Hi gang -

I am ripping my library to FLAC. Not so much for archive (bit for bit) but for playback use.

Rip w/ EAC and used default normalize settings. So far so good. Well, I would like to hard limit the files to 98%. I'm talking normalize not replay gain. I have about 8k files and would hate to rerip. I guess batch convert is 'ok' but don't want to lose tag info.

Now, I have EAC set to 98% (97-99). For DJ playback, this is ideal.

Thanks gang!

I advise against using a lossless codec in this case, since you are essentially defeating the purpose. If I was applying destructive edits such as normalisation, I'd find a lossy codec which suited my needs (hardware/software support, etc.) and use settings which provided a suitable quality.

This is just my opinion; you don't have to listen, but I bet that I am not alone!

Point taken and noted.

I currently have my library as MP3 (LAME from 3.93 to 3.98). I use a BOSE system for sound playback via Virtual DJ once all FLAC.

As said, I am not doing this for archive means - just the ease of MP3 type functionality w/ the same dynamics as a CD.

Think of it as a CD player w/ AGC.

When I get the time, I might do the FLAC/CUE/EAC backup thing. TB drives are getting cheaper.

Well, for the purpose of backing up CDs, I would never use normalisation or any other effects. What kind of music are you talking about; is it not loud enough already? Can you only use FLAC? I'm sorry, but I'm still very confused.

Well, most new music is 100% and way over compressed. Much of it has MP3 origins so I'd be MP3 what was a MP3. It sounds distorted. Kicking it back to 98% sounds better. Other music like vintage artists (Sam Cooke) might be at 35%.

For DJ playback, one has to 'ride the gain' between mismatched tracks.

I can use MP3 (currently do) but want to give my clients better sound. More dynamics and depth. I don't do house parties but upscale weddings. A more 'discerning' client.

I agree, assuming that we are talking about mainstream genres.


I don't understand this at all.


a.k.a. Replay Gain


MP3 is very unlikely to cause any loss of "dynamics" or "depth"; neither will normalisation add any.

1. FLAC is over the top for that purpose, but decide yourself.

2. Modern lossy compression doesn't screw up the dynamics.

3. Normalization is not gain control. A track with 85 dB and one peak that's at 99% will actually get quieter. In other words: The dynamics you (unnecessarily) want to protect by using FLAC defeat the purpose of normalization.

You might find this thread interesting, but in order to get a "CD player with AGC", you could make foobar2000 convert the FLACs to new FLACs with applied ReplayGain.

Well, call me odd but it's a perception thing w/ me. I like having the full audio bandwidth at my disposal. Don't want to deal w/ CDs or MP3s anymore. VDJ only supports FLAC as an optional Codec.

Again, this is NOT for archive purposes but strictly music playback on a semi reference sound system.

If I had the time, I would backup to FLAC via EAC (no processing but raw bit for bit) w/ cuesheet each and every prized CD (mostly my radio subscriptions). Then, extract the desired tracks as needed. If anyone here knows of a easy way to handle this, please point me in that direction. I have not started my subscription ripping yet.

Well, again: Let foobar2000 ReplayGain-scan your FLACs, then make it convert your FLACs to new FLACs with "ReplayGain processing" checked.

Then you'll have FLACs with the same perceived loudness. Problem solved, plus you don't manipulate your old files. You can of course delete the old files afterwards...