Compress audio dynamic range in Audacity

All demos from “How to make your audio sound good in Audacity - 2026”

1. 2:412:23Normalize audio in AudacityThe narrator demonstrates how to select a track and apply the Normalize effect in Audacity, adjusting the peak amplitude to -3 dB to establish a consistent volume baseline.Audacity· AI Audio Editor
2. 5:581:03Apply one-click audio macros in AudacityThe user shows how to use the 'Apply Macro' tool in Audacity to instantly improve raw vocal recordings using pre-configured processing chains.Audacity· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
3. 8:321:19Reduce background noise in AudacityA two-step demonstration of noise reduction: first capturing a noise profile from a silent section, then applying the effect to the entire track with specific sensitivity and smoothing settings.Audacity· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
4. 9:560:36Apply Filter Curve EQ in AudacityThe narrator demonstrates applying a 'low roll-off for speech' using the Filter Curve EQ to remove unnecessary low-frequency noise from a voice recording.Audacity· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
5. 10:420:34Compress audio dynamic range in AudacityCurrentThe demonstration shows how to use the Compressor effect in Audacity, starting with a lead vocals preset and manually adjusting the threshold and ratio for a balanced sound.Audacity· AI Audio Editor
6. 11:220:24Final normalization and ACX checkThe user performs a final normalization to -3 dB and runs the ACX Check plugin to verify that the peak, RMS, and noise floor meet professional standards.Audacity· AI Mastering
7. Watch “How to make your audio sound good in Audacity - 2026” →

AI Audio Editor

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1. 22:520:11Moving audio clips with handles in Audacity 3.1The narrator demonstrates how the addition of visual handles allows users to drag and move audio clips horizontally without switching to a dedicated 'Time Shift' mode.Tantacrul
2. 24:490:17Applying real-time effects stacksThe narrator demonstrates opening the effects panel on a track to stack VST or Audio Unit plugins non-destructively.Tantacrul
3. 43:120:38Using the redesigned Graphic EqualizerThe demo shows the improved legibility of the equalizer, including decibel popups when dragging sliders and the ability to draw curves across multiple sliders.Tantacrul
4. 0:560:14Accessing the Master Effects Channel in AudacityThe narrator demonstrates how to open the effects panel by clicking the effects button on a track and locating the new Master Channel to apply a real-time compressor to the overall mix.Audacity
5. 0:270:44Apply EQ filters in AudacityThe narrator demonstrates how to select audio and apply Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Low Roll-off for Speech using the Filter Curve EQ effect in Audacity.GuideRealm
6. 1:110:20Configure audio compressor in AudacityThe user shows how to navigate to the Compressor effect in Audacity and input specific values for threshold, noise floor, and ratio to normalize the audio.GuideRealm
7. 0:510:15Prepare audio track in AudacityThe user demonstrates how to trim, zoom, and duplicate an audio waveform in Audacity using keyboard shortcuts and UI handles to prepare for processing.Mike Russell
8. 1:081:41Apply Filter Curve EQ in AudacityThe demonstrator walks through opening the Filter Curve EQ, setting a flat default, and manually adjusting handles to boost high-end crispness, roll off low-end rumble, and reduce nasality.Mike Russell
9. 3:060:12Normalize audio in AudacityThe user shows how to navigate to the Volume and Compression menu to apply a -1 dB normalization to the selected audio track.Mike Russell
10. 3:180:32Apply Compressor settings in AudacityThe demonstrator configures the Audacity compressor by adjusting threshold, makeup gain, and ratio settings to flatten the vocal dynamics.Mike Russell
11. 3:500:09Second normalization pass in AudacityA second normalization step is demonstrated to bring the compressed audio back to the target -1 dB level.Mike Russell
12. 4:080:17Apply Limiter in AudacityThe user demonstrates applying a limiter effect with a -5 dB threshold to chop off high-end peaks and finalize the audio levels.Mike Russell