Normalize recorded audio

[kmaaj]

I'd like to normalize recorded and edited audio before applying noise reduction and exporting the file. As it stands right now, this is the only thing keeping me from using Ableton exclusively with no other DAW on my laptop. All that I can find on my own within Ableton is a normalize option when exporting the file.

So how do I normalize audio in Ableton -before- applying noise reduction and exporting the file? Preferably, in a way that I can visually see the peaks hitting the -5db mark.

I am confident that, just like in my first thread, I am making it harder than it really is. I'm still removing my size 12 foot from my mouth from that thread. Ableton is awesome for recording and editing, I just have this one last hurdle. Thanks!

[Tarekith]

Why do you want to normalize, you don't need to for what you want to do?

[kmaaj]

Why do you want to normalize, you don't need to for what you want to do?

At the moment and in the near foreseeable future, I only use Ableton to record and edit solo classical guitar. I close mic and I intentionally keep the gains down a bit because I go from soft fingerpicking to loud strumming, often in the same song.

[jestermgee]

For major editing I ditch Ableton. I much prefer a proper wave editor like Wavelab for fine editing so i'm probably not much help here but using something like wavelab would just require opening the Normalise option, set ceiling limit...OK... Apply NR through choice of filters, render, done.

Same thing is a little more click happy in Abes.

[yur2die4]

If you really do need to normalize, consolidate a clip and then raise the clip volume within clip properties to whatever you want, 0 being normed. Be careful, if you consolidate, it will also keep any warping artifacts if any are present. As it is a destructive process. Keep in mind that you can get away with going into the red on channels as long as the master isn't clipping. Not that it is advisable haha, but still, other factors can have a more relevant effect on your overall sound.

[re8]

You might want to look into using a light-touch compressor/limiter; you'll still have a few stray peaks that will keep the rest of your session from being loud enough. Then that can be your "normalizer".

[d.reamonn]

Normalising is pretty much pointless at any stage of the process. Don't normalise. Don't be "that" guy.