Equalizing song volumes in iTunes

2009-08-12 09:43 AM

We had an email from a client, Rich. It’s one of those questions that needs an answer, but something that is easy enough that we don’t want to charge him for the service.

It seems as though he is making iTunes playlists that include music from diverse sources. When he plays them back, volume levels are all over the place. Some are too loud while others are too soft. Add in a crossfade and things sound even worse!

This is one of those preference issues. No, not Rich’s preferences for music volume--but a preference for how iTunes handles music files. If you prefer that iTunes would work in a different manner than it presently is, be sure to check out the iTunes Preferences:

iTunes_preference1
iTunes Preferences Playback

I’ve circled several things. First, note that you will need to be in the Playback panel. Now. make sure there is a check in the Sound Check box. This will cause iTunes to begin analyzing the volumes of your iTunes files. If you have never had Sound Check selected, this process can take a quite a while, especially if you have a large library.

If you would like songs to crossfade (transition between songs) by lowering the volume of the song being played while the other begins playing and then increase its volume to the set level), you will want to check Crossfade Songs. Be sure to quit Preferences and try out your crossfade settings.

The Preferences panels for applications frequently hold some interesting and valuable choices. Be sure to check them out!

Pat