This fix does not work on 2.1.0.
I shall preface by saying I am no expert. I only found the solution today, after Wikipedia explained to me that the effect we desire is not called normalization, it is called dynamic range compression. While I understand that the original method posted in this thread was accomplishing it via normalization, it is true that the effect we desire is not the purpose of normalization. Not being an expert, I would rather refer you to wikipedia than give my amateur understanding of the difference.I hope others respond to this...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_normalization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression
The settings for DRC can be found in both (ctrl-p) tools/preferences/audio/filters or more accessibly (because you can make live adjustments) throught the (ctrl-e) tools/effects/audio tab/compressor tab. However, I needed more specific instructions before I could make it work:
A nice set of step by step instructions on how to adjust DRC settings in VLC can be found here: http://lifehacker.com/5920290/how-to-fi ... eally-loud
I am ecstatic that I now can hear the silence, without cringing from the loudness.
Best of luck.