Help - ID3 tags decrease volume in iTunes before converting to MP3s
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Posted on Apr 16, 2010 09:07 am
Indellable
Music Afficionado
Member Since: Aug 12, 2008
I got my masters back - they sound great - loud and clear. I opened them in iTunes, same thing. However, when I add ID3 tags in iTunes and press enter it automatically decreases the volume significantly. This is BEFORE I convert to MP3. Am I doing something wrong?
No need to bring up the loudness war in this post, I understand it and side with the addicianados - its just that I want my project to be loud to satisfy the average consumers appetite.
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TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Apr 16, 2010 11:03 am Have you tried anything other than iTunes for doing this? I'd almost bet that there's some sort of auto-level thing happening somewhere inside iTunes. It may be an option somewhere, it may be a "feature" of the program, who knows. I'm not a fan of that program.
EAC (Exact Audio Copy) has become my choice for dealings with MP3s, ripping, etc. Once you provide it with an encoding library (LAME still being my choice after all these years), it's by far been the most capable encoder/decoder I've ever used. Once you learn how to have it trigger LAME via command line plus parameters, you can have it converting in V0 for the best of both worlds in the sound quality/file size balancing act. Not a particularly user-friendly combination of applications, but its unparalelled by other freeware.
Although I will add that I've never used it to only add ID3 tags. But since you're converting to MP3 as well, you should have the ability to add all of the ID3 and other extended info you want to.
Short of switching programs though, I don't know what to do about iTunes levelling your music. Maybe it's trying to preserve the original file size and has to discard audio information to do it? Just guessing now...
Apr 16, 2010 11:56 am I know absolutely nothing about what you're talking about haha, so don't take my advice as worth much. But, if you're paying for professional masters, i'd say throw a little bit of money at a quality program to convert to MP3. And bypass itunes all together. I've heard people on this forum talk about several, usually under $50 i believe.
Also, when you get this all squared away, mind linking us to your myspace or something that we can hear the music from? i'm always a bit curious!
IndellableMusic AfficionadoMember
Since: Aug 12, 2008
Apr 17, 2010 12:30 pm Will do - not sure how many folks on here will enjoy the music but I will definitely share it - if nothing else, I hope it will be respected.
As for paying for Masters, I know a guy that just graduated with an engineering degree so he was willing to do it cheap (REAL CHEAP) in the hopes that it will lead to more business - the album is a compliation with 17 aritsts. Plus I record a bunch more in my studio.
I also had a joke video done which shows my entire studio - we did a parody of MTV cribs (showed what was in the fridge, sped up shots walking, etc.). I've upgraded some things since then, but at least it will give everyone a feel for what I'm working with.
Thanks for the advice - I'll keep you posted on the project which is called "The Declaration of Independents"...
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Apr 17, 2010 01:59 pm Check and make sure you don't have volume leveling enabled in ITunes.
Dan
