So am I wrong to normalize ALL my audio as the first step in the audio flow, which is what I have been doing? Are you saying only normalize if you need extra volume when all else fails?

Thanks for the reply

I rarely normalize tracks and certainly would not use it as any kind of a default work approach. I try to get good levels when recording and occasionally do some destructive volume tweaking in Sound Forge if I need it. I find too much normalization takes me away from the original dynamic intent of the performances which I want as much as possible to preserve and work from.

drbam

Avoid normalizing at all costs....you are destructively (and permanently) altering your files. You would be better off to ensure that your source material is properly recorded to begin with.

Extra volume should be a factor of the mix/compression/limiting....there is a ton of non-destructive ways to ensure the audio sits in the pocket...not physically altering the actual source material.

Cuzin B

Hmmm, it seems there is some confusion between Normalizing on the track properties and executing a Normalize, Sound Forge style, to process the level on a selection. For reference, my use of Vegas is for multi-track post-production mixdown to create CD masters.

I always turn Normalize ON in the properties for a selection of audio on a track. This methoddoesn't do anything destructive or permanent as happens when you execute a Normalize in Sound Forge. (Because I record live gigs directly to digital I have to keep my levels down so I have lots of headroom. Thanks heavens for high s/n ratios!) I set my default Normalize in the Options to something like -1 dB. All this does is set an internal gain to adjust the the level so the absolute peak is at -1dB. It also let's me see a much nicer waveform in the track.

Then, I set the relative volume levels for the various tracks for the overall mix I want, then start the detailed work on tracks using a Track envelope for that last bit of control.

Hope this helps!

Wayne

Normalizing an event in Vegas does not modify the media file, but it does introduce
another calculation which will add noise. Arguably it may not be audible in most cases.
Most pros avoid and do not recommend normalizing the events. I have found it useful
in rare circumstances where one event in a track has an unusually lower level than its
companions (due to an overdub with levels set incorrectly) and I would like to raise its
volume slightly. In this case, I can normalize the event and then pull down the event volume
level.

Note that normalization of events and the event volume level (including fade-in/out) are all
pre-fader, which is important when considering effect inserts on a track. The track volume
envelope is post-fader (post-effects), so adjusting an event volume will not have quite
the same result as adjusting the track envelope at the same point.

Thanks for some interesting replies and they show we all do some things differebtly.

I point out the Vegas Manual Audi Signal Flow Chart shows audio process actions to be done in this order:

Normalization as the first step, then
Event envolope ASR, then
Track FX, and only then
Track Fader, then
Bus Assignment and Bus volume, and finally
Master Fader

I have been trying to follow this work flow but many of you have other idears. I would be happy to hear you all elaborate on your audio work-flow philosophy.

Cheers,