Boosting Volume Of MP3 Files?

[LarryG]

Is it possible, using the appropriate software, to boost the volume of an existing MP3 file? By somehow re-recording it or whatever?

I have some freeware ringtones that sound great but just aren't loud enough, even with the phone's ringer volume maxed out. What I'd like to do is make the recorded signal "hotter," if that's even possible with digital audio, to get more volume.

If this is possible, what software would I use? Something like Audacity, maybe?

Thanks very much!

[Thom2]

Larry,

Under the 'effects' menu in Audacity is a command for 'amplify' ....

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manu...u_effects.html

This effect increases or decreases the volume of a track or set of tracks. When you open the dialog, Audacity automatically calculates the maximum amount you could amplify the selected audio without causing clipping (from being too loud).

[sacherjj]

If you still need it louder than it is possible to go before clipping, look at compression as well. (This is audio level compression, not compression in file size.) I'm sure there is also a plug in for that. This is why TV commercials sound louder.

[LarryG]

Thanks, Thom and Joe.

I downloaded Audacity (I don't normally mess with audio and video, hence my need to ask this question), installed it, was able to boost the volume of my ringtone file a skosh. But not much: as Joe apparently anticipated, I could only get a slight volume increase without clipping.

I'll try some compression (former guitar player here, now in recovery, so I'm familiar with that) and see what happens. Thanks again, guys.