How to increase volume on an imported mp3?

Question

Level 1

89 points

How to increase volume on an imported mp3?

I've been sent some mp3 tracks to mix into a song but when I import them into GB they are very quiet. Even with the volume on the invidual tracks up full they are still only barely registering on the meters. I can't really get the files sent again as the guy who is producing them is not computer savvy and says he just creates a file and saves it as an mp3, he doesn't know how to increase the volume of the saved file.

Is there any easy way to bring up the volume? I've tried the suggestions in the manual about compression and EQ but the sound changes and I want to keep the sound as it is, I just want it louder.

Cheers

Dick

iMac 17", Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Dec 1, 2006 5:56 AM

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Answer 1

rbdbk

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2006 6:09 AM in response to Zoomman

I wonder what would happen if you increse the level all that you can (without messing up the sound) and then export to itunes, then, export that file back into a new garageband project and repeat the proccess. Probably result in massive distortion due to the gain, but it might be worth a shot.

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Answer 2

Zoomman Author

Level 1

89 points

Dec 1, 2006 6:13 AM in response to rbdbk

I found an earlier post where someone had done that and yes, it resulted in distortion.

Does anyone know if something like Audacity will just increase volumes? Maybe it's worthg me downloading that.

Cheers

Dick

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Answer 3

Zoomman Author

Level 1

89 points

Dec 1, 2006 6:45 AM in response to Zoomman

Just downloaded Audacity and hooray it does have a "normalize" option.

Works a treat, boosted the signal without chaning it the sound.

Cheers

Dick

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