Achieve proper loudness level for your audio

(To read the Previous post of this Sound Better series, »> Click here.)

A louder sound is the better sound.

There is some truth behind this perception. However, we should re-phrase it like this: A properly loud sound is the better sound.

Why is that so?

There are several reasons why a properly loud sound is important.

For example, audio loudness can become the deal breaker in a voice-over audition. If your audio is quieter than other auditions, your demo may be rejected even before it gets a chance of judgment.

On the other hand, too loud sound can have distortions or clippings and will be rejected straightaway.

For audiobook narration, you have to meet specific requirements on loudness. Otherwise, your narrated audiobook will be rejected.

For audiobook narration, the peak loudness should not cross -3 dB, and RMS (average loudness) should be between -18 and -23 dB.

For voice-over, you can also follow the audiobook narration guidelines.

The loudness requirements for podcasts are specified in Lufs, not RMS. Different podcasting platforms vary the requirements slightly, but the philosophy is the same.

Your audio loudness should be pleasing, comfortable, and align with other’s volume levels.

Controlling your audio loudness is the first step toward achieving your audio goal. Even you may have to pay a heavy price if you can’t process your audio to the perfect loudness level.

For example:

• Your voice-over audition will not get the chance to be selected.

• Your audiobook narration will be rejected.

• Your content will lose views due to poor loudness levels, hampering your credibility.

• Your podcasts will be ignored!

I can go on and on. However, the main thing is processing the audio to the desired loudness level.

The formula is straightforward and applies to any audio editing software.

I call it a “Compression Sandwich.” You won’t find that term anywhere else. I coined it for my audience to better understand how it works.

You have to apply the Compressor effect sandwiched between 2 Normalize effect.

It’s like this:

• Normalize

• Compressor

• Normalize

It basically has a Compressor effect sandwiched between two Normalized effects.

You can use some other effects between the first Normalize and the Compressor, but the second Normalize must happen immediately after the Compressor.

That’s why you will see me recommending this effect sequence on my YouTube videos and Courses:

1. Normalize

2. Noise Reduction

3. EQ

4. Compressor

5. Normalize

You may ask why there can be other effects between the first Normalize and the Compressor and why the second Normalize should be immediately after the Compressor.

Different audio recordings will have different peak values. The first Normalize effect sets the peak level to a standard for the next processing.

If you have to apply a compressor based on the recording's original peak, you must find the best settings every time. If you fail to do so, the effect may not even work as you intended.

Doing so every time is tedious and problematic, eliminating the possibility of automating audio processing through Macros or Presets.

The purpose of immediate Normalize after the Compressor is different. A compressor effect always changes the peak level of the audio by a fair Margin.

If you do not apply the last Normalize, the loudness level of your audio will be all over the place.

You may now ask why we are not using a Normalize effect just before the compressor like this:

1. Normalize

2. Noise Reduction

3. EQ

4. Normalize

5. Compressor

6. Normalize

You can use this sequence, and it will work almost the same as the previous sequence.

Effects like Noise Reduction or EQ usually do not significantly alter the peak. The compressor effect works mainly based on the peak.

If the audio's peak does not change much after the first Normalization, applying the Normalization just before the compressor is not necessary.

So if there is a Normalize effect in the processing chain before applying the compressor, it is okay not to have a Normalize effect just before the compressor.

If you feel all these sentences are too technical, just use any of the above effect sequences to make your sound better.

This would ensure that you are following the Compressor Sandwich technique. However, sometimes, people confuse the purpose of the Normalize and the Compressor effect.

If I say it in plain terms, Normalize controls the loudest audio point. All other parts are adjusted according to how much adjustment you made with the loudest point.

The compressor effect, on the other hand, controls the average loudness of the audio. We mainly use it to increase the overall loudness of the audio.

So the purpose of the Compressor and Normalize is not the same. We need both.

I made a video a couple of years ago showing the difference between the Compressor and Normaliza Effect. That video still has the best average watch time of all of my videos.

I mentioned in an earlier post that Normalize has no side effects if you use it multiple times. It does not alter the inner quality of the audio data.

But that is not true for Compressor or other effects. The compressor alters the inner quality of the audio data.

Using the compressor multiple times or in the wrong settings may make your recording sound unnatural.

So, learn the compressor settings well. In fact, make some effort to learn the Compression Sandwich technique well.

Then, you will have no worries about the loudness of your audio.

You can learn the compressor sandwich technique from the Sound Better video.

Or you can take the Audacity Macros if you are using Audacity to see how I professionally use it.

If you use Adobe Audition, you can take the Presets. From Adobe Audition Presets, you will find the proper Compressor settings.

To read the Previous post of this Sound Better series, »> Click here.

If you are looking to produce quality Audio with Audacity, please check the Audacity Bundle (Beginner to Advanced): https://www.patreon.com/master_editor/shop/audacity-bundle-beginner-to-advanced-189564

If you are thinking of producing Voice Over, Audiobooks, or Podcasts in Adobe Audition, please check the Adobe Audition Bundle: https://www.patreon.com/master_editor/shop/adobe-audition-bundle-beginner-to-240352

If you are looking for 1-1 assistance, please check Premium Consulting: https://www.patreon.com/master_editor/shop/premium-consulting-for-audio-editing-318200