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Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
11–20 of 62 posts
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#12do you have a sound bar at least?
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#13And just in case for fun, you want to know about the other end of the spectrum from the recommendations you'll likely get, here is the Rolls Royce version of what you're asking about: https://teenage.engineering/store/tx-6
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#14A limiter limits the maximum power. Some are hard and will clip. Some are soft and will produce a milder distortion. A compressor compresses the dynamic range. They reduce the sounds about a selectable threshold with variable ratios and envelopes. Usually they have various other features. This compressor/limiter/gate/expander/de-esser has more features than you are likely to use soon (side chaining) and will almost c…
A limiter is a compressor with an infinite ratio. It does not clip.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#15my Sonos Beam soundbar has "night sounds" and "voice booster" modes that do an excellent job of solving this problem.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#16Your TV, amplifier, or sound bar should have a night mode that does this for you.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#17AppleTV has a seeing to do this if you’re using one of those.
Yes, "reduce loud sounds"
(Works okay, but not great)
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#18I just gave up and started using headphones at night
I gave up and started using subtitles.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#19What kind of device do you use, what kind of speakers? If I were you¹ I'd first look for a software fix (dynamic range reduction or compression). If you really want to go for a device I would skip all musician-advice and buy some sort of DSP like the t.racks DSP 4x4 Mini Pro that has compressors, equalizers and delay compensation on board and is programmable via a GUI.
But already over-compressed stuff like music will sound worse that way, so in your position I'd prefer a software fix that is limited to movies.
¹: I am not, I like dynamic audio
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#20I'd be surprised if your setup didn't offer this already. Both my Apple TV and surround sound speakers system offer it. My TV, too but I don't use that for audio out.
That said, at night I simply use headphones.