The waveform is a reflection of the peaks contained therein. If the volume is so low that all you see in the waveform are tiny ripples if anything, then you may want to normalize as a first step and/or use one of the many FX audio filters, like EQ. So I would think what you really want to do is correct the cause of the absent peaks, not fiddle with the scale. Doing so should automatically build the peaks.

On your left hand side of the track header there is a little button for mazimizing the track height. Doing that will expose the waveform of even the smelly ones.
Tor

Thanks for the responses. TorS, I see that button. Even before that, however, is there any way to see the dB scale at all, like you see in Sound Forge? I'm guessing that the answer is no, since I don't see it in on-line help, but I'm hoping yes. BillyBoy, normalization is one of the last things I do because it takes away the headroom for me to work on the sound. Also, seeing the dB scale just makes some audio tasks easier.

hit the normalize switch, edit, uncheck the switch... It doesn't actually do anything but raise the peaks until you render.

You can "see" the dB scale by bringing up the track compressor, one of the default FX filters. It will show a status bar in real time updating the dB values as your source plays.

Again, your problem is the low volume... why you don't see siginficant peaks. Fixing this, will resolve the low peak problem. As others already suggested, either zoom in on the audio track or increase the track height. You saying basically 'you don't want to' is rather silly, bordering on I got a question, but don't like the answer.

Speaking personally, I'd like an option for the waveform in an audio block to not be scaled down by the blocks audio leve. FYI its not scaled in Media Composer or CoolEdit Pro.

SHIFT up/down arrow will grow or shrink your waveform w/o having to norimalize or change track height.

HTH

I..

Great Clapton! Now, as a matter of interest: Is there anyway one could have found that out without having you IMC or someone like you post it to the forum?
Tor

Help file - Keyboard Shortcuts - Magnification View section.

That's reassuring. Thank you.
Tor