“Professional Audio Techniques in DaVinci Resolve: The Art of Normalization”

How To Normalize Audio In DaVinci Resolve

It happens a lot of times that we are not satisfied with several details our videos and audios contain, and we need to edit them. One of the most common problems we face is that our volumes are not normalized, and we need to take some extra time in order to achieve the best result for our audiences. Even with little or no knowledge about this very specific topic, we need to inform ourselves and find the solutions, make our videos more watch-able and our audios more listen-able, so to say.

There are several ways the audio normalization is achieved. One type is called peak normalization, helping adjust the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording; the second is loudness normalization, adjusting the recording based on perceived loudness. RMS (Root-Mean-Square) changes the value of all the samples, where their average electrical volume overall is a specified level.

Mostly, there are two reasons why we should give audio normalization a try. You need to decide yourself, what is your reason and expected outcome when you use audio normalization. First is when your aim is to get the maximum volume, but the second boils down to matching different volumes with each other.

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.

More concretely, in general, audio normalization is when a constant amount of gain is applied to the audio recording, bringing the amplitude to a desirable level, “the norm” for the project. It means 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.

You can have the desired result using different kinds of software. Nowadays, a lot of programs offer you the tool which facilitates this process. So, one of them would be DaVinci Resolve, which we are going to discuss in this article.

What is DaVinci Resolve? The description goes: “DaVinci Resolve is the world’s only solution that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post production all in one software tool!” so, let’s discover what this software can do to help us balance the audio!

So, how to balance your audio in DaVinci Resolve? We are going to discuss everything step by step – how to set your target loudness level, how to monitor the loudness, and how you can use the automation feature.

Well, of course, have the program installed and opened. Then, add your video with the audio you want to edit or the audio separately, if that’s what you are aiming to do.

The first step you need to make is to set your target loudness level – for this, find the little settings button on the right bottom of the program and click on it. Now, go down to the Fairlight menu and change the Target Loudness Level. If you are doing the audio normalization for the Youtube content, then it is recommended to set it to -14 LUFS.

Next, you are going to head to the Fairlight page and make sure that your meters are open. the loudness meter is on the right top of the layout of the program, and it goes from +9 to -15 LUFS.

Here, zero represents exactly what our target loudness level is, in this case, as you remember, we set it to -14 LUFS. So, ensure that our loudness is as close as zero as possible on the meter, but you can also make it lower, such as -3. Whenever you play, you will be able to see that there are some numbers popping up to the right of the meter.

The first one, you’ll find, is Short – constantly changing, indicating how far above or below the target loudness level you are at a given time. Short Max tells you how far above or below your target loudness level the loudest point of your video is. Range is a measure of your quietest pick to your loudest peak, and the last one is Integrated – it gives you the overall loudness of your video in relation to your target loudness level. Integrated is the number we aim to keep around -3 or 0.

We can use our main slider (next to the sequence on the right) to make our video louder or quieter until we hit that target loudness level.

Also, there is an automation tool that can help you dial in your loudness. In order to access this feature, find a red icon, looking like a wave with kind of a key frames.

Next, open up your Index (on the far top panel, a little bit from the left), and make sure you are in the tracks menu in your editing index.

What you want to do is to make your main track visible on the timeline, so hit on the eyeball next to your main and go to your timeline, where you will expand your main track until you see your Loudness History options.

Here, you will need to check in the box next to Integrated and turn on the Loudness History. This will show the integrated loudness level, adjust your main track’s volume accordingly, so you are below the zero line. And, that’s actually it!

How to normalize audio in Wondershare Filmora X?

Even though doing this with the help of DaVinci Resolve is really helpful, and, let’s say, sophisticated, you might find it a little complicated, in case you were not so familiar with video/audio editing. So, we would like you to have some information about what alternative you can turn to, and in this case, it’s worth bringing up a software - Wondershare Filmora X . With it, you will find that the same task can be carried out wonderfully. It is also a video editor, but it is one of the easiest to use in the word, supported by Mac and Windows. Filmora offers a great, neat, user-friendly interface, and helps you understand the very basics of editing. Actually, it has not been long since Wondershare Filmora X introduced the feature to normalize the audio. So, you might want download the latest version of Filmora X and start following along the steps we are going to provide for you to understand how audio normalization works on Filmora X .

