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Normalisation

Normalisation raises or lowers a file’s level so its highest peak reaches a chosen target.

Level relevance: introduced at Nat 3; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.

Explanation

Normalisation changes the overall level of audio by measuring the highest peak and adjusting the whole file in relation to it. It can make a recording easier to work with, but it does not replace proper balance, compression, or mixing decisions. It is a technical tool rather than a magic fix.

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Related terms

Gain

Gain controls signal level at the input or processing stage of the signal path.

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Limiting

Limiting is strong compression used to stop peaks going above a set level.

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Compression

Compression reduces the dynamic range of a signal by controlling louder parts.

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Clipping

Clipping happens when a signal is too loud and the peaks are cut off, causing distortion.

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