Loudness normalization does not work with .flac fileformat

Cubase
,
1

How to reproduce:

  • In Cubase export a flac file and wav file from the same audio.
  • Import these files again into project.
  • Apply audio-processes-normalize-loudness normalization -14LUFs on both the flac and wav.
  • The wav works as expected normalizing the audio to -14LUFs but the flac file ends up like
    a distorted squarewave.

Cubase Pro 14.0.20 on PC

3 Likes
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Very reproducable. Doesn’t have to be loudness normalisation, also peak normalisation produces the unwanted result.
Also happens with basically all other processes of DOP (except for Silence).

1 Like
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The problem appears if you use for your project settings
Record File Format
Bit Depth => 32 Bit Float

if you use something else like 32Bit Int, it should be OK…
We are working on a fix for this..

4 Likes
4

Thanks Yvan. That worked. I changed to 32 bit integer and now normalization works as intended on the .flac files.

5

Just remember: When using integer formats you must make sure not to let the level reach 0.0dB. The advantage of float, that a file cannot distort, is gone.
Obviously not such a big deal when using normalize but for any other process it is something to keep in mind.

2 Likes
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yes, good point