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

After having installed and opened a software, 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, you can see on the graphic that the noises are of different levels from each other. This makes us understand why we need to balance our audio files whenever we are aiming for a good listening experience for our audiences.

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.

Now, after clicking on it, you can just wait and the normalization will be completed soon.

When it happens, you will be able to see on the graphics that the volumes are almost on the same level, moreover, listening to it, your ears will “understand” that there is no longer apparent difference between how they sound. So, let’s hope you are happy with the result – in this case, you can save the file you just normalized!

So, in this article, we learned one or two things about normalizing volumes and its types, why and how it is done, and how do it in DaVinci Resolve as well as in Wondershare Filmora X. we hope the guidelines will serve you in the best way and from now on, you will be able to create great sounds!

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.

Now, after clicking on it, you can just wait and the normalization will be completed soon.

Advanced Audio Configuration Tips for Devices

When you use your device for listening to music, default audio profile of your device is just not good enough. This is because a default audio profile makes almost all types of music sound similar and you will never get to listen to the variations they have. That is where an equalizer comes into the scene. An equalizer is basically an audio filter or profile that has a certain setting for the frequencies of sound so that the music you are playing on your device sounds as good as originally recorded.

Whether you listen to music on your smartphone or your computer through speakers or headphones, an equalizer app is a necessity especially if you are an audiophile. That is why we have picked the best sound equalizer apps both for smartphones and computers where there are several music equalizer settings available to choose from.

1. Best Chrome Sound Equalizer Settings

If you are a Chrome browser user and you use online audio and video streaming platforms to play music, you must have Equalizer for Chrome Browser extension installed. The extension comes with 21 preset audio profiles that you can set instantly based on the music genre you are playing. Besides, you can customize the 10-band Equalizer as per your requirements.

Most importantly, it does not require heavy resources to run in the background unlike the desktop equalizer applications. The extension is completely free to use. Here are the steps how to use the extension for the best music equalizer settings for Google Chrome.

Step 1: On Google Chrome, visit “https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/equalizer-for-chrome-brow” .

Step 2: Click on Add To Chrome button and follow the on-screen instruction to install the extension successfully.

Step 3: Open your audio or video streaming platform on your browser and play the desired music.

Step 4: Open Equalizer for Chrome browser extension and select from preset equalizers or customizer as per your requirement and listen to the changes in real-time.

2. Best iPhone Equalizer Settings (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/equalizer-fx-bass-booster-app/id1084228340 )

Equalizer Fx - Bass Booster App is the most popular equalizer app for iPhones. It features a 7-band equalizer that you can customize as per your requirement. Besides, there is dynamic bass tuning option to enhance your listening experience. Moreover, it comes with a powerful bass boost effect if you love beats and bass on your music. The app has an advanced music layer and therefore, you do not need an external music player app.

There are over 15 preset filters available to choose from as you play music in the background to reflect the effects. You can keep your tracks on your device properly in an organized way for easy playing. Even though the app comes free, there is a subscription option available for advanced users to unlock more features and take their music listening experience to the next level.

3. Android Setting Equalizer for Best Sound (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devdnua.equalizer.free )

Equalizer FX - Sound Enhancer is a completely free app where you get as many as 12 preset equalizer settings for listening to different types of music with the best possible audio output. You can always tweak with the equalizer settings to get the perfect music you are looking for. The app features a loudness enhancer to amplify the volume on your device speaker or headphones without cracking it.

Moreover, you get a bass booster which is quite popular among music lovers. The app can also enhance the stereo effects for an immersive listening experience. The equalizer widget on the home screen makes it easy for users to operate the app. It automatically gets turned on and off when the music player starts and stops. The only drawback is that it does not work with radio.

4. Best Sound Equalizer for PC

Boom 3D is the most popular equalizer setting application among desktop users. The software is available for both Mac and Windows users. It is extremely popular for creating 3D surround effect in advanced speakers and headphones. The software has the most accurate and useful equalizer presets such as gaming, old songs, regular, vocals and much more.

Most importantly, it features an 11-band equalizer setting to customize as per your requirement. You can turn on and off the equalizer instantly and you can tweak with different audio parameters such as pitch, ambience, fidelity and much more. You can get a free trial after which you have to upgrade to its premium version. Here are the steps to use Boom 3D sound equalizer Windows 10 and macOS to get the best settings for equalizer.

Step 1: Download and install Boom 3D on your PC based on your operating system. Open the application and sign up to get started.

