Ever noticed how you continuously make adjustments to the volume levels of the podcast you are listening to or the videos that you watch?
Fluctuating audio levels are not just a minor flaw- they can cause a severe impact on user experience and drive listeners away.
This is precisely why audio normalization matters. It is a process of maintaining volume levels to ensure your music sounds in tune from the start to finish.
Audio normalization is important because it helps maintain constant volume levels across audio tracks. For instance, if you revised a podcast or mixed music, you understand the distraction it may cause when one audio sharply increases while the other lessens. Normalizing audio is not a choice but a key process for producing audio professionally, whether it is for your YouTube content, a voice-over, or a complete music project.
In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of audio normalization, explain its benefits, and highlight how to normalize audio using AVS Audio Editor and similar tools.
Normalizing audio is when you make adjustments to the overall volume to reach a certain target level. This is important when your recording consists of high sounds and silent sections that upset the overall balance.
While normalization and compression are used to control volume, they vary in some ways:
This regulates the volume so that the highest sound reaches a defined level (e.g., -1 dB). This is best for ensuring clarity without distortion or clipping or helping to prevent distortion or clipping.
This adjusts the midpoint loudness to tone with a standard like LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale), perfect for podcasts or broadcasts, where perceived loudness matters more.
Audio normalization is essential for:
Normalizing audio ensures the same volume across all files, fit for interviews, multi-track songs, or video content.
Your audience would not need to adjust volumes repeatedly. It ensures convenient playback on headphones, speakers in cars, and smart devices.
Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts have sound standards (around -14 LUFS). Maintaining your audio level helps meet these requirements and prevents auto-leveling features from interfering with your sound quality.
AVS Audio Editor offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface for beginners and hobbyists who consider quick and accurate ways to normalize audio.
Download and install from the official AVS Audio Editor page.
Click on File > Open and select your audio track.
Use the selection tool to highlight the complete track or a part of it.
Go to Effects in the top menu and select Normalize.
Select your required normalization level (e.g., -1 dB for peak or -14 LUFS for loudness normalization).
Select Preview to hear the set changes, then click OK to apply the changes.
Export your final normalized file through File > Save As.
AVS Audio Editor lets you choose parts of the audio track to normalize. This feature is handy if you want to make changes to the level of volume in some parts of the track without impacting the complete file.
Before you apply any final modifications to your track, use the preview function to observe the effects of normalization in real-time. This approach allows you to assess necessary changes right away so you can tune in the needful settings without relying on trial-and-error adjustments.
If you want to normalize a batch of audio at one go, AVS Audio Editor allows batch processing. This will let you apply consistent volume settings to various tracks quickly and efficiently. It suits podcasts, music albums, or video series.
There are a few options or additional tools to consider if you are looking for top audio normalization tools across platforms:
This is an open-source and free-to-use audio editor that upholds peak and intense normalization.
Pros: Free-for-all with robust features.
Cons: Interface may be overwhelming for newcomers.
This is a professional-grade audio editing software with advanced normalization and compression tools.
Pros: Wide industry-standard, multi-track support.
Cons: Expensive, membership fee.
Web-based tools like AudioAlter and Bear Audio Tool let users normalize audio online without any software installation.
Pros: Appropriate for quick tasks, does not require download.
Cons: Offers limited features and file size restrictions.
Apps like WaveEditor for Android and Hokusai Audio Editor for iOS include basic normalization features for on-the-go editing.
Pros: Real-time editing.
Cons: Limited control, unsuitable for professional use.
There are some basic tips you can follow to make your audio normalization process neat and smooth:
Carry out trimming, noise reduction, and EQ first, then normalize to avoid re-processing.
Perform normalization to safe levels (e.g., -1 dB peak or -14 LUFS) to prevent digital distortion.
Make sure you listen to your normalized file on speakers, headphones, and mobile devices to ensure stability.
Use batch tools (like in AVS Audio Editor) for even volume across multiple recordings.
Audio normalization is important for anyone who is working with sound. If simply explained, this process ensures consistent audio levels across all your files. Once this happens, listeners do not reach out constantly to change the volume levels to compensate for tracks that are too high or extremely low. Normalization is about conveying a balanced and professional listening experience.
Mastering normalization means your recordings maintain a professional quality with a balanced sound, with no surprise peaks or drop-offs. It is one of those workflow steps that saves time and spares you from the load of post-production headaches. Once you get it right, your audio will always meet the industry standards.
AVS Audio Editor ensures the process is simple for beginners and intermediate users. With a neat interface, clear preview options, and batch tools, this editor is one of the best audio normalization software solutions for daily use.
Try our AVS Audio Editor for free and begin normalizing your audio like a pro today!
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