Normalizing vs Limiting

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http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor Since: Nov 11, 2007

I read that Normalizing is a gain adjustment to bring all audio to the same level and limiting is...basically the same thing but it sounds better. Reading a lot of answers that reek of "Internet Knowledge"...some people just have to have or make up all the answers. Frustrating. Anyone feel like breaking it down? I'm stumped.

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http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Jun 29, 2011 01:57 pm

To clarify, it seems like "Normalizing" could be a setting on a limiter by setting the threshold really low and using a super fast attack and super long decay, but the answers I've read tend to make me think that normalizing is a different process all together

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Jun 29, 2011 04:21 pm

Normalizing is brining the peak level to a predetermined point while bringing the level of the entire file up by that same figure (if your top peak is -3dBFS and you want it to be -1dBFS, the whole file is simply raised in volume by 2dB).

Limiting is bringing the peak level down to a determined point while not affecting the rest of the material (bringing -1dBFS peaks down to -3dBFS by reducing only the material above -3dBFS by as much as 2dB). And many limiters will allow for raising the volume after limiting by a certain amount (back to -1 or even -0.5dBFS). "Ramming speed" for lack of a better term.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Jun 29, 2011 08:22 pm

Makes sense. Thanks.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Jul 01, 2011 03:11 am

hmm cool never thought about it really, now i know.

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