How to normalize audio
- Add your audio file.
- Choose -14, -16 or -23 LUFS.
- Select Audio Normalizer and download the result.
Examples
Five podcast episodes recorded on different days, some measuring -24 LUFS and some -19 LUFS. Normalize each one to -16 LUFS and they play at the same level, one after another.
A song for an online video that measures -9 LUFS. Many streaming sites play music at about -14 LUFS and turn louder files down, so normalizing to -14 LUFS lets you hear what listeners will hear.
A radio advert for a broadcaster that asks for EBU R128. Choose -23 LUFS, the level that standard sets.
About this tool
Loudness normalization measures how loud a whole recording sounds, then adjusts it to a standard level, so one file doesn't play much louder or quieter than the next. The file is measured in a first pass, then changed in a second using those figures, which keeps the change to one steady gain wherever it can. You see the loudness before and after.
Common questions
What is LUFS?
Loudness units relative to full scale. It measures how loud audio sounds to people, rather than how high its peaks are. Lower numbers are quieter, so -23 LUFS is quieter than -14 LUFS.
Which level should I choose?
-14 LUFS is common for online video and music, -16 LUFS for podcasts, and -23 LUFS for broadcast under EBU R128. If a site or broadcaster gives you a figure, use theirs.
How is this different from turning the volume up?
Turning the volume up adds the same amount to every file, so loud and quiet files stay different. Normalizing measures each file first and moves it to the level you chose, so the files end up matching.
Why does it take two passes?
The first pass measures the whole file. The second uses those figures to apply one steady change where it can, rather than adjusting the level as it goes, which keeps the original rise and fall of the sound.
Is it free to use?
Yes. There's no sign-up, and nothing is added to your file unless you ask for it.
What happens to my files?
Your files are only used to run the tool you chose, and they're deleted automatically after about 24 hours.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It all works in your browser, on any computer or phone.