# Can I go beyond the maximum volume? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 30, 2007, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555 "2007-10-30T09:42:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![EverLearner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8491ac/32.png) [@EverLearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EverLearner)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/1 "2007-10-30T09:42:23Z")
Some files that I play have a low voice. I turn the volume and wave to maximum but I still need to get the voice louder. So, how can I amplify the voice after I’ve turned the volume to its maximum without having to edit the file? ---
**Author:** ![jovan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/0ea827/32.png) [@jovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jovan)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/2 "2007-10-30T10:19:18Z")
You’ll need an amp that goes to 11. Seriously, though, I think you need to be a bit clearer about what you want to do. For instance it might be helpful to know what sort of operating system and software you’re using. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/3 "2007-10-30T10:19:20Z")
Cue _Spinal Tap_ joke. Adding an extra layer of amplification equipment? If you’re not willing to edit the file, then you’re limited by your audio existing setup. If it’s all set to maximum, I can’t see that you have any other avenue than that. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/4 "2007-10-30T10:26:43Z")
If these are MP3 files, then adjusting the volume is quite simple using [mp3gain](http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/) I realise you did say _without editing the file_, but as I don’t know your reason for saying this (for example if it’s the technical difficulty of the task, or the drudgery of the chore, then mp3gain may present a viable solution, because it’s so simple to use), I thought it worth mentioning. It’s also non-destructive, so you can undo the changes if you need to. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/5 "2007-10-30T10:45:16Z")
You may be able to achieve what you want by using a compressor. This can be either a hardware device or software. It’s basic principle is that it reduces the volume of the loudest parts of an audio sample but also raises the overall level. The result is that the quiet bits are louder. It also makes the average volume of the audio higher. It would probably be easier to just edit the file though. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2007, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-go-beyond-the-maximum-volume/424555/6 "2007-10-30T12:14:59Z")
[QUOTE=EverLearner] I turn the volume and wave to maximum but I still need to get the voice louder. [/QUOTE] I assume you’re talking here about the volume control panel on your PC. Not to belabor the obvious, but there’s probably also a volume knob on one of your speakers.