Sound Leveling

[monkey333]

Not sure where this might go, but I posted here as it is regard to my HTPC.

Watched Captain America last night and was constantly adjusting the volume, and I mean dramatically. Any software that might be able to level things out a bit?

 

[Modelworks]

It depends on what codecs you are using. Most of the audio codecs like the ffmpeg related ones have options for automatic gain control and can keep the volume levels in check.

 

[Soundmanred]

Dynamic compression/Night Mode/Loudness control, etc.
It goes by many names.

 

[bobdole369]

shudder. Of course it isn't your fault, but loudness ruins the audio in any format IMHO. There really isn't a place for something that automatically puts every sound at maximum. Lots of performances are MEANT to have dynamics (like music), and pushing it all up to the same level is counterproductive.

However I do blame the producers for not keeping everything at a reasonable level. I can't tell you how many times I've been blasted out of my sofa or that my wife has told me "Turn it up I can't hear anything", within 3 minutes of each other.

ffdshow and ac3filter will both handle this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression

http://www.thehtpc.net/htpc/audio-tips-with-ffdshow-and-ac3filter/

ffdshow has "equalizer filter" with a loudness tick, nd ac3filter has it somewhere in there.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Many A/V pre-processors/receivers also have features to handle this (assuming you are connected through one and use DD/DTS, etc., formats). The feature is typically "Audyssey Dynamic Volume", and has been around since 2008 or so.

 

[wirednuts]

every single soundchip ive known has loudness equalization built into their drivers. go to your soundcards control panel and find the option. even if you dont have the full driver package installed, go to control panel, sound, right click on your speakers, properties, enhancements, and click on "loudness equalization".

it works wonders for tv and movies, but i warn you it makes music sound bad. i too have to use it for tv and movies though, the volume changes are ridiculous sometimes.