PCM or Dolby for Audio? at DVinfo.net

Joe Goldsberry · May 12th, 2010, 08:12 AM

I know the Dolby imports faster but which one has the highest quality?

Thanks,
Joe

Ron Evans · May 12th, 2010, 11:26 AM

LPCM
Ron Evans

Jay West · May 12th, 2010, 03:11 PM

Highest quality for what?

Here's my take. Basically, all the Dolby etc. gets converted to PCM when you bring the video into most NLEs for editing. It get recompressed when you put the edited video out to other formats like DVD.

On the other hand, LPCM from the NX5 (or from dv cams) does not require extra processing to be used in the NLE. That means fewer chances for things to go wrong. Assuming you need to work with the audio.

And note that some NLEs have trouble ingesting LPCM audio with AVCHD or HDV.

LPCM is less likely to clip which can be a big deal when the audio has wide swings in volume and great dynamic range. So, not a big deal if you are doing interviews and you have the talkers miked reasonably well. Can be a big deal if you've got wide dynamic range (say, music a piano and string quartet or a jazz trio). Remember that the NX5 has a built in audio limiter, too, which can mean you get cleaner audio to start with.

May 12th, 2010, 08:12 AM	#1
Joe Goldsberry Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Whitman, Mass Posts: 101	PCM or Dolby for Audio? I know the Dolby imports faster but which one has the highest quality? Thanks, Joe __________________ http://JoeGoldsberry.com

May 12th, 2010, 11:26 AM	#2
Ron Evans Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,220	LPCM Ron Evans

May 12th, 2010, 03:11 PM	#3
Jay West Major Player Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Red Lodge, Montana Posts: 889	Highest quality for what? Here's my take. Basically, all the Dolby etc. gets converted to PCM when you bring the video into most NLEs for editing. It get recompressed when you put the edited video out to other formats like DVD. On the other hand, LPCM from the NX5 (or from dv cams) does not require extra processing to be used in the NLE. That means fewer chances for things to go wrong. Assuming you need to work with the audio. And note that some NLEs have trouble ingesting LPCM audio with AVCHD or HDV. LPCM is less likely to clip which can be a big deal when the audio has wide swings in volume and great dynamic range. So, not a big deal if you are doing interviews and you have the talkers miked reasonably well. Can be a big deal if you've got wide dynamic range (say, music a piano and string quartet or a jazz trio). Remember that the NX5 has a built in audio limiter, too, which can mean you get cleaner audio to start with.