Why are my GarageBand iOS songs so loud? (Auto normalization)

Introduction

This tutorial addresses the issue of songs sounding excessively loud after exporting from GarageBand on iOS devices. This phenomenon is caused by auto normalization, a feature that automatically adjusts the volume of your tracks. While you cannot disable auto normalization, there is a workaround that can help manage the loudness of your exported songs.

Step 1: Understand Auto Normalization

• What is Auto Normalization?
  Auto normalization is a process that adjusts the volume of your audio to prevent clipping and distortion during playback. This can lead to your exported songs sounding louder than intended.

• Why it Matters
  Knowing how auto normalization works will help you better manage your mixing levels and avoid unexpected loudness after exporting your tracks.

Step 2: Adjust Levels Before Exporting

• Lower Track Levels
  To counteract the effects of auto normalization, consider lowering the overall levels of your tracks before exporting. Aim for your mix to peak around -6dB to -3dB.

• Use the Metering Tools
  Utilize GarageBand's built-in metering tools to visually monitor the levels of your tracks. This will help ensure they are balanced and not too loud.

Step 3: Apply Limiting

• Use a Limiter Effect
  Applying a limiter can help control the peak levels of your audio. This is especially useful for ensuring that your final mix doesn’t exceed your desired loudness.

• Setting Up the Limiter

  1. Add a limiter effect to your master track.
  2. Set the output ceiling to around -1dB to prevent clipping during export.

Step 4: Experiment with Export Settings

• Choose Appropriate Formats
  When exporting your song, select the format that best suits your needs (e.g., AAC for streaming, WAV for high-quality sound).

• Check Export Quality
  Review the export quality settings to ensure they align with your intended use for the song. Higher quality settings can sometimes influence the overall loudness.

Step 5: Test Your Mix

• Listen to the Exported Track
  After exporting, listen to the track on different devices (e.g., headphones, speakers) to assess loudness and clarity.

• Make Adjustments if Necessary
  If the exported track still sounds too loud, revisit your mix and make further adjustments to the levels and effects.

Conclusion

While auto normalization in GarageBand for iOS can lead to unexpectedly loud tracks, understanding how it works allows you to take proactive steps. By adjusting your mix levels, applying limiting, and carefully choosing export settings, you can achieve a sound that is well-balanced and meets your expectations. Experiment with these techniques to find the best approach for your music production needs.