Audio Normalization

NOTE: Full definition below. But in short…

Loudness normalization sets an audio file to a certain LUFS (perceived loudness) level. Peak normalization sets the peak level of an audio file to a certain dB level, and is much less useful in podcast production in my experience.

There are two places in podcast post-production where you want to use Loudness normalization:

1. On individual tracks before the mixing phase (to make sure everyone’s raw tracks are the same exact LUFS level before you begin using plugins and processors, etc.)
2. On the final episode mix in the mastering phase (to make sure the final episode adhere’s to the unofficial loudness standards of podcasting)

And here’s a good definition of Audio Normalization from Wikipedia:

Audio normalization is the application of a constant amount of gain to an audio recording to bring the amplitude to a target level (the norm). Because the same amount of gain is applied across the entire recording, the signal-to-noise ratio and relative dynamics are unchanged. Normalization is one of the functions commonly provided by a digital audio workstation.

Two principal types of audio normalization exist. Peak normalization adjusts the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording. Loudness normalization adjusts the recording based on perceived loudness.

Normalization differs from dynamic range compression, which applies varying levels of gain over a recording to fit the level within a minimum and maximum range. Normalization adjusts the gain by a constant value across the entire recording.

Want to receive the Daily Goody in your email, daily or weekly? Subscribe free here.

And please keep in mind, the Daily Goody is only a tiny little tip, fact or lesson everyday. Please don’t expect any of these posts to be long, earth-shattering masterpieces that instantly answer every single question you can think of and completely transform you into a world class podcast engineer. “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”