For radio shows that I am compiling/producing I often utilize the meta-normalize function on Montages to get all of the music tracks in the same general ballpark, but I’m finding really have to watch it - the settings I typically use are:
- Equalize Clip Volume (checked)
- Equalize Loudness (Global)
- Normalize Master Section Input (-1.0 dB)
- Do not Normalize Master Section Output
- Only Selected Clips
I’ve noticed that sometimes all of the selected clips will jump to extreme volumes (and the waveform display completely fills the clips). If I undo the metanormalize, and simply re-run it with the identical settings, the results change to the expected results (i.e. volumes below clipping rather than well into clipping levels). I’ve sometimes had to undo and re-run this process more than once to get it to work, but usually once is enough.
I’ve also seen the other non-selected clips be adjusted. I have an intro to each show in my template that I don’t usually include in the normalization (it is not selected) , but post metanormalization, the clip was given a +55 dB boost !?1?! Another time I kept my settings the same, but selected only one clip - Metanormalize changed all other clips to incredibly low levels.
I’ve learned to trust, but verify this function. Anyone else seen any dodgy behavior?