Topic: Normalizing and Audacity

[colors]

So I recently discovered that the Normalize function in Audacity has been ruining my recordings.  Applying 'normalize to -0.0 db', unevenly raises the levels between channels on a stereo track.  I am a specifically talking about a single STEREO file.  A pull recently with a pair of spaces omnis really clued me into this.  The levels looked even initially, albeit a bit low.  So I applied normalization and got a very unbalanced result.  As I usually use coincident mics, volume levels between mics do not vary to the degree they did on this specific recording.  It may have been a trumpet close to one mic, but what ever it was is irrelevant.  Audacity SHOULD be normalizing both channels to the highest point in ONE channel. 

here's a visual example:
R -
L --
becomes
R ----
L ----
when it should become
R --
L ----

I do NOT want to mess with any compression either by formula or manually going through the files.  I set my levels and mics carefully, record all acoustic music, so my goal is to stay as true to the music as possible.  What is the deal with this massive Audacity screwup?
  Alan

[dean]

Hmmm.  I don't have this problem normalizing in Audacity.  I always normalize to -.01 because I'm superstitious like that...

[colors]

I should also say that for quickzees I took my r-09 and made a stereo file, tapping on one of the built in mics to get uneven levels.  fed this into the computer, applied normalization and got 0.0 peaks on both channels.  pretty ridiculous! 

I am using a new imac with audacity 1.3.10-beta (Unicode).  about to download an old version and see if that changes things....

[colors]

old version had the same problem for me

[runonce]

Try using the Amplify effect instead...

[Walstib62]

I have never had that isue, but there is an easy way to correct it. When you play back the normalized track, adjust the L/R balance control to your preference. When you export the file, it will export with the balance you have set.

[colors]

amplify should work fine.  I didn't realize that there is a db adjustment in there.  I thought there was only a % increase. 

I'd like to avoid manually adjusting to my preference for the sake of preserving the original.

[ero3030]

i like wavelab better, more dummy friendly i think    ed

[Brian Skalinder]

i like wavelab better, more dummy friendly i think    ed

Also a helluva lot more expensive!  I always found Audacity very simple to use, and Wavelab UI clunky and confusing.  Audition's UI was most intuitive to me, though once I got into Samplitude SE I haven't looked back.  Good thing we have a variety of tools available!

[admkrk]

samplitude doesn't seem to have an SE version any more so it's the same price as wavelab now. 

[Brian Skalinder]

samplitude doesn't seem to have an SE version any more so it's the same price as wavelab now. 

I've seen multiple references to use of Sam SE v11, so I believe it's out there.  But the Magix / Sam site has always proven completely screwy for trying to actually find the download.

[admkrk]

hmm, i'll have to try looking again. magix isn't a division of autodesk by any chance?

[flipp]

You may have better luck checking your local bookstore as a couple of European computer magazines have recently featured Samplitude SE on their bonus discs that are included. c't (german) had it in April and a british publication had it in May(?). Still have to register with Magix and they will not respond if you use a US mailing address for registration(so fake a european mailing address).

[rjp]

The Normalize function independently normalizes both channels to the selected level. This can result in one channel being boosted more than the other, which isn't always a good thing. The Amplify effect doesn't have this problem.

[Brian Skalinder]

Update on SAM -- SE is no more, replaced by SAM Producer.  I don't see myself up/cross-grading any time soon.

[admkrk]

that's all i could see. wish i had got in while se was available.