I have normalized every single file I have posted for mp3 listening purposes online for the past 8 years or more. I have also been doing my projects with 24 bit A/D for most of that time, and have managed my mix levels so that I'm a good 6 dB under full scale on the output VU meter.

I have never had an issue with it or any complaints.

I have had other issues with websites like SoundCloud doing their own dither process taking my normalized .mp3 file at 320kbps and when down grading to 128 kbps, introduce funny artifacts.

IMO, if your intent is to post the file as an .mp3, by itself, normalization is something that should become a habit - I guess I'm at the other end of the scale if you compare my comments with kemmrich's comment to never use it. Why should it become a habit? Most everything else professionally done that has been posted as an .mp3 has likely been normalized.

Now, I should say that my DAW does normalization before .mp3 conversion - it does it in one fell swoop as part of the render to .mp3 process.

There is really no need to apply normalization to individual tracks. That's just going to create mixdown additional work.

Those are my opinions on the matter for what they are worth.

Oh, let me say that guitarhacker's points above are spot on....



Last edited by rockstar_not; 06/28/13 05:03 PM.
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