How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

[Bruce S]

I want to apply Replay Gain (both track and album) when I rip CD's into FLAC, and also when batch converting already ripped files from WAV to FLAC. I do not want to change the audio properties of the files. Does Replay Gain simply write info to a meta tag w/out actually altering the physical structure of the audio? Also, what's the "best" method for applying Replay Gain? And, I just don't understand what interaction - if any - is needed between Replay Gain and the Volume Normalization DSP. Thanks.

[Spoon]

Re: How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

The DSP Replaygain does not change the audio.

[Bruce S]

Re: How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

Thanks, Spoon. Is there any need to use the Volume Normalize DSP when ripping, or, do I just use the Replaygain DSP?

[Teknojnky]

Re: How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

replay gain = only tags, the player must be able to read and utilize them for them to be of any use

normalize = modifies files, since the audi itself is normalized they play on any player

why you would want to use one vs the other?

if your portable does not use replay gain tags, then you would have to use normalize on the player tracks in order to have consistent volume

most people will not want to use normalize on their normal collection as that permanently modifes the audio, however they may desire to have normalize on their portable tracks.

hope that helps

for more info, check various articles

http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&safe=off&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=replaygain+vs+normalized&spell=1

[Bruce S]

Re: How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

That helped very much. Thanks.

[Porcus]

Re: How do I apply Replay Gain w/out altering the file

There are volume-normalizers which only use the ReplayGain flag. IIRC, Foobar2000 can do so.