TMPGEnc AC-3 encoder, -12db output? Official Dolby is -31db?

[Wile_E]

I am converting captured DV (WAV) audio to AC-3 using TMPGEnc AC-3 Encoder. My audio is captured to approximately -3db, to prevent clipping. I'm noticing that TMPGEnc reduces the sound level to about -12db when coverted to AC-3. I thought -31db was the official Dolby setting? Should I first normalize my WAV files to about -20db, then let TMPGEnc lower it another -12db for a total of -31db? I'm using Goldwave to check levels. I hope it is correct!

There is also an option for "compression". This seems to be just a tag that is applied to the ac3 file, telling the DVD player to normalize the volume. My DVD player has an option called "Dynamic Range Compression". This only seems to affect the files that have been encoded using the "compressed" tag. Am I correct in saying, that it is just a tag, and doesn't affect the original dynamic range?

[FulciLives]

I am converting captured DV (WAV) audio to AC-3 using TMPGEnc AC-3 Encoder. My audio is captured to approximately -3db, to prevent clipping. I'm noticing that TMPGEnc reduces the sound level to about -12db when coverted to AC-3. I thought -31db was the official Dolby setting? Should I first normalize my WAV files to about -20db, then let TMPGEnc lower it another -12db for a total of -31db? I'm using Goldwave to check levels. I hope it is correct!

Whoa ... that is WAY wrong my friend!

I suggest you take a look at this link ---> CLICK HERE

That link above is to a STICKY THREAD on the doom9 forum about how to properly encode an AC-3 audio file. Although you don't have the kind of control they talk about when using the TMPGEnc AC-3 encoder it is worth reading as it will give you more of an idea about what is going on.

As for the COMPRESSION setting you mentioned ... I would definately NOT use it. If used incorrectly it could really screw things up and since we have no idea how TMPGEnc is using it ... I would NOT use it.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman