Already Normalized!...No It's Not!

[Toonsmith]

I'm working with Logic 4.8 and all my recording levels are what I consider nearly perfect. I'm trying to normalize the tracks to get the valleys between the peaks a little hotter. but when I normalize it, it says 'Already Normalized'. The only thing I can think of is it's either something wrong with the normalize function or could it be I'm recording at a hot enough level already.
Any thoughts?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Normalizing doesn't "get the valleys between the peaks a little hotter."

All normalizing does is act as a gain multiplier/divider based on the peak levels -- the "valleys" don't even enter into it.

You need a limiter plug-in to do this.

 

[Change of POETS]

Compression, and Hard Limiting.

Normalizing won't acheive what you want.

 

[ChristopherDawn]

A normalizer takes the highest peak you have and amplifies that to whatever you choose, then the rest of the wav by that same amount. If you already have a peak at that height then maybe that's when it will tell you that it is already normalized?

Listen to these guys. I'd say you need a limiter.

 

[Toonsmith]

From previous posts, I get the impression that you don't like to normalize your tracks. It is my assumption that it's wiser to use a compressor and/or limiter and then use the faders to raise the over all volume. Is this right or do I have your conclusions wrong?

 

[mixsit]

From previous posts, I get the impression that you don't like to normalize your tracks. It is my assumption that it's wiser to use a compressor and/or limiter and then use the faders to raise the over all volume. Is this right or do I have your conclusions wrong?

As the paradigm shift slowly sets in...
Normalizing isn't much of anything. A song with an average level of -20 and a single peak @ zero is nomalized -and very quiet. The ear hears average level mostly.
Wayne

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

A very succinct way of putting it, Wayne!

 

[Toonsmith]

Excellent advice! Recorded a new tune today and kept my mouse away from the normalize button. Just a little 2:1 compressor and a soft limiter and it came out great. Sure love this site!

Thanks again to everyone for thier replies!