Updated In 2024, Balancing the Scales Normalizing Sound Volume for Optimal Viewing with VLC

Balancing the Scales: Normalizing Sound Volume for Optimal Viewing with VLC

How To Normalize Volume in VLC

How to normalize volume, why should we do it, and what is it after all? – these are the questions when it comes to editing our audio files, as well as the video clips we tend to change the sound of. So, first of all, the volume normalization is pretty much explained as follows: The process when a constant amount of gain is applied to the audio recording, bringing the amplitude to a desirable level, which is “the norm” for the project. If it is a little bit difficult to understand, we have to highlight that when this tool is applied to our volume, the whole recording has the same amount of gain across it, every piece affected the same way. Accordingly, when we normalize volume, the relative dynamics are not changed.

But, why bother at all and why not leave it the way it is? Well, the answer to this is almost the same as on why editing exists in general, right? Things are not perfect! This is the fact that prompts us to make our video clips and audio better, improve it at least on the level which can get us the right amount of viewers and listeners. Everyone have had some pain listening to several podcasts, when the volume was too high or too low, or there were so much background noise that the whole recording was hurting the ears of a person! People will not convert to being loyal subscribers, viewers and listeners if their user experience is not favored. So, it is in our best interest to serve their best interest, with a little bit of editing.

When it comes to normalizing audio, there are two reasons we refer to this tool. First is when we feel we need to get the maximum volume, and the second is when we need to match different volumes.

In the first case, you might have somewhat quite voice recording, and would like to make it better without changing its dynamic range, while making it as loud as possible. And when it comes to matching volumes, it is logical that you need to manipulate your editing this way in case you have a group of audio files, each or some of them are at different volumes, so, understandably, if not necessarily, you would like to make them come closer to the same volume.

So, until we give you the step-by step guide on how to normalize your volume in VLC player, we also need to inform you about audio normalization types. Here, generally, we come across three of them: a so-called peak normalization, helping adjust the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording; another is called loudness normalization and it adjusts the recording based on perceived loudness. Last but not least, RMS (Root-Mean-Square), changes the value of all the samples, where their average electrical volume overall is a specified level.

Using any of this, making it better to listen to your voice, without people being annoyed and their ears becoming exhausting with what you have to offer, you will be making it enjoyable for them and easy to come back to your content, as they will not be obliged to change the volume on their own audio players. Instead, their experience with you will be calm and effortless, which you are aiming to achieve.

So, not, what about VLC? – this is a very popular media player, favorite for a lot of people all around the world, so you should already be quite familiar with what it is, at least by having streamed videos and movies there. Speaking more of what it represents, it is a free-to-use, robust, and feature-packed software that plays a wide range of audio, image, and video files. It is worth noting that it can also play multimedia files directly from extractable devices or the PC and additionally, the program can stream from popular websites such as Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and so on.

As if it was not enough, you can do simple video and audio editing in VLC Media Player, which a lot of people are unaware of! For example, you can easily trim and cut videos. So, as it happens, we can also normalize volume in VLC Media Player. It is a very handy feature and it works on Windows as well as on Mac. Sooo… How to do that? Because, actually, it is so simple that you might be surprised you didn’t know about this earlier. To learn how to normalize volume in VLC, follow this simple guideline:

First, of course, as every time working with any software, you need to have VLC Media Player installed on your device. Once you have it installed, open VLC. Go to the Tools and Preferences and there, you will need to check the single box which is next to Normalize volume in Effects. Now, set the level to the one that works best for you. Then, when you are happy with the result, you can Save.

This is not something perfect, because it’s so simple to do and actually what it does is just help adjust the general volume, so it leaves the specifics alone.

But, it might be the case that you are not so satisfied with the simple editing and want a little more to get from the editing process on VLC. So, you can do more with the Audio Effects menu there. And the steps are as follows:

First, on your VLC player, find Tools and then, in the menu, go to Preferences. The window will open, and there you need to select All in Show settings – actually it is a little bit hard to find because this is in the bottom left corner of the window. From there, you will need to navigate to Audio, and then, a little below, click on Filters and highlight it. The checkbox next to the Dynamic range compressor will probably be unchecked – so, check in it.

