Editing Audio normalization (section)

{{short description|Application of gain to a recording to achieve a target level}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}

'''Audio normalization''' is the application of a constant amount of gain to an [[audio recording]] to bring the amplitude to a target level (the norm). Because the same amount of gain is applied across the entire recording, the [[signal-to-noise ratio]] and [[Dynamics (music)|relative dynamics]] are unchanged. Normalization is one of the functions commonly provided by a [[digital audio workstation]].

Two principal types of audio normalization exist. '''Peak normalization''' adjusts the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording. '''Loudness normalization''' adjusts the recording based on perceived [[loudness]].

Normalization differs from [[dynamic range compression]], which applies varying levels of gain over a recording to fit the level within a minimum and maximum range. Normalization adjusts the gain by a constant value across the entire recording.