To keep the audio decent, follow these rules:
- Announcer / Speaker
- -12 dB to -6 dB
- prefer slightly dipping into the red range instead of lowering volume
- keep background noise below -20 dB at this source (this will come later)
- consider using light compression
- Sound Effects
- peak around -15 dB to -10 dB
- keep balance with announcer / speaker
- Background Noise
- have a mic close to where crowds of people are
- more = better (pretty much)
- peak around -20 dB to -15 dB
- use a noise gate or something similar to prevent sudden spikes
- consider raising volume after a big event (e.g., big win, award)
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setting up audio sources:
- add your audio sources (e.g., microphone, sound effects, background noise) in OBS
- label each source clearly for easy identification
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adjusting audio levels:
- click the gear icon next to each audio source in the audio mixer panel
- go to "filters" and add a "gain" filter to each source
- for the announcer/speaker, set the gain to ensure levels are between -12 dB and -6 dB
- for sound effects, set the gain to ensure levels peak around -15 dB to -10 dB
- for background noise, set the gain to ensure levels peak around -20 dB to -15 dB
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applying compression:
- for the announcer/speaker, add a "compressor" filter
- set the threshold just below your desired peak level (e.g., -12 dB)
- adjust the ratio to 3:1 or 4:1 for light compression
- fine-tune the attack and release settings to ensure natural sound
- for the announcer/speaker, add a "compressor" filter
-
using noise gates:
- for background noise, add a "noise gate" filter
- set the close threshold to just below the noise level you want to cut out
- set the open threshold slightly above the noise level to allow desired audio through
- adjust the attack, hold, and release settings to ensure smooth transitions
- for background noise, add a "noise gate" filter
-
balancing audio:
- monitor the overall audio mix in the audio mixer panel
- make real-time adjustments to ensure the announcer/speaker, sound effects, and background noise are balanced
- ensure the background noise is prominent but does not overpower the announcer/speaker