Next, see where Compressor is in the left panel? Select it. And now, you are free to make the changes to the levels as you see fit.

Here, if you are a little bit overwhelmed with the wide range of options to work on, you can just concentrate the most on Makeup gain, Threshold, and Ratio. The first one is by which you adjust in quiet sequences to raise the volume, the second will help you reduce louder sequences to even things out, and ratio is the maximum level of all audio within a movie, let’s say.

Don’t underestimate Attack time and release time, either. They graduate the changes to ramp them up at first, then down again, rather than initiating them immediately. So, if you set them to your liking as well, this will ensure that you have a more fluid transition in and out of the scene and there are less sudden, sometimes scary volume changes.

Therefore, you are now equipped with the most information you will need to normalize volume in VLC Player – so free to give it a go, play around with the different settings and carry out the best result imaginable for you!

How to normalize audio in Wondershare Filmora?

Now, even though we already know how to normalize audio in VLC in the simplest, as well as in the more advanced way, it might be even better if we know some more about normalizing audios in different programs. Something worth discussing is a software called Wondershare Filmora , which carries out the same task wonderfully. Although, unlike VLC Media Player, it is a real video editor , but don’t panic if you have never laid your hand on editing – it is one of the easiest to use ini the word, operating also both on Mac and Windows, and its interface is utterly understandable for beginners right away. And, actually, it is a qhile that Wondershare Filmora X introduced the feature to normalize the audio for the first time. What to say more - you might want to stop now and download the latest version of Filmora because now we are about to learn how to normalize audio from the video there – so, tune in!

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

When it is done installing, open the software. Now, click and drag the video of which the audio you want to normalize. Now you can select the clip you have chosen – if there are multiple, select all of them, then right-click and choose Detach Audio.

Now if you have this kind of graphic before your eyes, you can be pretty sure without even listening, that the noises are really, really different from each other, which highlights once again how useful audio normalization can be:

Select these files, right-click and choose Adjust Audio. New panel will be opened on left top and there, you will see Audio Normalization – check the box there.

After you have clicked on it, wait until the normalization completes.

Soon, all audio will be normalized, and you will already be able to see on the graphics that the volumes are almost on the same level and when you listen to it, you will make sure that there is no longer apparent difference between how they sound. And from there on, you can save the file you just normalized!

So, in this article, we learned a lot about normalizing volumes, why and how it is done, and, more specifically, how to get this task completed in VLC Media Player as well as in Wondershare Filmora X. you can proceed to putting this new information into a good use and come back to learn more about video and audio editing here!

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Select these files, right-click and choose Adjust Audio. New panel will be opened on left top and there, you will see Audio Normalization – check the box there.

After you have clicked on it, wait until the normalization completes.

13 Free Music Production Software for Windows/Mac/Online

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

13 Free Music Production Software for Windows/Mac/Online

Technology advances have spread through all fields of human activity, including music recording and development. The invention of music development tools has made it simpler for people engaged in the creation of music in one form or another.

Numerous applications for music development are on the market, and some are meant for musicians, and others are for educators and teachers. There is also a need to direct prospective customers to the right free music production software.

A comprehensive analysis of some of the best music development tools has been conducted to help you make the correct decision while you’re ready to purchase the app. This comprehensive Music Production Software Guide will provide solutions to many of your unanswered questions relating to the purchase of music production software.

Part 1: Free Music Production Software for Windows
Part 2: Free Music Production Software for Mac
Part 3: Free Music Production Software Online

Part 1: Free Music Production Software for Windows

1. Audacity

The system for music development is not complete without an audio editor. Audacity is the best free music creation software available on the market. Audacity is open-source and extensive and provides a wide range of tools and effects for performing all audio editing and recording activities. It is created by a community of volunteers and provides regular notifications almost every month. It’s lightweight, safe, and intuitive enough to be used by novice music makers.

