Any auto-level enabled software out there?

[notCardio]

Well, this is REALLY embarrasing to ask, but is there any recording, or perhaps mastering-type software, that allows the user to record something without setting levels? This is for vinyl to cd transfer. I've got about 1500 albums to transfer, and I can't see playing each one all the way through to see what the relative and peak levels are, so that I can set my recording levels and play it again to record it, then go back and play it again to make sure I got it right. I'll be dead by then.

[TexRoadkill]

It's impossible to auto level without the software knowing what the peaks are. That is basically how normalization works. But the main problem is that the preamp gain is what determines if you clip and that is usually not software controlled (but may be in your case.)

A simple solution would be to find the loudest album you have and set the levels for that. Then record the other stuff and normalize.

Another solution would be to setup a limiter before the soundcard that would protect against digital distortion.

None of those solutions will really preserve the fidelity and dynamics of the original albums but it doesn't sound like that is your intention anyway.

[mbuster]

If you have the capability to record in 24 bit, do so. You can leave the peaks down below -6db without worrying about it, and you can raise the levels later.

[notCardio]

What does 24 bit have to do with it?

[gtar02]

24 bit has more dynamic range

[mbuster]

It's in here . This article actually covers quite a bit of ground, and should explain what I'm talking about. It takes a while to get there, though.