How does MM3 calculate Soundcheck

[ReD-BaRoN]

Hello,

First off, let me say that MM3 is a great program! I'm an ex-foo_pod user and this is much better!

I have a question on how MM3 sets the SoundCheck value for iPods.

I have Analyzed the volume level for all my songs in MM. I don't use Itunes for anything at this point.

I sync them to my iPod (via MM with a transcode from FLAC to MP3) and a Soundcheck value is indeed set, because I can turn SoundCheck on and off on the iPod and I do hear a difference (the songs are softer when Soundcheck is on).

However, when I change Tools->Options->Player->Volume Leveling->Target Volume for leveling tracks (from 89 to 95 lets say), I don't hear any difference in the volume of the song when Soundcheck is on. I.E. it's like the SoundCheck value is never updated/changed. The Track Volume and Album Volume colums in MM3 are updated however.

I've removed the song from the ipod and synced it again, but no difference.

Can someone clarify how MM3 sets the Soundcheck value? Does is use the Analyzed Track Volume (as shown in the Track Volume column)? Does it use some other value from somewhere else?

Bottom line, the songs on my iPod are too soft when Soundcheck is on. I would like to set the reference volume level higher for the Soundcheck volume calculations.

Thanks!

[ReD-BaRoN]

From my experimentation calculating Soundcheck's base reference level is not configurable, and is always based on 89. I'm logging a bug to make this configurable.

[kingoomieiii]

Hello,

First off, let me say that MM3 is a great program! I'm an ex-foo_pod user and this is much better!

I have a question on how MM3 sets the SoundCheck value for iPods.

I have Analyzed the volume level for all my songs in MM. I don't use Itunes for anything at this point.

I sync them to my iPod (via MM with a transcode from FLAC to MP3) and a Soundcheck value is indeed set, because I can turn SoundCheck on and off on the iPod and I do hear a difference (the songs are softer when Soundcheck is on).

However, when I change Tools->Options->Player->Volume Leveling->Target Volume for leveling tracks (from 89 to 95 lets say), I don't hear any difference in the volume of the song when Soundcheck is on. I.E. it's like the SoundCheck value is never updated/changed. The Track Volume and Album Volume colums in MM3 are updated however.

I've removed the song from the ipod and synced it again, but no difference.

Can someone clarify how MM3 sets the Soundcheck value? Does is use the Analyzed Track Volume (as shown in the Track Volume column)? Does it use some other value from somewhere else?

Bottom line, the songs on my iPod are too soft when Soundcheck is on. I would like to set the reference volume level higher for the Soundcheck volume calculations.

Thanks!

Soundcheck is calculated, and a leveling number (in dB) added to the song's tag, representing the change needed for the song to play at 89. Any change in leveling volume is only in MM, i believe.

But you're right, this should be configurable.

[Weatherman]

The value of "89" has intrigued me. Can anyone explain why this number was chosen and what it means? I am used to Normalising music to reach a peak of 0db. I don't know the formula used by MM to arrive at 89.
Many thanks
Jim

[jonp]

The rule of thumb is that over an average gain level of 89db, clipping will most likely occur.

[jiri]

I can confirm that you can't currently change the way MM calculates SoundCheck value for iPods. My guess is that it isn't really important for most users, but it could be added as a new feature sometimes.

The value of "89" has intrigued me. Can anyone explain why this number was chosen and what it means?

This isn't just an idea of MM, Google 'Replay gain', you'll find even pretty technical information...

Jiri

[Weatherman]

Thanks Jiri - much appreciated. I had a search and yes - lots of info. Many thanks.

Jim