How to Make Audio Louder Without Distortion
Updated October 2026
A quiet recording can be made louder, but only up to the point where the peaks reach the top. Past that, the sound distorts. Measure first, then raise the level in one clean step.
The short version
- Measure the peaks before you raise the level; the highest peak sets the limit.
- Raise the gain in one step rather than stacking many small boosts.
- Check the true peak after you raise the level, not only the sample peak.
- A limiter can raise the average level, but it squashes the voice if you push it.
Find the limit first
The loudest peak in the file is what limits how much you can raise it. If the peak is at -20 dB, you have about 20 dB of room before it reaches full scale. Measure this in your editor before you change anything.
Raise the gain once
Apply one gain change that brings the peaks to a safe level, rather than boosting several times. Each boost adds a little noise and distortion, so one step is cleaner.
Check the true peak
Peaks in a file can be higher once the audio is converted to MP3 or AAC. Check the true peak, not only the sample peak, and keep it below about -1 dBTP. The true peak explanation covers the reasons.
A limiter, used carefully
A limiter lowers the loudest peaks so you can raise the rest of the level. A gentle limit of a few decibels can make a voice sound more even. Push it too far and the voice sounds squashed and tired. Use it to even out, not to force a level.
Do not fix a clipped file by making it louder
If the file already clips, raising the level makes the distortion louder. Repair the clipping first, then raise the level.
Tunedzy
Tunedzy’s match loudness raises or lowers a recording to a target and checks the true peak, so you do not need to do the arithmetic. Pick the target that matches where the file is going.
Raise it to a target, check the peak
Tunedzy sets the loudness to a target and checks the true peak, so a quiet recording comes up without clipping.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Is normalising the same as making it louder?
Normalising raises the file so its highest peak reaches a chosen level. It makes the file louder only as far as the peak allows.
Why does my louder file sound harsh?
Either it clipped, or it was pushed with too much limiting. Check the peaks and reduce the limiter.
What level should I aim for?
It depends on the platform. The loudness guide on this site explains the targets people use.
Keep going
Loudness for YouTube, Podcasts and Spotify
How to Fix Clipped, Distorted Audio
What Is True Peak (dBTP)?All guides and comparisons · Tunedzy Go on your phone · Pricing