Normalising audio gain to another region

How can I normalise an audio region to match the peak volume of another audio region? Is this is not possible automatically, how can I get the peak volume reading of the reference audio region, on order to manually apple to the target region using the Gain function?

To get a peak reading, open the region in the Audio File editor, then choose Functions > Search Peak, position the cursor a little before that and press play, you'll see a peak reading on the Preview channel strip in the Mixer (click All in the Mixer menu bar to see it).

So no way to match one region to another automatically using the Normalise function?

So no way to match one region to another automatically using the Normalise function?

Not that I know of. What is the goal? I mean, what is the application in your production workflow?

During mastering clients often send me multiple mix versions once they've updated a mix. I want to slot the new mix into my mastering chain that has already been gain staged to fit the previous mix, but the next mix they send is a few DB louder/quieter. So I want to stage the next mix to feed into my mastering chain at exactly the same peak level as the previous mix.

I see, thanks for sharing your workflow. Then yes I cannot think of a faster way than the one I suggested earlier.

You can use the function "Normalize Region Gain..." to get the same peak level on all your regions, look in the Track areas local "functions" menu...

You can use the function "Normalize Region Gain..." to get the same peak level on all your regions, look in the Track areas local "functions" menu...

Apparently, Josh wants to keep the region that peaks the highest at the original level, and normalize the others to peak at that same level. I don't believe that can be done in any kind of automatic way in Logic Pro?

No, you're right (of course) But as I read the last post it seems that setting all audio regions to the same level was the goal, not necessarily matching to a particular regions level...

Also, taking note of the peak level of the region you want to match to, it should only be to enter this value in the "normalize region gain" dialog ?

Also, taking note of the peak level of the region you want to match to, it should only be to enter this value in the "normalize region gain" dialog ?

Yes, that's what I had in mind when I suggested the "Search Peak" function in the Audio File editor, so that he would know what value to enter in the Normalize Region Gain dialog. I just assumed Josh was aware of Normalize Region Gain but I realize now that it wasn't mentioned earlier in this topic, so it's actually a good thing you brought it up!

Yes, I thought it was worth mentioning..

Actually you can get the peak level of a region by using the Normalize Region Gain function. Use 0.0 dB as target level, and if the Region Inspector now displays e.g. 5.0 dB as Region Gain, the peak level was -5.0 dB

You can use the function "Normalize Region Gain..." to get the same peak level on all your regions, look in the Track areas local "functions" menu...

Apparently, Josh wants to keep the region that peaks the highest at the original level, and normalize the others to peak at that same level. I don't believe that can be done in any kind of automatic way in Logic Pro?

 

It can. Just find out the peak level of the original (see my post above), then select all regions and do a Normalize Region Gain and set the Target Level to that Peak Level. Make sure to set "Affect" to "Individual Regions"

Actually you can get the peak level of a region by using the Normalize Region Gain function. Use 0.0 dB as target level, and if the Region Inspector now displays e.g. 5.0 dB as Region Gain, the peak level was -5.0 dB

Oh yeah of course! That's a great idea, thanks!! :D

I may add that from what Josh writes ("but the next mix they send is a few DB louder/quieter."), it may be better to use Loudness instead of Peak for Normalize Region Gain.

Thanks guys. How do I get a peak reading of the WHOLE audio region though without having to play through the entire file (the loudest peak in the file)? David, is this what you mentioned I could do from the File editor?

Thanks guys. How do I get a peak reading of the WHOLE audio region though without having to play through the entire file (the loudest peak in the file)? David, is this what you mentioned I could do from the File editor?

 

What I wrote above: Actually you can get the peak level of a region in the Tracks Area by using the Normalize Region Gain function. Use 0.0 dB as target level, and if the Region Inspector now displays e.g. 5.0 dB as Region Gain, the peak level was -5.0 dB

 

In your case, use a region that spans the entire audio file.

 

Step by step instruction, just in case:

1) drag audio file into the tracks area

2) select the resulting region

3) choose Functions->Normalize Region Gain...

4) Set Algorithm to Peak and Target Level to 0.0dB

5) Press Apply

6) Check the Region inspector, note down which value is displayed now for Gain

7) add a minus sign in front of the value you noted down

 

that's it You can simply set the region gain to 0.0 dB again in the region inspector after that (Normalize Region Gain is non-destructive).

Edited December 9, 2021 by polanoid

polanoid's solution is better than mine, follow his process.