How should you manage audio levels in a package?

• A. Always aim for peaks at 0 dB.
• B. Ignore peak levels.
• C. Only adjust volume after posting.
• D. Monitor with a mixer, target peaks around -12 to -6 dB, normalize levels during editing, and apply compression if needed.

Answer: (D)

Managing audio levels in a package means keeping peaks well below clipping while maintaining clear, consistent speech so the audience can understand it across different listening environments. Using a mixer to monitor levels lets you see real-time peaks and avoid distortion as you bring in voices, music, and effects. The goal is to have peaks around -12 to -6 dB, which provides enough headroom for any processing or added audio without risking digital clipping. Normalizing during editing helps ensure a uniform loudness from segment to segment, so one part isn’t suddenly quiet or annoyingly loud. If needed, apply compression to even out wide dynamic swings—this keeps speech steady and readable without making it sound flat or artificial. Aiming for 0 dB peaks is risky because any additional processing or volume adjustments can push you into distortion. Ignoring peak levels leaves you vulnerable to spikes that damage fidelity and listener experience. Waiting to adjust levels after posting means the audience will encounter uneven audio, which can undermine the professionalism of the package. By combining monitoring, deliberate peak targets, normalization, and thoughtful compression, you create a polished, radio-ready sound that stays consistent across scenes and devices.