Talk:Proposal Normalize& Amplify Consolidation

Alternative dialog box for Change Volume

The following are alternative suggestions for possible dialog boxes for the combined Amplify/Normalize command proposed by Ed Musgrove.

• Ed: Since Remove DC Offset has disappeared from the Change Volume dialog, maybe add some referral to the new menu item (wherever it ends up). This could also be removed for 3.0. Far out concept—since Remove DC Offset would be a non-GUI function (no dialog) we could have it both as a separate menu item and a button (disabled if we can tell via software if the audio has no offset) in Change Volume (to keep the Normalize familiarilty). Remember current levels works for both Amplify & Normalize.
• Bill: Does one normally put a separator between radio buttons in a radio button group?
  • Ed: Not "normally" but one would not "normally" have "stuff" separating the entries. Even though Amplify & Normalize are coded to be mutually exclusive the naïve user might not realize that at first. The "Link" checkbox, because it disables quite obviously and is related to the final radio item is (IMVHO just barely) OK on a separate line but the naïve user might think it applied to both Amplify & Normalize.
• Bill:I think having Amplify remember current levels is a bad idea. A previous setting could cause clipping with a new selection.
  • Gale: "OK" would be greyed out as now if "allow clipping" was unchecked.
• Gale: Shouldn't Remove DC offset be a checkbox? What happens if you don't remember current levels for Normalize? Maybe that checkbox should just be for Amplify?
• Ed:The "Remove DC Offset" button would (when clicked) perform the task immediately while this dialog was still open then become disabled. It would only be enabled if the selection has offset. Allowing clipping for Normalize might imply "no warning" if value is positive (assuming we allow positive values and assuming we warn of the consequences).
  • Gale: Can Audacity detect offset at present? I thought not.
    • Peter: Just a thought: if Audacity can't detect it how can it correct for it?
    • Ed: +1
• Gale: If we have "Remember levels" I still think it only makes sense for Amplify.
  • • Ed: If only for one it would need to be "Remember Normalize level" or "Remember Amplify Level" (and if only Amp move it up to/under the Amp section); of course the optimal would be two separate checkboxes if any.

Feedback from Bill Wharrie

• At the moment I do not support merging the effects. I think that is likely to create something that is even less intuitive, or loses functionality. Specifically:
  • "Switchable option to apply the same amplitude adjustment to all selected tracks (current Amplify behavior) or to apply amplitude adjustment to each selected track independently (current Normalize behavior) - thus making the behavior more explicit". To my mind this is less clear than the distinction between the two effects. What "amplitude adjustment" will be applied to "each selected track independently" - an amplification factor, or a target peak amplitude? If an amplification factor (which is what is entered in the text box), then there is no difference. You need an effect that specifically adjusts each track to a new maximum peak amplitude.

Feedback from Ed Musgrove

• Remember this: after all these years I doubt that Audacity’s user base would appreciate a merger of these two.
  • Peter 12May11: I am inclined to agree; it may look like a regression to many users.