Greetings smokeymischief,
Regarding you question on normalizing the volume of your MP3
collection, there's a couple different ways to go about it. I'll
discuss each way so that you can decide which one will work best for
you. You'll find links to all of the programs and websites I mention
at the end of this answer along with the searchwords I used to gather
those results.
Probably the best way to normalize the volume of your MP3 collection
is to do so with a third-party software application that will actually
run through all of the files and change them so that the volume levels
are evened out. Doing it this way will ensure that no matter what
program you use to playback your MP3s, the volume(s) will always be
normalized from that point forward. There are several different
software packages that can normalize the audio for you, a couple of
good ones being:
MP3Trim
http://www.logiccell.com/~mp3trim/mp3trim.htm
This software will do not only normalization (both manual and
automatic) but it also trims wasted space off of the files as well.
MP3Trim comes in both free and PRO versions available for download at
their website.
MP3Gain
http://www.geocities.com/mp3gain/
MP3Gain analyzes and adjusts mp3 files so that they have the same
volume. MP3Gain does not just do peak normalization, as many
normalizers do. Instead, it does some statistical analysis to
determine how loud the file actually sounds to the human ear. Also,
the changes MP3Gain makes are completely lossless. There is no quality
lost in the change because the program adjusts the mp3 file directly,
without decoding and re-encoding. This program is also completely free
of charge. This program is also available for Linux.
You can also try to do normalization from within your MP3 player. Some
players *may* have plugins available that can do on-the-fly
normalization, but your results may not work as well as having a
program compare all of the files, then normalize all at once. I
couldn't find one for Winamp, but Windows Media Player 9 has a "Quiet
Mode" built-in that helps to normalize the audio volume levels so that
there are no drastic changes in volume levels between songs. You can
find this option on the VIEW menu under SETTINGS. There is more info
available in the online help for WMP9 (search for QUIET MODE).
I hope this helps to answer your question. Please don't hesitate to
ask for clarification if you need further assistance on this question
as I'll be happy to conduct further research if necessary.
Sincerely,
PWizard
MP3Trim
http://www.logiccell.com/~mp3trim/
MP3Gain
http://www.geocities.com/mp3gain/
Google Searchword Used:
normalizing mp3 volume audio normalization |
Request for Answer Clarification by
smokeymischief-ga
on
21 Oct 2002 04:20 PDT
This is pretty good but I forgot to tell you I have a mac. Thanks though!
|
Clarification of Answer by
pwizard-ga
on
21 Oct 2002 11:46 PDT
Well, that certainly makes a big difference. I wish I would have known
that before I started my research. It will take me another day or two
to look into this further as I don't have a lot of experience with
MACs, but I'll try and find some information for you. I'll update the
answer as soon as I have something.
Thanks,
PWizard
|
Clarification of Answer by
pwizard-ga
on
22 Oct 2002 06:34 PDT
Are you using the new iTunes 3 for your Mac? I read that it's supposed
to have a built-in volume normalization function (they call it "Sound
Check"). iTunes is supposed to be a free download. I can't really tell
if it actually modifies the files so that they will be normalized with
any playback software or if it only works when playing back with
iTunes.
Here's the website to download iTunes and has more info:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
Blurb about the Sound Check feature:
"Since all music CDs are mastered differently, there can be
significant differences in volume levels between songs on different
CDs. iTunes 3 solves this problem with Sound Check, a new feature that
automatically analyzes your entire library and optimizes volume levels
for consistent playback."
It looks like you have to have OS X in order to get iTunes. If this is
not an option for you, let me know and I'll continue to look... be
sure to include your system specs (OS, cpu, etc) so I'll have more to
go on.
Thanks,
PWizard
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Request for Answer Clarification by
smokeymischief-ga
on
22 Oct 2002 17:50 PDT
I do have iTunes, I should have been more clear. I am definately
getting my moneys worth here. The problem is that on my iPod the
songs play at different levels and I have to keep readjusting the
volume. Anyways, thanks for your help. Very concise!
|
Clarification of Answer by
pwizard-ga
on
22 Oct 2002 18:01 PDT
I think the solution is to use iTunes to normalize all of the mp3
files (using the "sound check" feature) before transferring them to
your iPod (you may have to move them off the iPod, normalize, then
copy them back). Once they are normalized, the volume levels should
all be consistent when played on your iPod or any other music player.
This same process can be done when burning the songs to an audio CD.
Hope that helps!
-PWizard
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