Pros

It is open-source
It can load VST plugins

Cons

Only 32-bit plugins are allowed
Limited features

2. Ardour

Ardour is a highly integrated program of music production that allows users to record and edit on Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems. Ardour Music Production Software was created by integrating the efforts of the world’s skilled team, such as recording technicians, programmers, and musicians. Such experienced technicians make their concerted and thorough efforts to build the program. Ardour is one of the few applications in music production that respects honesty. The accessibility of this program allows app developers to concentrate on functionality that matters to consumers rather than to construct compelling apps for advertising purposes. This is a system that should be celebrated for its user-focused functionality.

Pros

It has excellent user-friendliness
It is available on Mac, Linux, and Windows

Cons

It lacks a few integral features
It is difficult to operate for people new to audio editing

3. Tracktion T7

The people at Tracktion seem to have reached a reasonably canny business model by launching older DAW versions for free and without anything removed.

The convention appears to make it possible to access the edition without charge of two iterations before the new one. You will not be provided with all new functionality, but you will receive an update every time the company updates its flagship DAW, which it does nearly every year.

The growing section is adjustable to match the workflow, and the bottom panel adjusts so that any parameters anywhere on the screen can be seen.

Pros

It features an unlimited number of audio and MIDI tracks
It is able to host multiple plugin formats

Cons

It doesn’t provide all the features at once
It does not support many plugins

4. LMMS

LMMS is a fully free music production software for windows for music development. It is an open-source and also a project platform for the community. LMMS is a cross-platform device app. It makes it easier to manufacture beats, particularly when many music production professionals have to manufacture quality music with their computers.

Thanks to the powerful sample, beat and melody design, mixing and synthetic sound processes, and many other features, the LMMS music production software provides high-quality audio output. The product also features playback tools, plugins, and samples to produce powerful, high-quality sound.

Pros

It is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac
Hydrogen project files and MIDI can be imported easily for editing

Cons

It eats a lot of memory and requires a high-end device to support it
Some users complained that understanding its working is difficult

5. Cakewalk

This is an exciting app for music production to purchase. It is a fantastic tech to invest in music production. Cakewalk Sonar Artist Software is one of Cakewalk Sonar Artist ‘s great productions. Cakewalk is known for an excellent GUI, an excellent mixing console, an excellent commercial radio system, and limitless MIDI tracks.

A good device to use as part of your instruments for the development of music is the Cakewalk Sonar Artist Music Production program. It stands out as a program packed with excellent features amongst its counterparts. And the app is unmatched in the area of apps.

Pros

You can share music compilation directly to social media
You can easily add effects to your tracks

Cons

It is priced, very high
One window interface makes it hectic

6. Music Maker by Magix

This app is a special program for sound engineers, skilled musicians, and accomplished music producers, developed by US Magix Entertainment. It offers an excellent forum for creative music development in music production professionals.

In reality, the software for music production is excellent software for the Music Maker by Magix. In the field of music post-production and music mastering, mixing and arrangement, recording, and more, the software achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Thanks to the successful combination of a technical device and highly flexible workflow, the Music Maker by Magix has achieved this groundbreaking success.

With creative algorithm and superb plugin effects, the Music Maker by Magix program enables music manufacturers to develop their ideas in line with the highest quality in this industry.

Pros

It is great for EDM producers

Cons

It is not suitable for newbies
The GUI feels a bit cluttered

Part 2: Free Music Production Software for Mac

7. Garageband

This is a music development studio app that is designed to function on Mac. It is a great free music production software for Mac. This software has a full sound collection, which includes virtual instruments, voice, and guitar preset.

GarageBand is a well-known app for music development and is an excellent tool for music beginners. Many people have chosen GarageBand because it does not match the ease and ease of use for recording purposes in particular.

The user-friendly interface makes you easy to create music with a more unobstructed view of what you’re recording. Apps from GarageBand captured the attention of others because of their ease-to-use and user-friendliness.

