Standardization of methods for MP3 files? [normalization methods] [volume levels]

Q: Ive heard of programs that normalizer go through your entire MP3 collection and normalize the volume level, but Im a little tired of its use. If I understand correctly, you basically do everything at once, to download all the files properly synchronized.

What if it screws up my files? I do not really want it back all first. m Probably provide me anything, but .

Any recommendations on the best way to do this? I tried on the fly plugins for Winamp and they seem not quite pulled. They work a bit, but they are not perfect. It often takes a bit until the next issue is properly normalized.


Re:The thing is that most of your music probably sounds fairly equal to each other even if they are not mathematically normalized. I would say just pick out the tracks that you can actually notice to be significantly louder or quieter than the rest, and normalize those only. That saves you time, and you run less chance of messing up a lot of files.

Re:I've just been playing around with it a bit, and I am running into the clipping issue…

I'm not completely sure what clipping is, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's when the peak volume goes above a certain limitational point and you get, well, crappy audio?

Almost all of my MP3's are VBR made using EAC/Lame. Is this not the best method? Last I knew it was pretty much agreed upon that it was.

Not that it matters terribly, since my audio hardware sucks. But I'd like to get some nicer equipment someday, and I want to know the best way to go about doing things if I ever have the urge to rip all of my CDs again… *shudder*


Re:I agree with the "standards" thing.

If you're wary about using the program, you can run it in "analyze" mode (iirc) and see what it will do to the audio.
Typically, the only problem that comes up is clipping — which I only get with mp3's I get from some other source than CDex.
"analyze" mode will show you if clipping is going to occur (or has already occured), before you commit it to alteration.

I've had the same paranoia… and backed up all my original mp3s before I started normalizing. But mp3gain has treated me well.


Re:Actually, from reading the FAQ for MP3Gain, it appears that you can easily revert to your original and thus there's no real concern with screwing up everything.

I think I'll take the plunge.


Re:Thanks, didn't see that thread.

I'm still a bit wary :(

I think there should be an industry standard volume level of some sort for producers to go by, that would at least stop this problem from continuing with future recordings.


Re:i think i outline what you fear HERE (http://{$MySite}/messageview.aspx?catid=33&threadid=1604833&enterthread=y)

Other than the issues I ask about in that thread, mp3gain does a good job with the "album" mode normalization.

mp3gain is HERE (http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/)


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