Hi

I'm trying to normalize MP3 files in GarageBand, i know i'm limited Working with audio as opposed to MIDI. But when selecting Master Track, options are, EQ Reverb Echo Compressor Ducker. But how do i normalize tracks to even volume level? "or is that the Compressor"?

A compressor can kind off normalize - but isn't really designed for that task. But its your best bet if you want to keep working inside gband. Otherwise if you just wanna normalize mp3s, you could use simpler tools then that.

So what your saying is, to normalize in GB is to use a Compressor?

what version GB are you using? I haven't used it in awhile, but as I remember when you go to export a song to itunes it gives you the option to normalize. might even be the default as I remember having to turn it off when I didn't care for it. that's personal preference although I wonder if you can use something like Audacity to do this and get better results.

Just look in your preferences.
It has a normalize option in there.
Do you see it?

In case you have any more questions about GB, you can visit this site to find an answer also.
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html

Exporting Projects at the Optimum Loudness:
You can have GarageBand automatically export projects at the optimum loudness; that
is, at the highest volume level possible without adding distortion. Setting a project to
the optimum volume level is called "auto-normalizing."
To export projects at the optimum volume level:
1 Choose GarageBand > Preferences, and then click Advanced.
2 Select the Auto Normalize checkbox.
The Auto Normalize feature does not affect the volume level when you play the project
in GarageBand. It affects the volume level only when you export the project.

So does this mean if i Auto - Normalize all tracks they will all be of the same volume when exported and burned to disc?

I also notice with the advanced tab in preferences their is a Good Better an Best option for recording and burning projects. The Better option records the project at 24-bit and burns to 16-bit. Maybe its just me but if everything ends in being burned to 16-bit would one then loose the 24-bit quality recording?

sorry, that I don't know. been awhile since I used GB. I do seem to remember that if you export to disc (rather than iTunes), you get better quality. try going into the GB "help" menu, and go to the getting started guide. all of the stuff we're talking about is on or around page 95.

Thanks for your help Mick.

Mw.