increase audio volume when converting to VCD

[Klatten]

Hi!

I have convertet some avi files (xvid, divx 3 and divx5). I use Virtualdub to extract audio (wav) and then TMPGenc to convert to VCD.

My problem is that the outcome has poor and very low sound.

For example: Normaly when I watch TV the sound volume is on 10-15. When I watch the VCD, however, I have to turn the volume up to 35-40.

How can I correct this?

Thanks!

[cd090580]

Normalize your wave file after it has been extracted by virtualdub and before encoding with tmpgenc.
Any audio editor can Normalize a wave file (SoundForge, Nero Sound Editor, CoolEdit,...)

[au7usa]

TMPGEnc can do this.

The "Setting" button, just to the left of "Load Project" (Template), will bring up a window with tabs for various settings. Second from last is "Audio", and checking the "Use Audio Edit" box clicking on the "Setting" button will bring up "Audio Effects" window.

Check the "Change Volume" checkbox and click on "Normalize", and you can enter Normalization Value. Select "OK" and TMPGEnc will calculate the current volume and decide just how high or low your volume is, and what number it has to multiply or divide by to correct it.

Shoot for something between 90% to 95% if you want to avoid clipping.

[Klatten]

thanks, I'll try it out just using TMPGenc. I set the value to 90

could you explain

Shoot for something between 90% to 95% if you want to avoid clipping.

what does that mean? What does the program do, when I set a Normalization Value?

after I set 90 as the value, it tested the volume and corrected to 330%, which sounds about right to me.

[Klatten]

Any audio editor can Normalize a wave file (SoundForge, Nero Sound Editor, CoolEdit,...)

Do you mean Nero Wave Editor? Link to a tutorial? What settings should I use?[/quote]

[cheeseplease]

use any audio editor and normalize your audio to 0.00 db. that means it normalizes it to 100%, cant go wrong with that.

[au7usa]

If your asking what "clipping" is there is a great explanation at the MP3Gain site. (i can't seem to find it right now)

Basically, to Normalize is to set the range of your volume to i guess whatever your preference is. Amplifying your audio will amplify the low volume sound as well as the high volume, as well as the noise you might not hear otherwise. When you Normalize you stretch the range of the volume.

So a sound at 1db low and 50db high, amplified x 20 would mean that there is no "almost silent" sound. You would hear a hiss between action in your video clip.

Sound at 1db low and 50db high that is normalized correctly could keep its "almost silent" 1db low while setting its high range to whatever you like.

Normalizing wav files is not lossless i'm told, but its alot better solution than amplified noise in your project. (mp3 gain is lossless however)

Last thing i remember reading on the site is that some software mpeg decoders can't correctly decode above 93 or 94%, and will chop off the sound. The resulting sounds, as example, of someone pronouncing an "SSSS" sound will be more like "SHHHHH". The very loud portions that get cut off will sound much like an AM radio.

I don't know what the acceptable "Normalization" range of hardware decoders is, so you'll have to use your own judgement.
(90 to 95% should play just fine on either your PC or your DVD player.)