Background music too loud?

[Cassel]

As I am testing more functionalities (and finishing up a video, obviously), I am trying to add a background music. For now, I used one that came with VS. I am reducing the Clip volume to 3 (I think that is 3%) and it is still too loud. If I move it down to 2, it is inaudible. Is there another adjustment somewhere? I really cannot have a background music compete with the narration!

[BrianCee]

Some thing quite strange there -the normal level setting is 100 and if I turn mine down to 3 it is definitely in audible - anything below 10 is difficult to hear.

Can you confirm you are using the control I've ringed in the image below - and that you are playing back in "Project" mode - clip mode does not reflect volume changes.

click to enlarge

[lata]

Hi

Just to add to Brians reply……

I assume you are using Voice Over and trying to match with the video track volume.

The question has to be asked “which is the correct level” or “is the voice over too low”?

Check the computers speakers volume levels.
Play an Audio CD, one of your favourites will do, set the speakers for a suitable level.

Now use Video Studio to playback audio, do the library samples sound ok, ok-ish
More of interest – what is the level of the Voice Over.

If using Video Studio and reducing the volume levels to such an extent the final video will be low volume. In the past I have reduced volumes but 50-60% is probably as far as I needed to go.

[Cassel]

Brian, here is where I am setting the volume.
And yes, I am playing back in the Project mode, otherwise, I would not hear the video itself, right?

volume.jpg (40.71 KiB) Viewed 8238 times

Lata, no I am not using voice-over, but an actual video and I would like to add just some background music, very low.

As shown in the image, I set it to 10, and I can still hear It as loud as when I first added it to the project. Maybe I am in the wrong place?
I even tried moving the line directly on the clip, to the lowest it can go. or lowering the Stereo volume (not sure if it is a good idea or not), but it did not change anything.

I changed clip to something else, tweaked a bit, came back and found that by changing the Stereo level while the scrubber is on the starting node, then it WILL do the trick (provided I repeat the process at the end).

However, changing the volume like where Brian suggested, still does not work.

I guess there are gremlins in my computer.

Now that I put in the "real" music I want, I have the same issue: it is not lowering. I'll keep tweaking. There must be a combination that works!

[Cassel]

Now, I wonder if it has something to do with the type of audio.
I have the volume set at 1, and it is still too loud (although better than before):

Where else can I lower it?

[lata]

Hi Cassel

You do appear to be doing the correct thing in reducing the volume levels, no idea why it does not work for you???

I have just tested the M04 sample.
Changing the 100% volume level works ok, reducing the levels shows when playing back in Project and Clip playback modes.

So yes I guess there are gremlins in your computer.

To be honest I do not know what to suggest, just clutching at straws….
Try re-setting the program to its factory default state, this will re-set the library, so if you use the library back it up first.
Otherwise try re-installing the program.
Have you applied the SP1 patch, don’t think that would have a bearing on whats happening either?

Did you install the program using Administrator rights.
To run the program, right click the VS icon and Run as Administrator

[BrianCee]

indeed it is very puzzling - have you tried raising the volume of the video (you can go up to 500) and then turning down your PC speaker volume

[Cassel]

indeed it is very puzzling - have you tried raising the volume of the video (you can go up to 500) and then turning down your PC speaker volume

Wouldn't that scare the heck out of the listener when the video will start playing?
I do have a couple of "surprise" sound effects. I would not want to trigger a heart attack!

I guess I will do a restart and a reboot. It might kill the gremlins!
I have to work on something else for the moment, but i'll update this thread when I retry with a fresh start.
Thanks for your help and suggestions.

[lata]

Hi Cassel

Keep us informed on this one, very strange and would be interested in the actual cause, as Brian would I’m sure be interested.

My thoughts are heading in the direction of a file being Read Only, so when applying the 10% level the file cannot change. As we say very strange??

[Cassel]

OK, here is my report:
- rebooted the computer and restarted VS: no change
- I tried using one audio clip that came from VS library: no change
- I applied the SP1: no change
- I tried using a brand new project and work only with the sound track: no change

I tried adjusting the volume through the Voice and Music: I get either the sound at original level (or almost) or nothing at all if I go too low
I tried adjusting the volume directly on the clip itself: no good control there
I tried adjusting the volume at the Surround Sound window: although I can lower it, but as soon as I play it in the Project mode, I can see the knob go back up to default, even if it is still showing low in the clip track.

I am really out of idea.
Maybe one of you guys will have to come and sit beside me to check things first hand.

[lata]

Hi Cassel

Are you saying that you are able to adjust the volume levels and hear the changes

You said “knob go back up to default, even if it is still showing low in the clip track”

So are you using the Sound Mixer not the 100% option.
The Sound Mixer I find difficult to understand and hard to set.

Place the curser to the beginning of the clip. First frame.
Switch to Project Playback by clicking the word Project adjacent to the Plat Button
Now drag the Volume slider down
The level should remain when you play the clip.

If the curser is past first frame then the level may ramp up.
As you move the curser a KeyFrame/Anchor Point will be added to the line. (the little square)

Are you saying that you are able to adjust the volume levels and hear the changes.

You may find this post useful
http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php ... 52#p274565

[lata]

Hi Cassel

Can you provide a project file............

If you use the library samples, edit them by changing the volumes then save the project.
You can now zip the VSP and attach to your post.
We can then download the VSP and see exactly just what you are doing.

I would suggest you use a few audio clips.

1 / The first apply a simple Fade In -- Fade Out (set the fade duration via Preferences F6)
2 / The second clip Reduce the overall volume to 30%
3 / and the third clip Use the Sound Mixer to reduce the volume to approx 30%

4 / and any other tweaks you feel relevant.

As you seem to feel the levels do not work, render the project to a video file, then play using your media player (WMV Player etc) do the levels change as edited?

By the way you are using the library samples for a background sound, have you considered using Smart Sounds?

I think providing that project file will certainly help us understand just what is happening.

[Cassel]

What is Smart Sound?

[lata]

Hi

Video Studio uses audio called Auto Music aka Smart Sound.

It creates sounds to any duration, the length you require.
Click the Auto Music icon below the preview screen, float the mouse for tool tips.

If its your first time you will probably be asked to install updates?

Press F1 for help and search for Auto Music, Smart Sound and QuickTracks

[aljimenez]

I have had erratic results adjusting volume on inserted music. I have never pursued it to any depth to get to the bottom of it. I am wondering if it is the type of project file being created. I usually create AVCHD files, 1080p and was wondering if that is the same file you create. It may be that the problem is in the rendering portion of X6... Al