How To NORMALISE Your VoiceOvers (and What It Does)

[@GaryTerzza]

Has ACX remarked that your RMS levels are too low/quiet when doing audiobook recordings? In this video I explore the wonderful world of normalising which will help make your audio LOUDER 🗣

[@Real_IanScott]

On the point for those producing audiobooks with ACX, and using Audacity as their DAW, there is the ACX Checker plugin for Audacity. This will analyse the audio to see if it's within the ACX specifications. When I do my samples, after editing, I'll do Effect > Noise Reduction. Then Effect > RMS Normalise between -18 to -23 db. Then Effect > Limiter > Hard Limit -3.0db. That does the trick at getting the levels ACX requires.

[@GaryTerzza]

Thanks for the info Ian.

[@Bildad1976]

Wow, that was sooo easy! Thank you!

[@GaryTerzza]

I’m pleased it worked for you; it’s always encouraging to hear that my videos are effective.

[@InfinityNexusReviews]

I do this. I do it last though. I magnify the size of the wavelength, cut out any breaths and mistakes, compress, EQ, dialogue isolate, then normalize. I do normalize last so that absolutely nothing I don't want in there is being amplified. You can't hear it on my comic videos because they're "live", but on my Star Wars ones you can hear it because it's scripted, but putting it through that extra bit of work really helps, I got a Samson Go Mic for £15, I see no reason to change the mic because editing really lifts up the recording. I also use your technique for pop filter placement! Thanks Gary!

[@GaryTerzza]

Yes you are correct normalising should be applied at the end, to even everything out. Thanks for your input and taking time to comment 🙏

[@stevietturnervoiceoverserv5381]

This I think would be a great subject for a video Gary - the technical process from the completion of the recording to the finished product that’s ready to go - I’m using Audacity and don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface with it yet

[@foxcol1967]

Thanks, Gary. I nice workaday explanation of the Normalise function. Much appreciated.

[@GaryTerzza]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wakingtheworld]

Very helpful vid, Gary

[@GaryTerzza]

Thanks Cassandra 👍