User guide

528 Chapter 21 Editing Audio in the Sample Editor
Normalizing Audio Files
Normalization is a process that raises the maximum level of a digital signal to a
specified amount—typically to its highest possible level, without introducing
distortion.
∏ Tip: The start and end points for the section being normalized should generally not fall
within a continuous section of audio, as this will result in abrupt increases in volume
after normalization. The start and end points should therefore be located in sections
that occur just after, or before, musical gaps.
To normalize the selected area in an audio file:
m Choose Functions > Normalize (or use the Normalize key command,
default: Control-N).
Logic Express finds the point with the highest volume in the current selection area, and
determines how far this is from the maximum possible level. The level of the selected
area is then raised by this amount. The dynamic relationships of sample levels within
the audio passage remain unaltered.
You can set the desired maximum level in the Function Settings window, which you
can open by choosing Functions > Settings (or by clicking the Settings button in the
Normalize dialog).
Set the desired maximum level (as a percentage or in decibels) in one of the Peak at
fields.
∏ Tip: You should not choose 100% (0 dB) in these fields, as this may result in clipping
should you wish to increase the gain of the overall signal afterwards, say with an EQ. As
a good rule of thumb, you should leave yourself at least 3 to 6 dB of headroom, to
allow for further audio processing tasks, such as mixing and effects processing.
These settings are automatically stored in the Preferences when Logic Express is closed,
and apply to all projects.