How To Normalize Mp3 Files To Play At The Same Volume

Download and Configure MP3Gain

Most of the default settings in MP3Gain are optimal for the average user; the only recommended change is how the files are displayed on the screen. These instructions show how to configure MP3Gain to display just filenames. (The default display setting shows the directory path as well as the filename, which can make working with your MP3 files difficult.)

Add MP3 Files

To start normalizing a batch of files, add them to the MP3Gain file queue.

Analyze the MP3 Files

There are two analysis modes in MP3Gain: one for single tracks and one for complete albums.

If you’ve queued up a selection of unrelated MP3 songs that aren’t part of a complete album, select the Track Analysis button. Doing this will examine each MP3 file in the list and calculate the replay gain value based on the target volume setting (default is 89 dB).If you’re working on an album, hit the Down Arrow next to the Track Analysis icon and select Album Analysis mode. All the files now will be normalized based on the total album volume level. Select the Album Analysis button to begin this process.

After MP3Gain examines all the files in the queue, it displays volume levels and calculated gain, and highlights any files in red that are too loud and have clipping.

Normalize Your Music Tracks

Now it’s time to normalize the selected files. Just as in the previous step, there are two modes for applying the normalization.

For a selection of unrelated MP3 files, select Track Gain to correct all the files in the queue; this mode is based on the target volume in track mode.If you’ve got an album to correct, select the Down Arrow next to the Track Gain icon and select Album Gain. This mode normalizes all the tracks in the album based on the target volume, but will maintain the volume differences between each track as they were in the original album. Select the Album Gain button to begin correcting all files.

After MP3Gain has finished, the list will show that all files have been normalized.

Soundcheck

After the files have been normalized, it’s time to do a soundcheck. If you still need to tweak the sound levels of your songs, repeat the tutorial using a different target volume.