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Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

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Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#1

Post by ghoomketu »

Hello hn. I'm looking for a device that I can insert between the audio output and speaker to normalize the audio.

The goal is to ensure that sudden loud noises don't become overwhelming and quieter parts sound reasonably the same.

My reason for doing this is because it's so hard to watch movies these days because of the inconsistent volume levels (2x harder at night).

Any suggestions or recommendations on specific products or solutions would be greatly appreciated! Any DIY suggestions are also welcome too.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#2

Post by marssaxman »

This kind of device is called a "compressor", and they are ubiquitous in recording studios. They can get very expensive and complicated, but for your purpose something like this may suffice:

https://www.amazon.com/rolls-SL33B-Stereo-Program-Limiter/dp...

Specifically what you want is a "stereo compressor" or "compressor/limiter"; if you want something more sophisticated than the device above, there are many 1U rack options available for ~$200 (dbx is a good choice), or used on reverb.com more like $70-$100.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#3

Post by ghoomketu »

marssaxman wrote: post #2

This kind of device is called a "compressor", and they are ubiquitous in recording studios. They can get very expensive and complicated, but for your purpose something like this may suffice: https://www.amazon.com/rolls-SL33B-Stereo-Program-Limiter/dp... Specifically what you want is a "stereo compressor" or "compressor/limiter"; if you want something more sophisticated than the device above, there are many 1U rack o…

Thank you. Appreciate the reply. These gadgets are rather costly tbh. I did some digging around on YouTube for the compressor and I found this:

https://youtu.be/d3XxckqoeXE

Is it doing the same thing? Seems rather easy and cheap to make.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#4

Post by marssaxman »

ghoomketu wrote: post #3
marssaxman wrote: post #2

This kind of device is called a "compressor", and they are ubiquitous in recording studios. They can get very expensive and complicated, but for your purpose something like this may suffice: https://www.amazon.com/rolls-SL33B-Stereo-Program-Limiter/dp... Specifically what you want is a "stereo compressor" or "compressor/limiter"; if you want something more sophisticated than the device above, there are many 1U rack o…

Thank you. Appreciate the reply. These gadgets are rather costly tbh. I did some digging around on YouTube for the compressor and I found this: https://youtu.be/d3XxckqoeXE Is it doing the same thing? Seems rather easy and cheap to make.

That is a clever design, and yes, it's doing the same thing. If you have electronics assembly skills, why not? Sounds like fun.

There's no reason a simple compressor suitable for your purpose should have to be expensive; there just isn't much of a market for such a device.

If you're open to used gear, another good option would be an Alesis Nanocompressor - available in the $70-$90 range: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=alesis+nanocompressor&_...

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#5

Post by not_your_vase »

1 - 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 bucks.

2 - Use a PC for your video needs. Most video players support the same function (VLC, GOM player, Kodi... look for "dynamic range compression" and similar options). A 10 years old mid-tier machine will play everything including UHD, so this solution is fairly cheap. If you get a cheap IR-USB remote, you won't even have to mess with keyboard and mouse.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#6

Post by brudgers »

A 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 certainly sound good enough (despite what people may comment in response) [1].

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MDX2600--behringer-c...

Good luck.

[1] If it doesn't you can spend more later if it solves your problem. The nice thing about these compressors is: they have transparent bypass, a dedicated power button, robust construction, mature design, and are cheap.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#8

Post by ajb »

This can be done in software, eg https://askubuntu.com/questions/31580/is-there-a-way-of-leve... for linux.

I guess that you're asking for hardware because the source device is not under your control. In theory you could use any device with a line in to process the audio. However for watching movies that may be suboptimal as any significant delay would cause lipsync issues. That's probably something you need to check for in any solution.

Re: Ask HN: Seeking device to normalize audio output for consistent volume levels

#9

Post by shadyfroyo »

You’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/...

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