How to Increase the Volume of a Sound File

Sound files that are too quiet are frustrating. Words and music can be inaudible in some improperly created files. Recordings are sometimes made with input levels that are too low. Some files remain inaudible even when speakers are turned up to the maximum volume. Distortion or static will be heard in the resulting sound when you try to make these types of files audible by turning up the volume. Use software to boost the volume level of the sound file itself.

• 1

  Open the sound file in your digital audio editing program of choice. Install a free open source program called Audacity on your computer if you do not have another sound editing program. Audacity is available for Mac and Windows operating systems.

• 2

  Select the entire sound file. You can do this by selecting the entire area with your mouse in most sound editing programs. Hold Ctrl+A or Cmd+A to select an entire file with a keyboard shortcut.

• 3

  Choose the effect that is used to boost volume in your program. This might be called different things depending on the program that you use to edit audio. It is called "Amplify" in Audacity.

• 4

  Adjust the effect to amplify the volume the desired amount. Ensure that any options to prevent clipping are selected. Note how much you are increasing the volume.

• 5

  Listen to your sound file. Move on to the next step if you are happy with the results. Undo your effect if the file still sounds too quiet or too loud. Apply the effect again with more or less amplification based on your initial results.

• 6

  Double check that you have not created any clipping in the file. Look at the wave form. Clipping occurs when the peaks of the wave form extend far beyond the rest of the shape. Peaks that touch the edges of your editing area are definitely clipping. Undo your amplification and repeat it with lower settings if your file clipped after you applied the effect.