Originally Posted By: nichollstj
..... I also do normalize and reduce the track by 3db after. I try and keep compression as minimal as possible. I try to leave some headroom on my tracks.
.......

I understand where I need to go. I was hoping to accomplish it all within realband, but it appears that a wav editor is a good idea.


I would not do it that way... normalize then back it off after by 3 db. I would simply set the normalization to 100% or perhaps 96%... or somewhere between those numbers and after the process, simply click save. If you reduce at that point, you are turning the gains you got from the normalization down.

I normalize from between 96% to 100% depending more on how I feel that day than anything else... (just kidding) .... but going 100% is fine unless you are converting to MP3 OR sending it to a mastering house . Both of those will want something around -6db for proper head room after the mastering or conversion process.

Personally, I've not had any issues with normalizing a wave to 100% and then running into mp3 clipping issues after the conversion. So I let it rock. I have been setting to 96% a lot recently because that little 4% extra will not add that much more loudness to my tracks.... and I certainly don't need it.

You should be able to get it all inside the DAW, but most folks I know use that 3rd party editor as I do... for it's convenience and not much more.... you could just as easily bounce it to a new track and normalize in the DAW.... I find it faster and easier to open Wavepad vs a new project in the DAW. One thing to be aware of if you do bounce it to track in the DAW..... be sure it's not running through the master buss and it's FX again for a second go round..... you'll pull your hair out trying to figure out why it doesn't sound the same.

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