On my fifth audiobook. Always had issues with getting RMS levels high enough (remedied with Amplify). Now seeing a message that my RMS is 17db. How do I get it up above -18? Is there a tool for that?
Same tool. Effect > Amplify with a negative number in the top setting will reduce the volume. -17dB is louder than-18dB. Your presentation is too loud. The audiobook specification is -18dB (louder) to -23dB (quieter). Hit it somewhere between those.
We publish an audiobook mastering suite that guarantees Peak and RMS. It’s three tools.
https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Audiobook_Mastering
If you’re an old hand at this, skip down to PROCESS.
Most home readers have trouble reaching all three specifications at the same time.
We also publish ACX Check a single tool that reads the audiobook settings in your performance and reports them.
https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Nyquist_Analyze_Plug-ins#ACX_Check
Koz