Mixing the same track

Audacity 3 Help Forum Windows
1

I am trying to increase the volume of my lossless audio files. I have a question in regard to this which I can’t seem to find answered previously.

If I import a (non-clipping) identical FLAC file twice, and export it as a FLAC without amplifying either track (mixing it down to 2 stereo channels) the DB level increases and it shows as clipping. The track in question went from 87.9 to 94.0

I had originally intended to mix the original FLAC (with no clipping) with an amplified version (with clipping) to see if I could increase the overall volume and maintain a good quality track.

Why does the overall DB level increase when I mix the same track.

2

All Audacity does is add the two shows together. That’s a 6dB change – up. If either show was over -6 when you did that, the show will probably overload and clip.

You can try to reduce both shows 6dB with the Amplifier tool before you start messing with them. That’s a pretty good idea with any kind of extensive production manipulation.

Koz

3

If all you want to do is increase the volume of an audio file in Audacity, simply use the Amplify effect and then re-export it.

4

Thanks for the replies. I will stick to the simple ‘amplify’.

I wish there was an easy way to fix all my FLAC’s and MP3’s (for my ipod/WMP/WDTV etc.) so they play without the volume changing from song to song. I’ve manually amplified every track to it’s maximum without clipping, but there are still some huge variances.

5

For your iPod, look up “Sound Check” in your iPod manual.