# melcom's FFmpeg Audio Normalizer - Help

## Table of Contents

- Requirements
- Steps for Using Version 3.1.0
- Normalization Modes
- Quality & Metadata
- About This File

## Requirements

- To use melcom's FFmpeg Audio Normalizer, you need the complete FFmpeg suite:
  - `ffmpeg.exe` (Normalization and analysis)
  - `ffplay.exe` (Audio preview feature)
  - `ffprobe.exe` (Extracting track duration and technical audio properties)
- Download the latest builds from here. Recommended: ffmpeg-master-latest-win64-gpl.zip.
- Ensure the path to the `bin` folder is correctly set in the program's Options.

## Steps for Using Version 3.1.0

1. Start the application. Verify your FFmpeg path under "File" -> "Options".
2. Use "Add Files" or "Add Folder" to populate the processing list.
3. (Optional) Use the player below the list to preview tracks and navigate through your batch.
4. Select your desired LUFS Preset and True Peak Preset.
5. New in v3.1: Choose the appropriate Normalization Mode (Linear or Dynamic). See details in the next section.
6. Select your Output Format (WAV, MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG).
7. Click "Start Normalization". Files will be processed sequentially; progress and details are shown in the log window.

## Normalization Modes

Linear (2 Passes) - Recommended for Music:
This mode analyzes the file completely in the first pass and calculates a fixed gain. The dynamic range of the track remains fully intact. Ideal for mastering and high-quality archival.
Dynamic (1 Pass) - Radio Style:
Volume is adjusted "on the fly" during the process. This levels out large volume differences within a single file. Ideal for podcasts, voice recordings, or radio streams.

## Quality & Metadata

Audio Quality Preservation (WAV & FLAC):

- When selecting WAV or FLAC, the program automatically preserves the original sample rate (e.g., 96 kHz) and bit depth (e.g., 24-bit) of the source file. No unnecessary downsampling occurs.

Metadata & Tags:

- All metadata (Artist, Album, Title, Year, etc.) is preserved and transferred from the source file to the normalized output file.
- MP3 files automatically use the ID3v2.3 standard to ensure maximum compatibility with Windows Explorer and external hardware players.

Automatic Cleanup:

- If a process is cancelled or an error occurs, the program automatically deletes all temporary work files (`.temp`) to keep your folders clean.

## About This File

This program was created by melcom (Andreas Thomas Urban) and is open-source software licensed under the MIT License.

Visit the website for updates: melcom-music.de