Audio Capture & Normalization | Bounty_OS Docs
Minimum audio specifications for Bounty_OS campaign content including sample rate, bitrate, loudness normalization, voice-to-music ratio, mic recommendations, and rejection triggers.
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Audio Capture & Normalization
Poor audio is one of the top reasons campaign content gets rejected. Viewers will tolerate imperfect video, but they swipe immediately on bad audio. This guide covers the technical specs, gear recommendations, and normalization targets that keep your content review-ready.
Minimum Audio Specifications
| Property | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz | 48 kHz |
| Bitrate | 128 kbps | 256 kbps |
| Channels | Mono | Stereo |
| Format | AAC | AAC or PCM (in MP4/MOV container) |
Most modern smartphones record at 48 kHz / 256 kbps by default, so you likely already meet these specs. Problems typically arise from post-processing or heavy compression during editing.
Loudness Normalization Target
Both TikTok and Instagram normalize audio on playback, but they handle it differently. To ensure consistent volume across platforms, target:
Integrated Loudness: -14 LUFS (± 1 dB)
True Peak: -1.0 dBTP maximum
Loudness Range: ≤ 10 LU- -14 LUFS matches the loudness standard used by Spotify, YouTube, and most streaming platforms. It provides a consistent listening experience without sounding too quiet or distorted.
- True Peak at -1.0 dBTP prevents clipping artifacts that occur when the digital signal exceeds 0 dB.
- Loudness Range ≤ 10 LU ensures your audio doesn't have extreme volume swings between quiet speech and loud music.
Voice-to-Music Ratio
When your video includes both spoken content and background music, the voice must be clearly audible:
- Voice should sit at least 6 dB above the background music level.
- In practice, this means if your music is at -20 dB, your voice should peak around -14 dB or louder.
- The FTC verbal disclosure must be clearly audible. If background music makes the disclosure hard to understand, the post will be rejected.
- When in doubt, err on the side of quieter music — viewers can always turn up volume, but they can't separate vocals from a loud track.
FTC Audio Disclosure
If your video includes a verbal sponsorship disclosure ("This video is sponsored by..."), it must be audible over all background audio. Music drowning out the FTC disclosure is a rejection trigger on Bounty_OS.
Microphone Recommendations by Budget
| Budget Tier | Option | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | Phone built-in mic | Casual vlog, talking head | Record in a quiet room, hold phone 12–18 inches from mouth |
| $15–30 | Wired lavalier (e.g., Boya BY-M1) | Interviews, product reviews | Clips to collar, dramatic improvement over phone mic |
| $50–80 | Wireless lavalier (e.g., Rode Wireless GO) | On-the-go, movement-heavy content | Freedom of movement, consistent levels |
| $100–150 | Shotgun mic (e.g., Rode VideoMicro II) | Studio content, high production | Mounts on phone/camera, directional pickup rejects background noise |
| $200+ | USB condenser (e.g., Blue Yeti, Elgato Wave) | Desktop/studio voiceover | Best clarity but requires stationary setup |
Best Free Improvement
Before buying any gear, record in a small, carpeted room with the door closed. A quiet environment with soft surfaces makes a bigger difference than an expensive microphone in a noisy space.
Rejection Triggers
Audio issues that will cause content to be rejected during review:
- Clipping/distortion: Audio peaks that exceed 0 dBFS, causing crackly or blown-out sound.
- Inaudible speech: Voice too quiet to understand, whether from low recording level or excessive background noise.
- Music drowning out voice: Background music louder than spoken content, especially when it covers the FTC disclosure.
- Persistent background noise: Wind, traffic, HVAC hum, or crowd noise that obscures the message.
- Echo/reverb: Recording in large, hard-surfaced rooms that make speech difficult to understand.
- Audio desync: Voice out of sync with lip movements by more than ~100ms.
Tools for Audio Normalization
| Tool | Cost | How to Normalize |
|---|---|---|
| CapCut | Free | Enable "Noise Reduction" and use "Volume" slider. Use "Normalize" under audio settings. |
| Audacity | Free | Effect → Loudness Normalization → set to -14 LUFS. Apply "Noise Reduction" first. |
| DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight) | Free | Use the Loudness meter + Limiter on the master bus. Target -14 LUFS integrated. |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Paid | Essential Sound panel → set Loudness to "Match Loudness" at -14 LUFS. |
| Phone Voice Memo | Free | No normalization — but record a test clip to check levels before filming. |
Related Guides
- Content Standards — full production quality requirements and rejection criteria.
- Music & Licensing — how to choose commercially licensed audio for campaign content.
41 objectsUpdated 2026-02-10