I’ve noticed that the music in movies and TV shows is often too loud, making it hard to follow the story. Constantly adjusting the volume removes the overall viewing experience, especially during action scenes when dialogue is crucial. One of the most inquired questions to the mixers and the post-production is, Why is music louder than dialogue?
This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide solutions to help you enjoy your favorite movies and shows without audio problems.
Why is Music so Loud in Movies?
The mixers do this to create hype and extra intensity in the scene most of the time. In the action scenes, you see that people get more attentive and devoted to watching the scenes when there is extra loudness in the background music. On the other hand, they ignore dialogue intelligibility.
It is how the whole mixing industry works these days. They are mixing according to the needs of theaters specifically, not for the home theater music system or TV that works on the 5.1 channel.
When discussing the soundbar, we mainly play music on the left or right channel and completely ignore the central channel designated for dialogue. Instead, we get only the music, lower quality, and dialogue clarity from the L and R channels.
The stereo mix on the stereo speakers is either 5.1 or on two channels, generally most effective for dialogue and music. The phenomenon that works here is the self-centering that allows dialogue and music. You must check the output and inputs to know whether you adequately feed the channels.
Here is the reasoning you would love to read in detail Will a Soundbar Improve Dialogue? Is it Useful for Voice Clarity?
Dynamic Range
One of the main reasons music is often louder than dialogue in movies and TV shows is the difference in dynamic range between the two. Dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and softest sounds in audio. Music typically has a higher dynamic range than dialogue because it contains a wider range of frequencies and instruments, making it more complex and dynamic.
How Does Compression Affect Audio?
Another factor that can contribute to the difference in dynamic range between music and dialogue is compression. Compression is a technique used in audio production to reduce the dynamic range of a piece of audio.
This is often done to make the audio more consistent and easier to listen to. However, when it comes to movies and TV shows, compression can cause the dialogue to be quieter than the music, making it harder to hear.
Sound Mixing and Mastering
How the audio is mixed and mastered for movies and TV shows can also contribute to the problem of music being louder than dialogue. Sound mixing combines all the audio elements of a movie or TV show. It includes dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambient noise into a cohesive whole.
Sound mastering is the final step in the audio production process, where the audio is balanced and optimized for playback on different types of speakers.
Balancing Dialogue and Music Levels
Finding the right balance between dialogue and music levels is crucial when mixing and mastering audio for movies and TV shows. If the music is too loud, it can overpower the dialogue and make it difficult to hear. On the other hand, if the dialogue is too loud, it can drown out the music and detract from the emotional impact of a scene.
How to Fix Music Louder than Dialogue Issue?
So, what can you do if you’re having trouble hearing the dialogue in a movie or TV show because the music is too loud? Here are some solutions to try:
Adjust the Audio Settings
Many TVs and home theater systems have audio settings that allow you to adjust the balance between dialogue and music levels. Look for settings like “dialogue enhancement” or “dynamic range compression” to help you clearly hear the dialogue.
- Turn on the DRC.
- Or you can look for the Auto Volume feature on the TV.
- There is also a function of the Night mode that you can use to avoid
- Try Soundbar or stereo speakers that comprise different Modes.
- Tweak EQ.
You may also be interested in reading How to Pair Vizio Soundbar with Subwoofer
Use Subtitles
If you’re still having trouble hearing the dialogue, using subtitles can be helpful. Most streaming services and Blu-ray discs come with subtitle options that allow you to read along with the dialogue. You can still enjoy the visuals and music of the movie or TV show.
Invest in a Better Soundbar
Investing in a quality sound system can make a big difference in your viewing experience if you’re a serious movie or TV buff. Look for speakers with a wide dynamic range and can reproduce dialogue and music with clarity and balance.
Here is another guide we have on dialogue amplification How to Fix Very Low Dialogue But Very Loud Sound Effects on TV?
How to fix Netflix Music Louder than Dialogue Issue?
While watching your favorite Netflix show, you encounter an issue of music louder than dialogue. Then you can follow these steps. First, you need to:
- Go to your device’s audio output settings and ensure it is stereo. If it is set to surround sound, this could be causing the issue.
- Check the audio format setting and ensure it is set to the recommended option. Netflix recommends using Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio, but if you’re experiencing issues, try switching to stereo.
- If your device has an audio normalization feature, turn it on. This feature helps to balance the audio levels between dialogue and music.
- Try turning it on if your device has a dynamic range compression feature. This feature compresses the audio dynamic range, making quieter sounds louder and louder sounds quieter, resulting in a more balanced audio output.
- Some devices may have an equalizer setting. Try adjusting the equalizer settings to reduce the music volume and boost the dialogue.
Hopefully, this will solve the issue, and if it is still unclear, you may look for the What Level Do You Record Dialogue?
Why is the Dialogue in Halloween so Quiet?
The main reason is that in such movies, they want to increase the intensity and sound effects that scare the shit out of you, and indeed it does. More importantly, they compress in this sense where the music effect overpowers the dialogue entirely. You get involved much in the scary, intense atmosphere as it does in the theater.
Can closed captions be used instead of subtitles?
Yes, closed captions can be used instead of subtitles. Closed captions include the dialogue, any relevant sound effects, and descriptions of music or other audio elements. However, not all movies and TV shows have closed captions available.
Why is the music so loud on FBI?
The loudness of music on FBI may be due to several reasons. First, it may be an artistic choice made by the show’s producers and music supervisors to create a more immersive viewing experience. Loud music can create a sense of tension and excitement, particularly during action scenes or when characters are in peril.
Additionally, the show’s audio mixing may not have been optimized for home viewing, leading to imbalances in the levels of music and dialogue.
Final Words
The music and dialogue go side by side. Without any of these two, you can not complete a movie. The loudness of music compared to dialogue in movies and TV shows is a common issue that can impact the overall viewing experience. While several factors can contribute to this problem, including artistic choices, audio mixing imbalances, and different audio setups in different viewing environments, there are solutions that we have described here to help alleviate this issue. For more informative pieces of content, head to SoundbarPro!