Peak Levels and RMS

Audacity Help Forum Windows
1

Hi All,

I’m having problems with Peak Levels and RMS while working with a recorded file of my book for ACX. (They require peak level that does not exceed -3 dcb and an RMS that is between -18 and -23.) When I get the peak right, it changes the RMS and then it fails their requirements. So I make changes to fix the RMS and that works, but then the peak level fails. It goes back and forth. I’ve done the trouble shooting things: change the limiter to -3 and it fixes the RMS, but then the peak exceeds. I’ve checked the allow clipping in the application box. I’ve changed the amplification numbers so many times to try to get it to work that if I somehow stumbled on the solution, I wouldn’t be able to repeat it because I’m now just willy-nilly changing numbers.

Please someone tell me there’s a box I haven’t checked or unchecked (no such luck, I’m sure!) or what step I’m missing. Thanks to all up front for being here for nonprofessionals like me!

Dinah

2

what step I’m missing

We designed an ACX Mastering suite of tools (three) to resolve the RMS (Loudness) and Peak conflict.

https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/audiobook-mastering-version-4/45908/1

If you already have the special tools, you can scroll down to — Process:.

If you recorded your work in a quiet, echo-free room, you may apply the suite and be good to go for submission.

See how it goes.

I’m now just willy-nilly changing numbers.

We hope you File > Exported your raw, unprocessed readings as WAV (Microsoft) 16-bit sound files. Reading errors and all. Those are your safety copies. If you don’t, it’s possible to make a processing or correction error and wipe out the work so thoroughly you have to read it again.

Koz