Audio quesion...

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Theotter26

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 9:23 AM

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December 2007

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Quick question about audio on what seems to be a lot of movies. The action audio (guns, music, general action) seems to be just blaster at top level and the voice is at a normal level. Living in an apartment, this limits me and makes me constantly carry the remote around with me to make sure I’m not gonna wake the guy next door. I’m using a PS3, HDMI, Optical cable for 5.1 surround. Is there a setting in the PS3 or am I limited to just unplugging the thing?

Falcon01

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 10:07 AM

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Actually I beleieve there IS a setting on the PS3 but I can't think of it right now. Also you may want to check your receiver for a Night listening mode or something to that effect. Some receivers lower the base in Night mode and others enhance the audio as you turn down the volume.

John J. Puccio

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 12:53 PM

says... "It's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide." --A.E. Neuman

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I believe what you're experiencing is the wider dynamic range of better soundtracks. That would be the difference between the loudest and softest sounds, with dialogue somewhere in the middle. When a soundtrack has wide dynamics, there can be a pin dropping at very low volume one minute and an explosion the next minute some thirty or more decibels louder.

For people who enjoy good sound, they appreciate it when when a studio preserves the full dynamic range of a movie soundtrack. But, yes, it can cause problems, esp. for people not used to it or for people living close to neighbors or close to other people who don't want to be disturbed.

(Of course, sometimes a studio will just goose up only the bass on purpose, to help "sell" the disc, but that is much less seldom. In that case, just turn down the bass on certain discs.)

Many Blu-ray players and most new receivers have "Night Listening" modes which compress the dynamic range, making the difference between loudest and softest passages less extreme. Otherwise, just turn down the volume and try your best to hear the dialogue.

John

DerekC

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 1:08 PM

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November 2007

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See if your receiver allows you to change the volume setting per each speaker. My Onkyo allows me to turn up or down each speakers default volume, so when necessary I can turn up the center speaker. You could do that and keep the overall volume lower. If your receiver does not allow this, maybe the PS3 does. My Panny blu-ray also allows me to change the default volume settings per each speaker.

Theotter26

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 1:09 PM

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I look forward to getting to full experience soon, but right now apartment life doesn’t like dynamic sound. Thanks for all the help, I’ll start looking around the PS3 for the settings.

bladerunner1

Dec 1, 2008 - CST 3:27 PM

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March 2008

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Quote:
I look forward to getting to full experience soon, but right now apartment life doesn’t like dynamic sound

your telling me. lol. hey, you are faaaaaaaaaar from being alone here bud. i myself have lived in many apt's and i couldnt take it! i worked a second shift job, would get off at 11:30, and when i came home naturally i wanted to watch a flick. i tried to keep it as quiet as possible at those late hours, but the bliss that was dolby digital often got the best of me and i just HAD to crank saving private ryan to the unholiest of levels. it was complete and utter war in my apt. living room. needless to say, i was asked to move. my advice?

rent or buy a house!