TMPGEnc AC-3 Encoder - output is lowered after encoding

[Wile_E]

Anyone know why the sound output would be lowered? This encoder is normalizing the sound to a lower level. My original WAV was normalized to -3db, but after encoding to Dolby AC3, it must be about -15db or lower.

I have tried all settings available. If I check "compression", it lowers the sound even further. Do all AC-3 encoders normalize sound at a lower volume?

[BJ_M]

not if you use the right settings in a better encoder --

[Wile_E]

Hmm...after reading more about it, it seems it's normal that AC3 is softer.
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56020

[BJ_M]

no its not -- not if you set it up correctly and use a better encoder

[slacker]

WILE_E

I read the article you provided the link for and, now, I am not so sure that AC3 is for me. I had deduced that AC3 was the way to go based on the sheer number of posts on this web site by members making comments regarding its superiority over other forms, I.E. lpcm, etc.

But after burning some discs using AC3 and subsequently listening to comments from my family and friends about not being able to hear the dialog clearly, NOW I know why. Thank you for the info!

Since I never plan on owning an expensive home theatre system, my bigger question now is, do I using dynamic range compression with AC3, or do I switch back over to lpcm?

Any suggestions?

[BJ_M]

use ac3 and use a better encoder -- in which case set up the properties of each encode so that the volume is not reduced ...

of course the downside is that a better encoder is going to cost you 600$ + OR use belight , which also can be set up to not reduce volume

if you go with lpcm, you will have to cap your video bitrate - plus only 2 channel audio

[slacker]

Aside from the size and 2 channel limitation, what else? LPCM sounds better, doesn't it? For example, WMA quality blows away MP3 in the retail music download space.

[DRP]

I have no dramas with the TMPGEnc AC-3 sound plug-in at all. Works perfectly for me. I've never seen that config screen though. I only use it via DVD-lab PRO which has its own frontend for it.

I just take my input and extract it out to WAV with GoldWave, then apply ReplayGain to that WAV file using WavGain and then AC-3 it via DVD-lab Pro and the TMPGEnc AC-3 sound plug-in.

The end result AC3 plays at exactly the same perceived volume as the ReplayGained WAV file. I can't notice any normalising going on at all... which is how it should be.

The other advantage of doing ReplayGain on the WAVs before you AC-3 them is that when you put multiple movies on DVD you don't have to adjust the volume from one movie to the next. The average loudness remains the same.

[pepegot1]

You can use VideoStudio 9.0 as it supports AC3, 2 channel. You can also increase the sound volume using their band adjuster-quick and simple. I reauthor many DVD's, for use in our Clubhouse Auditorium, and found it very effective. If you use "same as clip" mode for encoding, the process is very quick as the encoding time is greatly reduced. It does not need to re encode the whole DVD.