MP3 volume levels low after bounce

[quadra605]

Hi--

I do a lot of voiceover work with ProTools and have noticed that when I create mp3 files the volume of the bounced files is always lower than the original audio. Does this have anything to do with the way the file is compressed? Or the way ProTools plays back audio as opposed to a web browser, Quicktime or other mp3 player?

I usually have to crank up the volume levels in my ProTools session 5db just to get a decent level out of the final mp3 mix.

My set-up:
ProTools LE 6.1.2
Audiomedia III card
OS X 10.2.8
PowerMac 933Mhz

Microtech Gefell UMT70 microphone
Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro
FMR's "Really Nice Compressor"

Thanks--any suggestions are appreciated!

[where02190]

The bounced recording is not mastered. Research mastering.

[mcconnellsteve]

The bounced recording is not mastered. Research mastering.

but whether or not it's mastered, i wouldn't understand why a bounced mp3 file would be lower in volume than a mixed (not mastered) ptle session....

steve

[dbto]

Are you listening to the bounced MP3 in ProTools or through your computer playback? I only ask to see if it's possibly just a difference in volume between your protools monitoring and your computer monitoring. Also, it used to be (not sure with latest versions), that when you bounced a stereo output to a MONO file, there was 6 dB of attenuation placed on the file (has to do with summing a stereo signal). This could also be the case.

Hope this helps.

[where02190]

IF you are listening from your Mac's outputs, there will be a difference, your PT outs have much higher output than your Mac.