Which Normalizer is better: Peak or Jam?

[DEXTERITY]

I was wondering if the Normalizer is better in Peak version 2.58 or in Jam 2.62?

Or is there really no difference?


Thanks..

[michaelhoddy]

If you mean normalize as in bringing the loudest peak in a file up to digital zero as a maximum reference point for raising the level of the whole sound file, then there should be absolutely no difference. It's a straight mathematical operation with no limiting or data manipulation involved. The only thing that should have any effect this sonically are the DAC's and original bit depth of the file, as well as mundane things like signal-to-noise ratio, and the quality of the audio chain.

If you are talking about multiband limiting, now that's a whole different animal.

[cmchamp]

I successfully don't use either!

Well, Ok, I guess I'll complete that thought.

I'm a Digital Performer user and after mixing down and bouncing my project to disc (two mono files), I bring the two tracks back into the track window and apply limiting, and multi-band compression. I then bounce again and export. If I need fade ins/outs, I use Final Cut Pro (because I have it, not because that's what it's intended for). Then burn the disc in Toast and off to the presses, or dupe them myself, depends on the quantity wanted by the client.

[pbailey68]

When you apply limiting and multiband compression, do you use the plugins and settings from dp or your own?

Thanks,

Paul

[michaelhoddy]

I use the Waves L1 and L2 for multiband limiting, the Waves LinEQ for final tweaks, and the LinMultiband and C4 for mutliband compression.

I always tweak the factory programs. You have to. Every song has different textures, issues, and problems to deal with, and what works well for one song may not for another.