Step 2: If you are using headphones, select your headphone type for better results.

Step 3: Go to Equalizer tab and set any preset equalizer setting as per your requirement.

Step 4: Go to Advanced tab top customizer equalizer and the changes will reflect if you are playing anything on the background.

Bonus: How To Get The Best Setting For Equalizer For Any Audio File

If you have downloaded any audio or video file and you want to change the audio profile of the file by customizing its equalizer settings, you need a professional video editor with audio editing feature. We recommend Wondershare Filmora where you can enhance the sound profile of any audio or video file using equalizer settings as well as customize equalizer settings as per your requirements. Here are the steps to use Filmora to apply preset equalizer as well as customize equalizer.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Filmora on your Mac or Windows PC.

Step 2: Select New project and go to File > Import Media and click on Import Media Files.

Step 3: Select the audio or the video file that you want to work with and then drag the file from Project Media to Timeline.

Step 4: Double-click on the file from the Timeline and go to Audio tab.

Step 5: Select from preset equalizers. You can also click on Customize button and make modifications as you think appropriate.

Conclusion –

We have provided you with the best apps with the best settings for equalizer. You can choose from the preset equalizer settings as well as customize and make your own equalizer settings. If you do not want to download any app and you are listening to music on your Chrome browser, you can use the browser extension. If you want permanent changes in equalizer settings to any downloaded audio or video, we recommend Wondershare Filmora for the best result.

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Filmora on your Mac or Windows PC.

Step 2: Select New project and go to File > Import Media and click on Import Media Files.

Step 3: Select the audio or the video file that you want to work with and then drag the file from Project Media to Timeline.

Step 4: Double-click on the file from the Timeline and go to Audio tab.

Step 5: Select from preset equalizers. You can also click on Customize button and make modifications as you think appropriate.

Conclusion –

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Filmora on your Mac or Windows PC.

Step 2: Select New project and go to File > Import Media and click on Import Media Files.

Step 3: Select the audio or the video file that you want to work with and then drag the file from Project Media to Timeline.

Step 4: Double-click on the file from the Timeline and go to Audio tab.

Step 5: Select from preset equalizers. You can also click on Customize button and make modifications as you think appropriate.

Conclusion –

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Filmora on your Mac or Windows PC.

Step 2: Select New project and go to File > Import Media and click on Import Media Files.

Step 3: Select the audio or the video file that you want to work with and then drag the file from Project Media to Timeline.

Step 4: Double-click on the file from the Timeline and go to Audio tab.

Step 5: Select from preset equalizers. You can also click on Customize button and make modifications as you think appropriate.

Conclusion –

Mastering Your Music on a Chromebook: The Top 8 DAWs that Will Elevate Your Sound (Updated List, 2023)

FREE 8 Best DAW for Chromebook to Make Music

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

As a beginner, you must first fully understand what a digital audio workstation is doing if you are going to decide which DAW is the best for you.

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation . Initially, DAWs were designed to find an alternative to tape recording. The computer-based DAWs and digital audio tracks are recorded.

A DAW is a virtual studio within your computer. There are many platforms on which you can create DAW because of technological advancement, be it Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, or even your phone!

Out of all, the fastest and most economical way is through Chromebook. Below you will find a list of the best DAW for Chromebook, supported by Chrome OS to create music.

Part 1: 8 Best DAW for Chromebook
Part 2: Why is Chromebook better at making DAW than iPad

Part 1: 8 Best DAW for Chromebook

1. Soundtrap.com

Soundtrap is a sleek, easy-to-use, efficient DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that runs on your computer. You will need to create an account to start using the browser app, which will also give you a trial of their premium features. Once the trial is over, you will be downgraded to a free account with certain limitations.

Features

There are several instruments and loops that you can play with and make music.
You can also connect a MIDI-compatible device and record music to the app.
Soundtrap even has networking and collaboration apps that encourage you to share your music ideas with your mates, and they’ll be able to listen to and also edit your songs.

2. Flat.io

If you are a novice or a skilled musician, the Flat.io music composition app offers you all the resources you need to create your sheet music. You can compose, read, upload, and discover music scores on any computer right in your web browser. Chromebook sponsors it, so the core concept behind this app is that you can quickly exchange your music with your peers.

