VLC used to have a built-in compressor as a plugin by default. Try it and see what you think.
Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
51–60 of 62 posts
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#52It's been a problem w/ Hollywood movies since "home theater" came out. That is, a really boomy soundtrack adds to the emotional impact when you are in a closed room but in an open space where people come in and out (where there average TV is) it's totally inappropriate. Systems like Atmos that decompose the sound track into components might help but they're likely to get used for the wrong reason -- in the last 10 ye…
Not just sound. Ever since HDR is a viable home theater option, new movies tend to get very dark featuring long runs of dark scenes with occasional blindingly bright scenes in between. If your TV screen is slightly subpar or the watching environment is even dimly lit, the movie quickly becomes very difficult to watch.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#53You’re looking for a compressor. Lots of pro audio boxes out there. A MiniDSP box where you can implement a compressor is fun, you can also tune just about everything else with it. https://docs.minidsp.com/product-manuals/flex/dsp-reference/...
A compressor is the right answer. If you lean toward more old-school audio engineering, I would recommend one of these compressors:
* Alesis 3630
* DBX 166 or 266
* FMR Audio Really Nice Compressor
Explore the various demos on YouTube to see what these are about. The compressor goes between your audio source and your amplifier. I personally use the Alesis 3630 for normalizing the audio in my ham radio transceiver setup.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#54Earlier quoted context omitted.
At the risk of sounding like a hater there is _nothing_ "Rolls Royce" about a six-channel digital mixer that sells for $1200. No mic pres, tiny unlabeled controls, and six channels of God-knows-what conversion tied together with rudimentary functions implemented in a decade-old $15 DSP SoC is a toy. This is a device for generating Instagram likes, not a serious piece of A/V or music production gear. Under no circumst…
You know that meme with the guy sweating looking at two red buttons? That was me before hitting post on my original post, lol. I get it, but honestly, I actually think you're wrong about the TX-6, there is actually no comparable product to it on the market at all when you consider it's full end to end functionality, I also know one guy who has nothing else TE but sought out TX-6 because of it's pretty unique combinat…
Perfect for the guys 'generating music' with a kick drum on -every- beat with unvarying tempos, pitches, and envelopes, a battery pack and lots of LEDs.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#551 - Get an amplifier that has a "Night Mode" function. It has been a basic function on most AV-receivers in the past decade+, assuming you don't buy the most pedestrian model. It compresses the dynamic range of the sound, to avoid the loud parts waking up the neighbors while you can also hear the conversations. Of course here you are looking for an investment of between $350 and $inf. Buying secondhand can save big b…
> 2 - Use a PC for your video needs. I would like to second this recommendation. I've put my work desk in the living room; the 43" screen doubles as a (non-smart!) TV; instead of futzing with remotes I have a wireless mouse, an on-screen keyboard, and a macOS/iOS shortcut to switch the display between 2x (couch mode) and 1.5x (desk mode), which could also take care of audio routing, DND, lights, etc. Using a real mou…
Depends on your usecase and preferences, I guess. I have a dedicated PC connected permanently to my TV and amp. During the day I use it listen to webradios, without turning on the TV. For this, I just press play on my remote, and it's on. When I leave, I just press stop. You get the idea.
In the evening, when I watch a movie, it's just my personal preference - I like to kind of disassociate from computers. A remote helps. Also, being able to change the volume blindly, without looking at the remote is something that other interfaces have yet to emulate.
Of course not saying that everyone should use it - if a mouse is better for you, go for it, what do I care :D But remotes definitely have a place with today's HTPCs also IMO.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#561 - Get an amplifier that has a "Night Mode" function. It has been a basic function on most AV-receivers in the past decade+, assuming you don't buy the most pedestrian model. It compresses the dynamic range of the sound, to avoid the loud parts waking up the neighbors while you can also hear the conversations. Of course here you are looking for an investment of between $350 and $inf. Buying secondhand can save big b…
> 2 - Use a PC for your video needs. I would like to second this recommendation. I've put my work desk in the living room; the 43" screen doubles as a (non-smart!) TV; instead of futzing with remotes I have a wireless mouse, an on-screen keyboard, and a macOS/iOS shortcut to switch the display between 2x (couch mode) and 1.5x (desk mode), which could also take care of audio routing, DND, lights, etc. Using a real mou…
Personally I love to use my steam controller for my TV-PC setup. Unfortunately they stopped making them, but they are still fairly easy to get I believe. Works excellent for media browsing and playing, and the onboard keyboard works great with the dual thumb touchpads. The only real downside is having to have steam running in the background to have more than just the basic mouse function but that isn't a big deal.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#57Many modern TVs and sound bars do this, and many of those sound bars are cheaper than a MiniDSP box
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#58Hi,
Major progress on loudness has been done in the broadcast area (see specs and publications around ebu r128 and itu-r bs.1770).
See example products at: https://www.tcelectronic.com/loudness-products.html
Cheers
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#59Instead of customizing this, I would buy a nice sound bar for your TV. I have the Samsung HW-Q990 and it is probably the one piece of technology I have absolutely no regrets for buying. Sound quality is better than most movie theaters, and I have no problem hearing dialogue. It has multiple settings including night mode and voice booster.
Sorry this sounds like an ad, but I would recommend buying any consumer soundbar with good reviews (I used rtings) before I would recommend installing custom audio equipment.
Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels
#601 - Get an amplifier that has a "Night Mode" function. It has been a basic function on most AV-receivers in the past decade+, assuming you don't buy the most pedestrian model. It compresses the dynamic range of the sound, to avoid the loud parts waking up the neighbors while you can also hear the conversations. Of course here you are looking for an investment of between $350 and $inf. Buying secondhand can save big b…
> 2 - Use a PC for your video needs. I would like to second this recommendation. I've put my work desk in the living room; the 43" screen doubles as a (non-smart!) TV; instead of futzing with remotes I have a wireless mouse, an on-screen keyboard, and a macOS/iOS shortcut to switch the display between 2x (couch mode) and 1.5x (desk mode), which could also take care of audio routing, DND, lights, etc. Using a real mou…
> Using a real mouse + virtual keyboard is so much faster than ANY remote I've ever used, and if you're not into clicking, you can type with a "real" wireless keyboard[0]
I've had a good experience with Logitech K830. Illuminated keys, I've dropped it so many times in the 10 years I've owned it, even spilled coffee all over it, still works well.