RE: [Harp-L] Volume levels on backing tracks

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, this is called "normalizing" the volume.  I use Cool Edit 2000, not audacity, but the function is probably called the same thing in Audacity.

You may have a problem if the tracks are thoroughly uncompressed, meaning that the tracks have significant volume peaks.  In that case, normalization will not change the perceived volume much, because the "valleys" between the peaks won't be raised substantially.  In that case, you might need to use a limiter (a type of compressor) to "squash" the peaks before you normalize.  If you do that, check the tracks before and after to make sure that they still sound okay for your needs, because limiting by its nature tends to make the louder instruments sound quieter and the quieter parts louder.

Regards, Richard Hunter


John Neff wrote:
>You could run them all thru Audacity and set the levels even.
 

> From: hillyshog@xxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Sun, 7 Aug 2011 21:37:38 +0000
> Subject: [Harp-L] Volume levels on backing tracks
> 
> 
> Hi All
> I have backing tracks on my ipod that we use for our duo gigs
> but i'm continually having to change the volume levels
> as they all seem to differ.
> Is there a modification I can make to the tracks to
> make them all play at the same volume?


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