Features

Just as multiple people can edit a Google Doc at once, multiple people can edit a score in Flat at the same time.
Create your score, choose “Share” and invite people with “read” or “write” permissions to score.
Your staff would have synchronized, real-time exposure to the ranking.
Hangouts integration is designed to allow people to take part in a video conference while collaborating on a score.

3. Music Maker

Magix is well known for a variety of music tech products: Music Maker, Samplitude, Acid Music Studio / Acid Pro, and Sound Forge. Music Maker is a Windows and Chromebook DAW built for beginners and hobbyists, rather than severe semi-pro or advanced consumers. It comes in 4 versions to have a range of apps to match your needs.

Features

There are four different versions of Music Maker:
Music Maker Free
Music Maker Plus Edition
Music Maker Live Edition
Music Maker Premium Edition
MAGIX Audio Remote – a second screen application that allows you to control live pad mode, tools and conveyance functions
Live Pad mode with 30 Live Sets for EDM, Trance, Hip-Hop, etc. Live Pad mode gives you the pads you can set up and play live.

4. BandLab

BandLab is a free browser DAW for Chromebook that you would expect to be a straightforward DAW. Bandlab DAW only works in Chrome, and your phone has a version. While other Digital Audio Workstation manufacturers are starting to incorporate some of the simple cloud functionality, BandLab is a DAW designed in the field.

Features

There are some pretty high-shelf functions, such as tap-tempo, magnetic timeline, lyric editor, and tracking version.
The sound is pretty basic, but again you cannot expect a 25 GB piano library to hold it against.
You can create a ‘band’ with other users; everyone has access to the same set of songs, works together on songs, and even uses’ fork.’

5. Song Maker

Google started a free sequencer on the occasion of the Music In Our Schools Month: Chrome Music Lab’s Song Maker. The idea is that everyone can create loops with up to two tools. Others can then share the loop.

Features

This simple exercise is for notes to perform and for musical compositions to share.
The midi trigger or machine keyboard functions and is web-based, so no installation is necessary.
You have to access the Chrome OS program or visit the Windows website and start playing songs.

6. Splash

Splash is the free music and beat-making app that’s guaranteed to help you create your awesome music from your browser or downloaded on Chrome OS from the google play store.

Features

Music is free to copyright! Whether you are interested in showing your music to families or friends, downloading it to Spotify, or building a song on your Youtube channel, Splash gives you free control. You did it, after all!
100 % free, no ads! 100 % free! Please invest your energy and wait for less.
New frequent updated sound packages-never run out of ideas, with fresh products delivered regularly.

7. JAMBL

With JAMBL, you can compose tracks, mix and play without ever having to break a sweat, and all of this is 100 % original tracks of your own. With this unique toolkit, you won’t believe how fun it is to become a master designer.

Features:

What you need is to pick a jam pack of the theme you like is to get over 100 recordings accessible from sound designers and incredible musicians.
Looper system Smart-note
Simultaneous jamming in games
Last creative check.
Manage the volume, tempo, impact, and combine sounds in various styles and genres of the instrument.

8. FL Studio for Chromebook

FL Studio is a full music development or digital audio workstation (DAW) program system. It reflects over 20 years of creativity and has everything you need for writing, designing, filming, cutting, mixing, and mastering songs.

Features

Connect and play In seconds, create patterns and sequences.
In your production, add melodies and harmony.
Quickly enter the step sequencer input patterns or switch to performance mode for live playback and recording of notes and starting patterns.

Part 2: Why is Chromebook better at making DAW than iPad

There are many reasons why making DAW on Chrome OS is better than making it on an iPad with Mac OS. Here are a few of the main reasons mentioned below:

1. Reasonably Priced

By comparison to iOS, Chrome OS is an open-source operating system — which ensures a lot of businesses will utilize it to build a wide variety of Chromebooks with infinite pricing choices. On the other side, Chromebooks are sold in a larger and more economical variety. One of the easy computers is available for as low as $149. Although some special models can have a high price tag, most models will not get more than $300 in price. Often Chromebooks are less expensive than an iPad to repair or replace.

2. Easy Accessibility

The iPad is a 100% touchscreen experience first and foremost. Since Chromebooks are available as notebooks and tablets, whether you’ve got a trackpad/mouse or a touchscreen, you can connect with them. This additional versatility encourages you to use a Chromebook precisely what you like and often allows using a mouse easier and more effectively for other activities, as are the powerful keyboard shortcuts available for Chrome OS.

You may also feel interested in:

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Benjamin Arango

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

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