Maximizing wav files

[Soulman13]

Hey all,

Been doing some guitar recording with n-track. I find that no matter how hard I try to get the levels the same for each track, one is always a little off. So, while looking around my wav editor(GoldWave), I notice the maximizing function. I went through and maximized each and every wav file in the song. It means that the peak volume of each track is now the same, and there is some continuity in the files.

I am assuming this makes things easier, because you don't have to worry about using the faders to compensate for drastically different recorded levels. You can worry just for the actual mix. Is there any downside here I am overlooking?

Thanks!

 

[Tom Hicks]

maximizing means amplifying everything,including the residual noise floor (depending on how many dB) to where it might be noticed.But if the original signal was recorded relatively hot,you should be OK.

Tom

 

[Soulman13]

Thanks Tom. I figured as much, which is why I made sure to clean up those little string rubs and pick clicks before maximizing.

I'm recording everything direct through a POD->Mackie 1202->DMAN 2044 card. The set up is silent, and I'm recording with the meters peaking between -6 and -3. The amplification in the maximizing convertion was pretty minimal.