[jack1243star]

In audio processing, the more precise term for it is compression (dynamically adjust gain). Normalization usually means that the gain is adjusted so that the highest volume meets a certain level. (Like what YouTube does)

[lucideer]

Compression is an entirely different thing.

Compression isn't just gain adjustment - it's a specific type of audio processing that increases perceived "gain" (loudness) of the entire source audio by "compressing" the levels of loud frequencies & increasing the levels of quiet frequencies.

Normalization increases gain of all frequencies at any given point-in-time while reducing gain of all frequencies at other points in time. It doesn't reduce dynamic range.

[danadam]

> Normalization increases gain of all frequencies at any given point-in-time while reducing gain of all frequencies at other points in time.

When you do that then the difference between the loudest and the quietest part of the audio gets reduced. That's dynamic range reduction.

[recursive]

I think you're describing a multi-band compressor. "Normal" compressors do indeed do gain adjustment. They usually do this without regard for the frequencies present. Only the amplitude matters for normal compressors.

[throwaway290]

Sorry but you really misunderstand what normalization and compression means. "quiet frequencies" :D

[thayne]

But compression is ambiguous because that could also refer to compressing the video stream to reduce the size of the movie.

[kbouck]

> compression is ambiguous

I think the unambiguous term for this is "Dynamic Range Compression"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression