I get it wrong sometimes, I'm not afraid to admit it, but I still prefer NOT to use Dynamic Volume, unless there is no other way.
I don't like what it does to music, because it takes the dynamics OUT of your audio, by compressing it.
My Bass Hacks, deep bass subwoofers, and other fixes for your audio all revolve mostly around IMPROVING your audio system's dynamics. So my hesitance to go backwards with compression is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
HOWEVER, I DO USE IT, when I have no other option.
That infuriating little noise maker, the window AC unit, is crazy loud. Probably one of the loudest I've heard in a while. When watching TV, I really have NO CHOICE but to use Dynamic Volume. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to hear the dialogue without blasting out any high bass scenes in the process.
Dynamic Volume, or compression, does fix the problem, but to me it's a sign that something needs to change, if possible.
It is SO MUCH BETTER to reduce the noise causing the problem in the first place. I did this at my old house, with a inverter based air conditioner, the LG unit.
The BEST solution, perhaps even over some central air units, is a Mini Split, which is probably the quietest option, in most cases.
Both the mini split and inverter based window/wall AC units usually have variable speed compressors, so rather than being at 100% on, or 100% off, the compressor can run at 20-70% when appropriate, depending on model.
I look for a dB rating under 50, and under 35 dB is ideal. The lower the better.
If you're thinking this is too expensive of a fix, consider this:
1) You might recoup the cost of an inverter based, variable speed compressor AC unit in electric costs. My bill dropped quite a bit with the LG inverter AC unit. It paid for itself by the second summer. EASILY. A Mini Split is even more efficient, typically.
2) How much have you spent on audio? Why deal with not being able to hear it properly? For what you get back in dynamics, (the ability to go from very quiet to very loud) it might be cheaper than most of your other components. You can look at it as a room treatment, if that helps.
3) It's more comfortable overall. Many of these units run continuously, which seems counterintuitive, but when your older, typical AC cycles on and off, even if the fan continues to run, the compressor will turn on and off to regulate the temperature.
By only slowing down the compressor, compared to starting and stopping, 3 things happen.
1) The temperature stays noticeably more even, without the feeling of "hot flashes", where the AC is waiting for the room to warm up enough to turn the compressor back on. Way more comfortable!!
2) I had to turn up the AC temp setting, because it just stayed cooler. I went from needing 67 degrees F on the old unit, to 72 to 73 F, while feeling cooler and more comfortable overall.
3) The air stays well mixed, because the fan keeps going, but at a MUCH quieter level. Again, more comfortable.
I know this was a video about Dynamic Volume and compression, but NOT NEEDING IT is far better than needing it. This has been mostly AC related, but ANY noise reduction is helpful.
Here are some affiliate links for AC units that are decently rated, and low noise:
Midea AC unit:
sub101.link/Me...
GE unit, with a different profile:
sub101.link/GE...
Mini splits: (may require professional to charge system)
sub101.link/Mi...
Inverter window AC Units:
sub101.link/Wi...
LG Inverter Window AC:
sub101.link/LG...
The tower of subwoofers is for another series of videos, I only use one set of matching dual subwoofers at a time.
Stay tuned!
2 окт 2024
