Setting RMS Normalize at -22 instead of -20 maybe? Tracks are just too loud. (For Audiobooks)

Audacity 3 Help Forum macOS
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I’m wondering what you all think about setting RMS Normalize at -22, say, instead of the usual, “official” -20 for Audiobook recording? Because when I am normalizing with - 20, it leaves my entire track volume hovering at -6 and above and it is just not pleasant to listen to, imho. Somewhere I read that perhaps this is because my initial recording is way too low….?

Thanks much,

Catherine

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That’s OK. The spec is from -23 to -18dB.

Somewhere I read that perhaps this is because my initial recording is way too low….?

Once you’ve adjusted the volume the initial volume doesn’t matter. But when you boost the level you also boost the noise floor and the peaks.

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Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply, DVDdoug.

And yes, I understand that boosting , with RMS Normalize, will boost everything including noise floor, and peaks, but I wonder why setting RMS at -20 work well for so many people, and why does it make my level just way too loud? NOT just the peaks!! The whole track hovers between -6 and - 12, when most people agree that the mid-range should indeed be -20….right??