Here's an easy operation I like to use on my own recordings in Audacity to even out the volume:
Select the whole track (ctrl-A), go to Effects->Compressor, and use the following settings:
- lower the Threshold sliding bar to -20 dB
- check the box "Compress based on peaks"
- uncheck the box "Make up for gain..."
- keep defaults for the other settings.
This eliminates large jumps in volume, yielding more even dynamics. Audacity will remember these compressor settings for future tracks. After that, with the entire track still selected, use the Amplify effect to bring the volume back down to about 89 dB (for me, this usually involves putting -4 in the Amplification box).
Hope this helps,
Michael
