I noticed after a number of recordings that the settings for my recording device was at 75%. Is there a way to expand/normalize the recordings so that the peaks are at 0db?
You can use normalization to boost the overall peak amplitude (volume) to 0.0dBFS or below in Sound Forge' Process menu, A peak normalizer will not compress or change the dynamic range, it will just raise (or lower) the file's entire amplitude, An RMS normalizer can affect the dynamic range similar to a compressor/limiter. Sound Forge Pro has both, Audio Studio only has peak normalization which is plenty adequate in most cases
You can also use a volume maximizer tool, which is basically a brick-wall peak limiter with automatic volume compensation. I like the legacy 'Wave Hammer' in Sound Forge Pro which adds a vintage (1176 FET) sound (good or bad). OTOH, the Loudmax loudness maximizer VST plug-in is relatively transparent and simple to use.. best of all it is free,. Many maximizers have a maximum peak ceiling parameter setting Lowering the threshold fader will raise the output volume, There are many other 'volume maximizer' plug-ins available, free or otherwise.
FWIW, Volume maximizers and comp / limiters in general are often missued, more is not necessarily better.
btw, welcome to the Sound Forge Forum @Alain-Leduc
A peak normalizer will not compress or change the dynamic range, it will just raise (or lower) the file's entire amplitude, An RMS normalizer can affect the dynamic range similar to a compressor/limiter.
I apologize if I stumble in here:
@rraud
Do you happen to know which normalizer is applied in Vegas Pro (peak or RMS) when you select Normalize from the right-click menu?
If so enabled, Vegas can Peak normalize event(s). It does not have the RMS option. Comp/limiting or volume max plug-ins can be applied to events, tracks and master busses.. lest not forget the volume envelopes.
If so enabled, Vegas can Peak normalize event(s). It does not have the RMS option.
Thanks for the info!
lest not forget the volume envelopes.
Of course - thanks anyway for pointing it out.