Dynamics for gun shots and other loud noises to keep them from peaking

[amac733]

Hello everyone!

I'm having a bit of trouble trying to keep gun shots under the -7db limit I have to hit according to the delivery specs for the project I'm currently on.

It's a acton movie, so there's quite a few gun shots and I can't seem to have them not peak. And when I use a limiter, it just crushes the sound and makes it sound like crap.

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[nst7]

You'll get a quicker and more accurate answer for this type of question by posting it in the "Post and Surround" section of the forum.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by nst7

You'll get a quicker and more accurate answer for this type of question by posting it in the "Post and Surround" section of the forum.

True^^^ and you can also use Clip Gain and a good metering plugin to adjust to target level

[Mark Ziebarth]

Clip Gain is your friend...

[Sndnerd]

If you're tied to a -7 spec you're going to have to lean into that limiter a bit. Make sure you use a good one.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by Sndnerd

If you're tied to a -7 spec you're going to have to lean into that limiter a bit. Make sure you use a good one.

Also try using some kind of attenuator between the mic and the interface. Or use the one on the mic if it has one. What mic are you using? How close are you mic'ing the gun? Try backing off a bit and use a muffler on the front end of the mic.

The other alternative is to use something from a sound library.

[garret]

If you are tied to that peak level and it sounds crap when you limit, then I would suggest raising your monitoring level when you are mixing so you don't have to lean on the limiter as much. That should solve the problem. You will have the loudness you require while still achieving the peak levels you need to hit. You may need to globally readjust overall levels to the new monitoring level at first but it will solve your issue.

[amac733]

Originally Posted by musicman691

Also try using some kind of attenuator between the mic and the interface. Or use the one on the mic if it has one. What mic are you using? How close are you mic'ing the gun? Try backing off a bit and use a muffler on the front end of the mic.

The other alternative is to use something from a sound library.

I'm actually doing the post sound mix and edit. But thanks!

[amac733]

Originally Posted by garret

If you are tied to that peak level and it sounds crap when you limit, then I would suggest raising your monitoring level when you are mixing so you don't have to lean on the limiter as much. That should solve the problem. You will have the loudness you require while still achieving the peak levels you need to hit. You may need to globally readjust overall levels to the new monitoring level at first but it will solve your issue.

I was under the impression that once I calibrate my monitors, I should always edit and mix at that level. I've read of people lowering the overall volume with the trim plug-in on the master channel. But I may give your idea a go! Thanks!

[garret]

That's what I mean about rebalancing once you choose a new Monitoring level that the gunshots sound good at. Then you don't change that level from then on. My feeling is you have chosen too low a monitoring level to begin with. What level are you mixing at?