Pros

The software offers some nicely packaged preset for vocal and guitar recording
Productive workflow

Cons

It has limited plugins
It is only supported for Mac platforms

8. Ableton Live

The Ableton Live 10 Suite is a dynamic and comprehensive program for the creation and performance of musical recordings.

An essential feature of this software is that it allows you to work on your time-based workflow without affecting the live session. This means that the software gives you a rare chance to get involved with the workflow without stopping live performance.

The Multitrack Recording Technology of Ableton Live10 Suite allows music producers to adjust the speed and pacing of any audio during the recording. To make these adjustments, you don’t have to pause the recording. This is one of the striking characteristics which makes this product a good option for all.

Pros

Adjusting the speed and pace of audio is a delight
Sophisticated MIDI/audio routing capabilities

Cons

It has a traditional design
Not enough updates to fix the buggy features

9. Boom 3D

Boom 3D for Mac & Windows is an award-winning pro sound improvement software designed to play your media content on any and all of your devices, phones, or streaming services with amazing 3D effects. No costly headphones or sound boosters will be needed to make your music feel like it! Designed in a new immersive 3D surround sound technology, Boom 3D redefines how people listen to music, watch films, or play games with some headphones on their devices. 3D sound provides the option to check the LFE (subwoofer), and the audio intensity of each Virtual 3D Surround audio system speaker.

Pros

It comes with loads of content
Audio quality can be enhanced

Cons

The design is not suitable for everybody
It does not have a Linux version

10. Mixxx

For beginners, Mixxx is just another great device. This is also one of the best free music production software downloads for your music. This software supports all Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.

The application provides you with a DJ-mixing environment and supports all standard formats such as Mp3 and many other formats.

Pros

It is a great app for beginners
Supported by Mac, Windows, and Linux

Cons

It doesn’t support many plugins
GUI isn’t that great

Part 3: Free Music Production Software Online

11. Soundation

Soundation is a platform that provides free music production software online only capabilities. The free version and three paid versions are offered. You can use this to build your tracks unless you have the resources to do so if you need a web-based music maker and editor.

If you pay, even after you have made your music, you can always cancel. Remember first to save them to your hard drive. If you need paid characteristics, pay for the monthly plan again through PayPal, and you have to use it for a month.

Pros

Great SSL-modelled mixer
You can use its devices as a plugin

Cons

It works only online

12. Audiotool

Audiotool is a popular app for music production hosted online and can be used without installation from inside your browser. It uses a cloud-based network to store all your music and files wherever you are. It is also confirmed that you will share music and tracks directly with YouTube, SoundCloud, and Facebook on its own publishing site. They have premium releases from Loopmasters and some fantastic online VSTs, for example, Heisenberg, Machiniste, Bassline, and Beatbox 8 & 9.

Pros

No installation needed
You can directly share it to your social media

Cons

It works only online
No upgrades

13. Soundtrap

Soundtrap is not only an online music studio but a training site for students and instructors. The STEAM Curriculum is an online learning resource that helps students to follow music and podcasts, incorporated into the Web app. As we mentioned earlier, in addition to the online Web App, you can also use it on different devices, share it with other users, and work in innovative projects for your music.

The interface is simple, easy to use, and easy to understand. It is simply an instrument for innovation; you don’t have to learn how to apply VST or any other technical elements to music creation. You can also record your MIDI instruments directly from your machine or device’s mic.

Pros

It provides a great platform for teachers to teach their students
It is very easy to use

Cons

It only has a limited number of plugins
It cannot be used professionally

Conclusion

If you make music on a computer, the most important resource in your artistic arsenal is your DAW; in your home recording system, you ‘re probably going to have the MIDI keyboard, audio interface, studio monitor speakers, and maybe a microphone or two. But your program is at the core of it all. Not everyone can afford expensive DAWs, but one must not worry as free music production software are present to aid us.

It is important to have a DAW with which you are pleased and, perhaps more importantly, a DAW, which allows you to turn your ideas into music as quickly and painlessly as possible. So make sure you choose the best one for you according to your needs. Hopefully, this guide will aid you!

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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