Why Normalize does not work on some audio

Part 2 - Core Audio Effect Series

Author

Master Editor
December 13, 2024

To achieve proper loudness in your audio, it’s essential to understand the Normalize effect.

In my videos, I often use Normalize to set the peak level to -3 dB, but the true purpose of this effect goes far beyond that. Many people spend years editing audio without fully understanding Normalize, which limits their ability to control loudness effectively.

What Makes Normalize Unique?

Normalize is one of the few audio effects that always has the same name across all software. Whether you’re using Adobe Audition, Audacity, or any other tool, you’ll find an effect called Normalize. This consistency is rare. Other essential effects like Compressor or EQ might have different names depending on the software.

What Does Normalize Do?

The primary purpose of Normalize is to adjust the peak value of your audio.

  • The peak is the loudest point in an audio track.

  • In the waveform, it’s the tallest point, and on the playback meter, it’s the highest value reached.

For most platforms, the accepted peak value is -3 dB. The Normalize effect allows you to set a specific value for the peak level.

Does Normalize Always Make Audio Louder?

No. The Normalize effect can:

  • Increase the loudness

  • Decrease the loudness

  • Leave the loudness unchanged

It all depends on the current peak level and the value you set.

Example 1: Increasing Loudness

If the current peak level is -10 dB and you Normalize to -3 dB, the audio becomes louder:

  • -10 + 7 = -3 (a 7 dB increase)

Every part of the audio—including background noise—will also increase by 7 dB.

Example 2: Decreasing Loudness

If the current peak level is -1 dB and you set it to -3 dB, the audio will become quieter:

  • -1 - 2 = -3 (a 2 dB decrease)

Example 3: No Change

If the current peak level is already -3 dB and you set it to -3 dB, nothing changes.

Why is Normalize Safe to Use Repeatedly?

Unlike other audio effects, Normalize does not degrade audio quality when applied multiple times. It adjusts the volume but doesn’t affect the frequency balance or internal structure of the audio.

For comparison:

  • Applying Noise Reduction multiple times can make audio sound harsh.

  • Using Compressor repeatedly can make audio boomy and unnatural.

  • Repeated EQ adjustments can drastically alter the tone.

Normalize, however, remains clean and consistent no matter how many times you use it.

Key Takeaways

  1. Normalize adjusts the peak value of your audio. It can increase, decrease, or maintain loudness depending on the current peak level.

  2. You can use it repeatedly without degrading quality.

  3. You should understand whether Normalize will increase or decrease loudness. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to edit audio to get the desired loudness control over your audio.

If you want to dive deeper into Normalize and other audio effects: