Volume vs Normalization - any dynamics difference?

[MichaelPatrick]

I'm using Cubase and SoundForge.

Does raising the level of tracks with volume/dB gain tools or normalize tools affect dynamic range ratios in the source material? When raising levels I want to know for certain I'm lifting the whole thing evenly, including the noise floor.

Does anyone know how apparent levels work and how these tools (volume and normalize) work? Do they work identically in this regard?

P.S. i know that normalize references 0 dBFS to pull up and volume references the existing level to push up or pull down. My question is about distorting the ratio between soft and loud when the tools are used to alter program level.

[Sid Viscous]

No.

[beachhunt]

Originally Posted by Sid Viscous

No.

More specifically, "no" to the first question, "yes" to the second and third. Normalization is a standard volume increase, just automated to bring the highest peak to the target (not necessarily 0dBFS).

[masteringhouse]

It depends on the settings that you use in the case of SoundForge. You can raise levels to max at 0 or other value (traditional normalization), or use their compress or saturate features to change the dynamic range.

[MichaelPatrick]

This bit of theory 101 hadn't sunk in enough for me to be certain. I thought I knew it and then a few passages of classical material with bigger than usual dynamic range came along and that's what made me wonder if I was affecting it in any way to make the soft passages even softer.

Thanks for the helpful replies. It's comforting to know dynamic range won't be altered by raising volume or by normalizing.