+1 mate. The process you are thinking of is "Hard Limiting" (In Audition, other apps may call it something else) which is a more advanced way to boost your mix up and smooth levels. I use this technique to master our recordings and with a bit of trial and error have got it sussed now. Normalizing is a pretty basic technique and wont solve your clipping issues if you have those.
... Or you can just play PSY no worries with quiet spots there lol
Bookmarks