What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To make an audio file louder, apply Amplify or peak Normalize for a simple level increase; use Loudness Normalization when you need a specified perceived loudness; or compress the audio before adding gain when loud peaks keep quieter parts from coming up enough. Export a copy and listen for clipping or unwanted changes.
Choose the method that matches your goal
| Method | What it measures or changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Amplify or peak Normalize | Raises the whole selection by one gain amount, based on its loudest peak. It does not change the difference between quiet and loud parts. | A straightforward boost when the file has room before clipping. |
| Loudness Normalization | Measures perceived loudness and applies one gain change; it does not even out the file’s dynamics. | Meeting a stated LUFS target or making several tracks more comparable in perceived loudness. |
| Compression, then gain | Reduces the gap between loud and quiet sections, then raises the output level. | Speech or other audio where brief loud peaks limit how much the quieter material can be raised. |
| Limiting | Controls high peaks so the output can be raised while keeping those peaks in check. | Peak control in a voice or final-level workflow; it still requires listening and adjustment. |
Method 1: Raise the whole file with Amplify or peak Normalize
A whole-file gain change raises quiet and loud passages together. Peak Normalize determines the gain from the selection’s loudest peak, not from how loud the file sounds overall. If that peak is already close to the digital ceiling, there may be little safe room to increase the entire file.
- Open a copy of the audio in your editor so the original stays unchanged.
- Select the track or region you want to process.
- Apply Amplify or Normalize. In Audacity, with audio selected, open Effect → Volume and compression → Normalize. Menu labels can differ between versions.
- Keep some peak headroom. Audacity’s Normalize manual gives a default peak target of −1 dB and explains that headroom is safer when audio will later be encoded to a lossy format. Avoid targeting above 0 dB, which risks clipping. Audacity: Normalize
- Preview or listen, then export to a new file. Check for harshness, crackling, or other distortion before replacing or sharing the original.
Method 2: Match perceived loudness with Loudness Normalization
Peak normalization matches the highest peak; Loudness Normalization measures perceived loudness and applies one gain change to reach a chosen target. Use it when a delivery specification names a loudness figure or when you want tracks to sound more comparable. It does not reduce the difference between quiet and loud passages.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Audacity’s Loudness Normalization can measure in LUFS or RMS. The manual cites −23 LUFS as the EBU R 128 target and a reasonable default for spoken word intended for broadcast. That is a broadcast reference, not a universal target for streaming, personal listening, or every type of audio. Use the current requirements for the destination you are delivering to. Audacity: Loudness Normalization
#1 Best Overall
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
Keep ordinary stereo channels linked
Audacity offers an option to measure and correct left and right channels independently. Its manual warns that this can change stereo balance; leave it off for ordinary stereo material. Use separate channel correction only when the channels are genuinely independent recordings.
Method 3: Compress quiet and loud sections, then add gain
A compressor reduces dynamic range by turning down audio above a threshold. That can make quieter parts more audible relative to peaks once you raise the output, but it changes the loud-to-quiet relationship and the sound. After compression, add make-up gain or normalize the result to bring its overall level up. Audacity: Volume and Compression Audacity: Free Audio Compressor
Rank #2
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
- Select the audio and apply compression using your editor’s compressor effect.
- Adjust the compressor conservatively, then use make-up gain or Normalize to raise the processed output.
- Listen for pumping, flattened dynamics, harshness, or distortion. If the result sounds unnatural, reduce the amount of compression or gain.
Use a limiter when peaks still need control
A limiter controls high peaks and can be paired with make-up gain to support a louder output. Audacity’s Limiter documentation includes a VO Limiter preset for dialogue and podcasts, but a preset is not a guarantee that the result will sound right. Listen and back off if the audio becomes harsh, flattened, or distorted. Audacity: Limiter
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Crystal Clear Audio Quality】Our Omnidirectional pattern condenser microphone accurately captures your voice, making it perfect for dictation, online classrooms, and more.
- 【Active Noise-Cancelling】Come in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern, which can effectively block the background noise. The pop filter prevents plosives from overloading the microphone, ensuring only your voice is heard.7
- 【Convenient Mute Button with LED Indicator】You can quickly mute/un-mute the microphone with the Mute Button and the built-in LED light lets you know the working status(Greenlight: Connected; Red light: Mute mode).
- 【Easy to use】 No drivers needed, just plug and record without external power supply, directly connect the microphone to a USB compatible device, well compatible with Windows(7, 8 and 10), Mac OS and PS4 (NOT compatible with Raspberry Pi/Linux/Android）
- 【Mini size with Adjustable Gooseneck】Adopted flexible and adjustable gooseneck metal pipe, easily adjust position 360 degrees to suit user comfort. The compact and stable base maximizes your desktop space.
Rank #4
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
Check the processed file before sharing it
- Listen through the loudest and quietest sections, not just the beginning.
- Check that peaks do not clip and that speech or music has not become harsh or unnaturally flat.
- For stereo audio, make sure the left-right balance still sounds right.
- Export to a separate file and compare it with the original at a comfortable listening level.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
