How to normalise audio
By Sodaphonic · Updated
Adjust the peak level of your recording with Sodaphonic’s Normalise effect. Learn when to use it and why it differs from compression.
Steps
Load your recording into the editor. Choose Edit → Select all to process the whole file, or select a section of the waveform.
Choose Effects → Normalise.
Set Max volume (dB). The default is −3 dB, which leaves headroom below the maximum of 0 dB.
Press Normalise, listen to the result, and check that the loudest parts remain clear.
Export a new MP3 or WAV. Use Undo to compare another target level.
Tips and examples
Peak normalisation scales the selected samples together. Raising a peak from −12 dB to −3 dB adds 9 dB of gain while retaining the difference between quiet and loud moments.
This does not repair existing distortion, remove hiss, or make separate speakers equally loud. Noise rises along with the voice. Compression is a different tool for reducing changes in level.
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