Kevin,

The normalize option keeps the dynamics present in each audio file. All that happens is that the highest peaks gets zeroed to -0.3 dB (if my recall is correct). The other peaks in the waveform are then adjusted in the same relative ratio to the highest peak that they always were. That is, if (for example), the peaks ranged from -15 dB to -7.5 dB (a difference of 7.5 dB) then normalizing will make the peaks range from -7.8 dB to -0.3 dB. Because of the way in which the dB scale works, it is the maintenance of the difference that is important. This keeps the dynamic integrity of the original sound intact.

If you'd prefer the sound to have a smaller wave shape, it would be easy to reduce it in the DAW. I always normalize all my files before using them to mix a backing.

Regards,
Noel


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Audiophile BIAB 2025