If you like listening to MP3 files, it is very likely that you have had to adjust the volume between the tracks due to the different degrees of loudness. However, with audio normalization, all MP3 files are played at the same volume. This tutorial shows you how to use a free PC program called MP3Gain to normalize your MP3 files without losing audio quality .
Download and configure MP3Gain
Most of MP3Gain's default settings are optimal for the average user. The following instructions show how to configure MP3Gain to display only file names and is easier to use.
- Download and install MP3Gain.
- Select the Options tab at the top of the screen.
- Select the Show file name menu item.
- Select Show file only. The files you choose will now be easy to read in the main window of the screen.
How to add MP3 files to normalize the volume
To start normalizing a batch of files, add them to the MP3Gain file queue. Follow the steps below to do it:
- Select the " Add file (s) " icon and use Windows Explorer to navigate to where your MP3 files are located.
- Select the files you want to add to the MP3Gain file queue.
- Once you are satisfied, select the " Open " button to continue.
To quickly add a large list of MP3 files from various folders on your hard drive, select "Add Folder." This will save you a lot of time when navigating to each folder.
Analyze the volume of MP3 files
There are two analysis modes in MP3Gain: one for individual tracks and one for entire albums.
If you have queued a selection of unrelated MP3 songs that are not part of a full album, select the " Track Analysis " button . By doing this, each MP3 file in the list will be examined and the repeat gain value will be calculated based on the target volume setting.
If you are working on an album, press the down arrow next to the track analysis icon and select album analysis mode. Now all files will be normalized based on the total volume level of the album. Select the "Album Analysis" button to start this process.
After MP3Gain examines all the files in the queue, it displays the volume levels and calculated gain, and highlights any files that are too loud and have clipping in red.
Normalization of music tracks
Now is the time to normalize the selected files. As in the previous step, there are two ways to apply normalization.
For a selection of unrelated MP3 files, select " Track Gain " to correct all files in the queue. This mode is based on the target volume in track mode.
If you need to edit an album, select the down arrow next to the "Track Gain" icon and select "Album Gain."
After MP3Gain has finished, the list will show that all files have been normalized.
Do a sound check
After the files have normalized, it's time to do a sound check. Just listen to your songs. If you like the regularity of the volume, enjoy your music! If you still need to adjust the sound levels of your songs, repeat the tutorial using a different target volume.