How to Normalize Audio in Adobe Audition

Recording and editing audio files is an important part of any audio production project. However, when working with different audio files or recordings, you may find that certain sections of your audio are louder or softer than others. This is where the normalization process comes in, allowing you to adjust the levels of your audio and make the quieter parts more audible. 

What is normalization?

Normalization is the process of adjusting the levels of an audio file to a specific level, usually to make the quieter parts of the audio more audible. When you normalize audio, you are essentially increasing the volume of the audio file while keeping the overall sound quality intact. 

What is it needed for?

The normalization process is essential for ensuring that your audio is clear and audible throughout the entire file. When working with different audio files or recordings, you may find that some sections are louder than others, which can make it difficult to hear the quieter parts of the audio. Normalizing helps to balance out the levels of the audio file, making it easier to hear all of the audio content. This is particularly important when working on a multitrack project, where different audio files need to be mixed into one file.

It is important to note that normalization is not meant to create a standard level from start to finish, but rather to make sure that the quieter parts are audible enough.

How to normalize audio in Adobe Audition CC

Step 1: Select the section that you want to normalize

You can select the entire file or just a specific section. To select the entire file, use the combination “cntrol+A” or “command+A”. If you want to select a specific area it is necessary to highlight the part using the mouse that will be normalized.

Step 2: Click on the “Effects” option

It is located in the upper part of the working window in the menu tab.

Step 3: Choose “Normalize (Process)…”

In the drop-down list that appears, select the “Amplitude and Compression” option, and next click “Normalize (Process)…”. 

Step 4: Configure the parameters

In the pop-up window there will be three options for adjusting the normalization: Normalize To, Normalize All Channels Equally, and DC Bias Adjust.

Normalize To – section, when you can adjust the level of the audio file by either a percentage or in dB (if you want to adjust the percentage, click on the circle next to the percentage sign, if you want to adjust the dB – the circle dB).

Normalize All Channels Equally – if checked, normalization will be applied equally to the left and right channels. If not, then separate for each channel.

If you rec the sound to the recorder or microphone and the object was standing on the side, then the sound level in the left and right channels will be different.

DC Bias Adjust – you can modify the position of the waveform on the wave display. To bring it to the center, set the percentage to zero. To shift the selected waveform above or below the center line, specify a positive or negative percentage.

Recording equipment can sometimes create a DC bias, resulting in a waveform that seems to be either higher or lower than the standard center line on the wave display.

Step 5: To apply the normalization click “OK” 

And that’s all. The work is done!

Method for “lazy” or “quick method”

If there are no too-quiet or too-loud areas in the audio file, then you can use ready-made normalization settings. There are two of them: to -0.1 dB or -3 dB. They are located in the “Favorites” tab in the top menu. Choose the one that suits you better.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When normalizing your audio, you may experience an issue where the effect does not work correctly. There can be several reasons. Here are the two most common.

Two people speak at different volumes

For example, imagine that you are editing a podcast (previously, I wrote about streamlining work on podcasts). The audio is recorded in one file. We do not have two separate audio files for each person. And here is the problem – one person speaks louder than the other. Normalization works, but not perfectly.

To fix the issue of two people speaking at different volumes, you can either adjust the volume manually (if you have the time and desire) or apply effects, such as Dynamics, to handle it automatically.

Background noise in the audio

It happens that during recording, something hit the microphone, or an extraneous sound was captured. During normalization, you may notice that this sound interferes with the effect working properly.

To fix this issue during normalization, you should remove background noise. You can either cut a small part of the audio file (which will slightly reduce its duration) or remove the loud noise while preserving the full audio. Here are two approaches to address it:

• Adjust Amplitude;
• Use the Spot Healing Brush Tool.

Conclusion

When you normalize audio, it amplifies the quieter sounds, making them easier to hear. It helps to ensure that the quieter parts of the audio file are audible while maintaining the overall sound quality. It also adjusts the volume of the louder parts so that they don’t become distorted.