Is there a way to normalize mp2 files directly?

[t0nito]

Hi.

I have a few videoclips captured from diferent sources am I want to make a svcd of them. The only problem is that audio volume differs to much between them (some are louder than others). My idea is to demultiplex to mp2 files normalize them and then re-multiplex them again. What I'm asking is if someone knows a program that can normalize the mp2 files directly without having to convert to wav and then to mp2 again therfore losing quality.

Thank you in advance.

[gonz0]

Why not re-encode just the audio in TMPGEnc? That has an audio normalization function. You could also use it with an audio plugin such as TooLame or SCMPX. I don't know about quality loss, though.

[burned_once]

I haven't found a good tool for this. TMPGenc does have a normalize function on its "Audio" filter in the "Advanced" tab on the settings panel, but like many simplistic audio editors it only allows you to state a multiplier, like normalize to 150% of the input stream's volume. This is because it doesn't scan for peak levels and then do the adjustment.

What you really want is to state a volume level, like normalize to 80% of the maximum, so that you can use the same number on all your mp2's. Still, you can use TMPGenc's normalizing to adjust the levels based on what you hear, then burn pairs of files to CD-RW's and repeat the process until you get them to match approximately.

On top of that, this filter only applies when you are encoding video! I think the latest TMPGenc version (2.54) moves this to the Audio tab, which may mean that you can encode the audio separately with normalization. Still, that's not going to help you skip making WAV's.

If anyone can recommend a program for this, it would be great. I saw somewhere (www.mpegx.com ?) that there is a GUI for toolame, but I'm pretty sure it's just another encoder and doesn't edit MP2's.

I have also heard good things about GoldWave, but have not gone to the trouble of downloading a trial version to see for myself. It's on www.mpegx.com under Audio Editors or Audio Utilities.

[VidGuy]

I believe Besweet will normalize it, but I'm pretty sure it still does an internal mp2 -> wav -> mp2 conversion.

[gonz0]

What you really want is to state a volume level, like normalize to 80% of the maximum, so that you can use the same number on all your mp2's.

I'm pretty sure this is what TMPGEnc does. I can enter a scaling factor like you mentioned, but I can also enter a percent of the peak value. Select the Audio tab > Setting > Normalize > and then enter a percentage. TMPGEnc will scan the audio, and then choose the scaling factor for you.

On top of that, this filter only applies when you are encoding video! I think the latest TMPGenc version (2.54) moves this to the Audio tab, which may mean that you can encode the audio separately with normalization. Still, that's not going to help you skip making WAV's.

The "Audio Edit" option has been in the Audio tab since version 2.51, so with this version and later you can apply normalization to audio without video. Your source could be the original MPEG file, so you wouldn't need to make wave files. Quality loss might be an issue, however.

[t0nito]

Thanks I'll try that

[Muzza]

Well there is a program out there called mp3Trim. You can search for it on google.com. It's a very basic program but it wiill scan through the file. If it wont load the mp2 file just rename it to .mp3 for the normalisation

[Timelord]

Use soundforge5 as it opens up mp2 and has a normalize option that offers more than tmpgenc if you know what your doing you can really make it sound so much better(VHS captures).Soundforge 5 is a little expensive.........if you pay for it but it is an excellent sound editor.