Adjust audio volume levels

Balance the mix so the VO sits at -6 LUFS relative to the music. Reduce the background track by 6 dB during speech-heavy sections and raise ambient SFX by 2 dB in the montage at 0:28–0:42. Listen on phone speaker and headphones to confirm dialogue is clear, then export an MP4 for review by 5pm.

Before I send this to the client, make volume adjustments obvious: create two reference mixes labeled ‘VO-forward’ and ‘Music-forward’, list the exact dB changes applied to each track, and include two short exports—one mastered for mobile speakers and one for headphones—so the client can hear the trade-offs quickly.

The client flagged that dialogue disappears on phones even though it sounds fine on studio monitors. The client is Alex, targeting primarily Instagram viewers. I’m worried my master is over-loud in the music bands. What adjustments should I make to ensure clarity on small speakers without losing overall punch, and what quick test will prove it works?

Every project needs extra rounds because mixes that sound balanced on our monitors fail on phones or in-app players. What routine or tool should we adopt so the first mix translates reliably across common playback devices — recommend target LUFS, a mobile listening check, and a simple export set that covers typical social platforms.