What is Normalization For Voice-Over? When Should I Use it?

What is normalization for Voice-Over? If you record voice-overs, when should you use it? When shouldn't you use it? One of the uses for normalization is to help you get a proper voice-over recording level. Once you understand how your voice-over recording signal flow works, you will see a case where normalization might come in handy.

Normalizing increases or decreases the Input Gain Level. The entire selection is affected. Normalization identifies the highest peak of the selected region and sets that peak to a desired level (target). It does not modify the tone or sound of the file in any way. Normalization can be used to get an optimum Voice-Over recording level (peaking at -6 dB). However, using your preamp’s input gain to reach a -6 dB peak will yield better overall quality (especially for more significant changes). Normalizing doesn’t increase or decrease the signal-to-noise ratio of a file that has already been recorded. But getting a proper recording level WILL help you get the best signal-to-noise ratio for your production.

Achieving a proper voice-over recording level is a common challenge, especially among beginning voice-over artists. I've written an affordable and quick video training course that shows you how to get a great voice-over recording level every time! You'll learn why a proper recording level is critical for eng voice recording quality.