Music Bed vs Voice Over is there a metered level they should be apart?

[acacia]

I've been mixing music for over 16 years and am just now starting to get into mixing for post and am curious if there's a desired dynamic range (metered goal) between commercial voice overs and the music bed. Thanks!

[rhumphries]

No. It all depends on the voice and the music. A number won't do it, you'll have to use your ears.

-R

[diamondschwin]

yeah its an ear thing, you just have to feel out whats right... although if you are doing commercial work where the VO is loud and up to about -12 or -10 then starting with the music at about -22 to -18 is a good place... but its all relative and depends on the context, the voice, the music, the style of show/commercial....

[acacia]

Thanks for all your input! I mixed a spot yesterday and the clients happy but the film company sent me a message this morning wondering if the music bed is too loud. When referencing the mix on auratones, NS10's and studio mains at low volumes the narration is very easy to hear. I was just wondering if anyone had a guide beyond opinion... How does the loudness war effect post work for TV. Are there volume standards that I should be concerned with? I know there's a bunch of format things I need learn. Thanks in advance!

[ChrisMac]

Welcome to the world of commercial mixing. Everyone has an opinion, and usually their opinion is better than the audio pro. It is a real dance most of the time and until your client is really comfortable with you it's all about compromising.

[acacia]

I guess I had second thoughts and wanted to check in since it's only the second time I've mixed for picture... the film company called tonight and asked me to disregard they're earlier level question. There already talking about the next thing they need mixed so alls good. Thanks!

[philper]

Originally Posted by acacia

I guess I had second thoughts and wanted to check in since it's only the second time I've mixed for picture... the film company called tonight and asked me to disregard they're earlier level question. There already talking about the next thing they need mixed so alls good. Thanks!

You already know how to mix--just do it so it sounds good to you. Make sure your room is in cal. If you are mixing for TV then, as you know, you must get the peak level/dialnorm spec from the network etc you are delivering to and include that info in your mix technique.

Philip Perkins

[acacia]

Thanks philper!

[Vedat]

When I switched from music to post years ago, I found myself mixing the music louder than how the fellow mixers were doing. It's the instinct of music engineer to get a tight balance, for commercials however, VO is gold.
Do this: After you mix and you think it's a comfy balance, pull the music down by 3db. Have a listen again. That probably is what the other people want to hear.

[acacia]

Thanks for the advice Mundoz! I'll give that a shot. Mixing for picture is definitely gonna take some deprograming... As a freelancer Im going to continue working on both sides of the fence so your tip is great! Thanks.