Topic: normalize stereo channels independently or not?

[weroflu]

Two omni mics spaced equally over an upright piano. I always normalize  in audacity. It never occurred to me to try the option of normalizing stereo channels independently.

Aside from normalizing, I get some unexplained levels where the bass mic (left) will pick up more level on treble notes than the treble mic (right)

[page]

I wouldn't, but my work flow is to set channel balance via volume before normalizing (and I don't want the downstream processing to disrupt the balance I set earlier).

[sacchini]

Normalizing works on peaks.
I prefere to balance channels by RMS and then to normalize.

[cd2go]

I wouldn't, but my work flow is to set channel balance via volume before normalizing (and I don't want the downstream processing to disrupt the balance I set earlier).

^^This^^

Before any editing/EQ, I balance L/R by ear over headphones to see what "sounds" balanced without even looking at the RMS numbers (which I find misleading especially with directional mics). Then I'll edit/process as needed and lastly leave the channels locked for peak normalizing.

-james

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Don't forget that stereo separation is also determined by the arrival time differences between channels.

That is why it is sometimes very helpful to modify the time relationship between L/R. It is also why adjusting the amplitude alone may not change the balance much.

[Gutbucket]

Well covered.

The basic thing is this:
Normalizing as a linked channel pair will not change the balance between channels; normalizing each channel independantly can change, and in most cases will change the stereo level balance between the channels, depending on the amount level of difference between them. 

Threre are reasons for doing it each way.  But like others have mentioned, typically you will want to get a good balance by ear and then nomalize as a linked pair to retain that balance.

Keep in mind that there are different types of signal level normalization: normalization based on peak levels, and nomalization based on RMS levels.  The pair verses independant channel normalization statement about balance applies to both types.

[jagraham]

I simply reduce any blatant peaks(+2db or more over the rest of the signal) and amplify both tracks together. In some rare cases I have then split them to mono and amplified one track by 1db or so but that's usually not necessary. Examples would be onstage or recording low pro where one mic might have a hotter signal than the other.

It's all subjective, do what sounds best to your ears. If you are like me you probably over analyze these things...