LUFS, or loudness units relative to full scale, is a measure of the perceived loudness of an audio signal, as perceived by the human ear. It is commonly used in audio mastering, to ensure that a track has consistent loudness and dynamics, and that it will sound good on a wide range of playback systems.
The (recommended) loudness levels for streaming platforms can vary depending on the platform and the type of content. Here are some examples of LUFS levels for different streaming platforms, as recommended by the platforms themselves:
- Spotify: The loudness levels for music on Spotify are typically around -14 LUFS, while the loudness levels for podcasts are typically around -16 LUFS.
- Apple Music: The loudness levels for music on Apple Music are typically around -16 LUFS, while the loudness levels for podcasts are typically around -18 LUFS.
- YouTube: The loudness levels for videos on YouTube are typically around -14 LUFS.
- Pandora: The loudness levels for music on Pandora are typically around -14 LUFS.
LUFS is based on a psychoacoustic model of loudness perception, which takes into account the way that the human ear perceives loudness at different frequencies and levels. This model is used to calculate the loudness of an audio signal in LUFS, based on its spectrum and dynamics.
One of the key advantages of using LUFS in audio mastering is that it allows you to measure and control the loudness of a track in a way that is consistent and predictable. Unlike peak or RMS level meters, which only measure the peak or average level of a signal, LUFS takes into account the full range of frequencies and dynamics in the signal, and provides a more accurate representation of its loudness.
When mastering a track, you can use LUFS to ensure that the track has a consistent loudness throughout, and that it doesn’t have any sudden loudness changes or peaks that might cause distortion or clipping on playback. You can also use LUFS to compare the loudness of different tracks, and ensure that they are at a similar level, so that they will sound good when played together.
LUFS is typically measured using a loudness meter, which can be integrated into a DAW or other audio software. The loudness meter displays the loudness of the signal in LUFS, and allows you to adjust the levels and dynamics of the signal to achieve the desired loudness.
In addition to measuring the loudness of a signal, LUFS can also be used to normalize the loudness of a track. This means that you can set the loudness of a track to a specific level in LUFS, and then adjust the levels and dynamics of the signal to match that level. This can be useful when mastering a track, as it allows you to ensure that the track has a consistent loudness, without sacrificing its dynamic range or character.
Overall, LUFS is a powerful tool in audio mastering, and it can help you create tracks that have consistent loudness and dynamics, and that will sound good on a wide range of playback systems. By using LUFS, you can ensure that your tracks have the right balance of loudness, clarity, and impact, and that they will stand out in the crowded world of music.
The loudness levels for different platforms can vary, depending on the platform, the type of content, and other factors. Here are some examples of LUFS levels for different platforms:
- Television: The loudness levels for television can vary depending on the country, the network, and the type of content. In the United States, for example, the loudness levels for commercials are typically around -24 LUFS, while the loudness levels for programs are typically around -31 LUFS.
- Radio: The loudness levels for radio can also vary depending on the country, the station, and the type of content. In the United States, the loudness levels for radio commercials are typically around -20 LUFS, while the loudness levels for radio programs are typically around -23 LUFS.
- Streaming: The loudness levels for streaming platforms can vary depending on the platform and the type of content. On platforms like Spotify, the loudness levels for music are typically around -14 LUFS, while the loudness levels for podcasts are typically around -16 LUFS.
- Film and video: The loudness levels for film and video can vary depending on the type of content and the intended playback environment. In general, the loudness levels for film and video are typically around -23 LUFS.
These are just some examples of loudness levels for different platforms, and they may not be applicable to all situations. It is important to consult the relevant guidelines and standards for each platform, to ensure that your content meets the appropriate loudness levels.
