Mixing & Mastering
Loudness normalisation automatically adjusts audio playback levels to a consistent perceived loudness, improving listener experience across streaming platforms.
Loudness normalisation refers to the process of setting consistent playback levels across multiple tracks or programmes based on perceived loudness rather than peak levels. Modern streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube use loudness standards (commonly LUFS-based) to prevent drastic level differences between songs.
By measuring and adjusting to a target loudness level (for example, -14 LUFS), loudness normalisation ensures that tracks are neither excessively quiet nor overly compressed. This practice has influenced modern mastering, leading engineers to focus on dynamic range preservation instead of maximising loudness.
