Applying dynamic compression when watching films, good or bad?

BunnyKillBot · 5 Nov 2010 at 18:55

'Apply dynamic range compression' is definitely my favourite feature in the ffdshow audio decoder. In fact, I love it so much that when i'm not watching a film on my htpc the constant variable amplitude of the audio track drives me absolutely insane. I live in terraced housing which means I have to be mindful of the levels of audio output when watching films.

These days, it seems to me that every film producer/audio technician has had the 'Suspense/Action = more volume. How much more? MORE!' lesson and its getting ridiculous. Without Compression, non-action sequences are too quiet so I have to turn the volume up, then around the corner comes an action sequence that blasts my ears and have to turn the volume down again. This goes on, and on, and on throughout the film.

But at the same time, by using compression to normalise the output levels, am I destroying the creative intent and integrity of those that produced the art? Am I losing the essence of their work for my own peace of mind?

Dogoid · 6 Nov 2010 at 00:33

thing is most things are compressed anyhow so using your own only reduces the dynamic range to an extent that there are no lows or highs anymore.

maybe use a limiter to a desired db level

Chris1712 · 6 Nov 2010 at 03:36

BunnyKillBot said:
But at the same time, by using compression to normalise the output levels, am I destroying the creative intent and integrity of those that produced the art? Am I losing the essence of their work for my own peace of mind?

You are, oddly enough explosions and things are louder than normal conversations in real life too.

I do understand why people use it though, i avoid it as much as I can but the night mode on my amp has been getting a lot of use in my new house

, though its certainly not as savage as the source doing it i find.

probedb · 6 Nov 2010 at 10:30

The only reason to use it is late night film watching when you might annoy someone. Otherwise just turn it up

twist3d0n3 · 6 Nov 2010 at 11:07

dynamic range isn't that important imo, i use my amps' restriction on dynamic range, which has some still, but not as much as normal. the inconsistency of not being able to hear dialogue, so you turn it up, only for a loud sound to play and cause you to turn it down again gets on my boobs