Import multiple wav files and save as the same volume

Report · Jan 12, 2023

Hi, I play electronic drums and source drum sounds i.e. cymbals, snare, toms, kick etc. as .wav files which I can load to my kit brain.

I do not subscribe to Adobe Audition or Adobe Audition CC.

My problem is that these .wav files are at different volumes. Is it possible to multiple import them and set them all at the same volume. I need then to save them as separate .wav files. Being drum sounds they are not large files. I have tried using the Amplify, Equalizer and Normalize functions in Audacity and Wavepad Sound Editor but they do not achieve what I want. Also I do not keep the original pitch of each .wav file.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Report · Jan 12, 2023

There is a typo in my post.

"Also I do not keep the original pitch of each .wav file."

should say

"Also I must keep the original pitch of each .wav file."

Report · Jan 12, 2023

Yes Audition will cope with anything at all that a file can do - but I don't see why something as simple as that can't be done in Audacity. One of the problems with percussion files is that generally, they don't want to be all at the same level - if you did that, then for instance a ride cymbal would come out at the same level as a floor tom, and they'd sound completely unbalanced against each other. So even though Audition can batch-process files, in this instance it probably isn't a good idea.

Report · Jan 12, 2023

Hi Steve, yes I understand your point about levels. However the Alesis Strike drum module that I have also has the capability of setting eq, comp and fx levels for each user kit. I create user kits for each song. So, if the starting volume levels for each drum voice are the same I can just use the same amplifier volume setting (I hope). At the moment I have to change the amplifier volume for each song. Do you know if the pitch stays the same?

I have tried Levelator2 which deals with volume levels but the pitch of the samples is changed.

the adobe 7 days free trial is not really enough to really get to know if Adobe Audiotion can achieve this and also do not know if i need Adobe Audition CC. Ideally I need to find a user who can try it for me with some of my samples and send them back to me. Also at the moment I don't think I would the software for anything else.

Report · Jan 12, 2023

Is there anyone in this community who is near BS49 UK?

Report · Jan 12, 2023

The pitch will always stay the same unless you take some very deliberate steps to alter it.

Report · Jan 15, 2023

Hi Steve, You were correct in your surprise that Audacity could not carry out what I wanted to use Adobe Audition for. Audacity has an Effect called Loadness Normalization, so thank you for making me look at Audacity again. I now have no need to subscribe to Adobe Audition to use just one of its features. So please forget about my messsage to you. Den.