Quote:

I'm using BIAB 2008.5 bld 265. I have Realtek HD Audio as my soundcard (yeah, I know...)
In BIAB I click on Audio - Recording Mixer - Stereo Mix - Properties - Levels - where should the slider be ? 100 75 50 ???



That should be adjusted while watching your recording host program's internal VU meters.

A good target level for music is at around the -6dB mark. Going higher than that can result in a loud passage exceeding the 0dB mark, which is where you go into digital clipping. With today's 32 bit recording programs, that may not be noticeable at playback but is still something that should be avoided. Don't let it go "into the red".

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Then Audio - Playback Mixer - Speakers -where should this slider be ? 100 75 50 ???



Ideally, you should be using amplified monitor speakers of some sort that have their own hardware Volume control associated with them. If such is the case, then I recommend putting that Playback Master Fader and any associated outputs needed, such as wave, etc. ALL THE WAY UP. Adjust for pleasant listening using the hardware Volume on the speakers' amp.

If you don't have the amplified speakers with hardware volume control on them, then your only recourse is to use that software Playback fader to adjust for pleasant listening level.

The Playbasck fader should not affect the Record level unless you are recording from internal source right back into the computer again. An internal source might be an already recorded track playing back or a webstream or the like. Depending upon the host software, the Playback level may or may not be taken into account by the Record input. This also is dependant upon the type of sound card or sound device you are using also. Easy to find out, after adjusting the Record volume using the VU meters in your host software, take a look at the Playback VU meters in that same software while turning the Playback fader down or up. If the Record VU moves with the Playback fader moves, then such is the case. This should not happen when using Line In, Mic In, though. Just on internal streams with certain soundcard settings.

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Is there any freeware tool (other than MP3Gain) that will even out my MP3 volumes?

THANKS.



I like to use the freeware Audacity program. Websearch for the main home webpage for Audacity, read the instructions and also download the LAME mp3 encoder from there as well and install as per their directions. LAME encoder is now simply the best one out there. Audacity Audio Editor is great software, use the Effects -? Amplify command to raise or lower the entire highlighted track after import, save again as mp3.

--Mac

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