't help (I guess professionally done sound works okay, but my poorly mixed sound doesn't cut it). Anyways, perhaps I've answered my own question. Basically, I need to work on my audio recording and mixing capabilities. There's so much to this video business! If you have any additional thoughts, Cowboy, I'd love to hear them. In any case, thanks for your input.

              • 4. Re: Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?
                370H55V Community Member

                Best I can suggest is to "tinker" with the audio in the production process.

                 

                I'd say use a DVD-RW so you don't go through a pile of discs, but try enhancements (EQ, Loudness, etc.) and whatever works the best, save the rack presets as "DVD-Master" or something you'll remember and when you make more DVDs, be sure to use the preset to master the audio before it goes to burn.

                • 5. Re: Final audio on DVD is awful. How come?
                  Vixter101 Community Member

                  Thanks Cowboy.