Audio Too Loud After Loudness Normalization Applied For ACX

[Matt1]

Hey everyone! New here. I just started getting into recording audio books for acx. Ive been auditioning for different books for some time now and have finally landed my first deal. Prior to a week ago, I would record, then ACX would ask me to change rms value to -23db. So I would apply by loudness normalization, then apply noise reduction for the background noise and the sound byte would be golden after running it through audiolab.

I’ve already recorded the first 15 minutes of the book, but this past week, I went to record and once I applied loudness normalization to the ACX standard, the audio is extremely loud and I get clipping every time I talk. Even the ambient noise is extremely loud. I’ve tried adjusting the gain back and forth, same result. Ive tried moving the recording volume and playback volume back and forth, same result. Ive changed none of my settings from before, yet I get the same result no matter what I do. Ive gone as far as to run previous versions of the program and even uninstalled and reinstalled the program, all giving me the exact same result. I just started at this, so I know I’m bound to be missing something. I just don’t know what it is.

Im running the latest edition of Audacity on Windows 10, along with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen 2 In 2 out Audio Interface, and a TZ Audio StellarX2 Condenser Microphone with Transparent Sound.

[DVDdoug]

When you normalize the RMS “loudness” that should work for perceived loudness but it often pushes the peaks over the ACX spec, and often over 0dB into clipping.

The general procedure is to limit after RMS normalization.

if you are using Audacity 3.6, try Koz’ new audiobook mastering macro here.

Any linear volume boost will also boost the background noise. If RMS Normalization ends-up boosting the RMS levels by +3dB, the peaks and the noise floor, and everything else will be boosted by +3dB.

[Matt1]

What’s strange though is I’ve been recording auditions for months and it hasn’t been an issue until now. That’s what’s been throwing me off.

[DVDdoug]

I assume you are you running ACX Check? It will tell you if RMS normalization is broken or not.

What’s strange though is I’ve been recording auditions for months and it hasn’t been an issue until now.

Make sure Windows “enhancements” are turned OFF. They can foul-up recording in weird ways (during recording or playback).

Sometimes a Windows update or running Zoom will enable these effects.

[Matt1]

Just downloaded Nyquist to run ACX Check. Nyquist wont run.

I also looked under the audio settings and my computer doesnt even have enhancements listed. Just an option to disable sound effects.

And how on earth do I do this Macro thing?

[Matt1]

So I got the ACX Check working. (Still working on the Macro) The first photo shows the audio before Loudness Normal and the second photo shows after Loudness. My gain is set to about the 2:00 position, but it doesnt seem to matter how I adjust it.