Hi,
I'm confused about how to configure the ALM target level to get the best results when using it to level out a voiceover recording.
Nectar 3's Global Controls state "When enabled, ALM will adjust input gain in order to hit the ALM target level. ALM looks at the RMS level of the input signal, when that level is within 3 dB (above or below) of the target level, it will dynamically adjust the input gain up or down in order to match the it to the target level."
iZotope's 'Learn' page states "Auto Level Mode is positioned at a default target RMS of -8 dB"
Generally, the total RMS level of most voiceover recordings I work with will be (approximately) in the -20 dB range, and I'm not clear on how the -20 dB total RMS level of my voiceover recording relates to a chosen target level of ALM. Setting the ALM slider handle to an equivalent RMS of -20 dB just results in a really quiet piece of audio.
My question is, how would I figure out what target value is suitable for any piece of audio that I'd work on? I'd like to understand if the default -8 dB RMS level is already the correct value, or if I'd need to adjust the ALM slider handle higher or lower.
Thanks,
Ian