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Mastering and Loudness Standards Flashcards

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  1. What is the target integrated loudness standard specified by the EBU R 128 specification for broadcast content?

    Answer: -23 LUFS

    EBU R 128 specifies a target integrated loudness of -23 LUFS (equivalent to -23 LKFS) for European broadcast delivery. This standardized loudness level prevents the 'loudness war' on broadcast by normalizing all content to a consistent perceived level.

  2. What does 'true peak' measurement differ from standard 'sample peak' measurement in digital mastering?

    Answer: True peak detects intersample peaks that occur during digital-to-analog conversion and can exceed 0 dBFS, while sample peak only measures the highest discrete sample value

    Intersample peaks occur when the waveform reconstructed during D/A conversion exceeds the original sample values between samples, potentially exceeding 0 dBFS and causing clipping in decoders. True peak metering detects these reconstructed peaks, allowing mastering engineers to apply appropriate limiting.

  3. What is 'dithering' and when should it be applied in mastering?

    Answer: The addition of a shaped low-level noise signal when reducing bit depth (e.g., 24-bit to 16-bit) to minimize quantization distortion artifacts

    Dithering adds a precisely shaped noise signal (noise shaping) before bit depth reduction to minimize audible quantization distortion. It should be applied only once at the final stage of bit depth reduction (e.g., when converting a 24-bit master to 16-bit for CD delivery). Double-dithering degrades audio quality.

  4. What is 'dynamic range' in the context of mastering and loudness?

    Answer: The difference between the quietest and loudest levels in a program, often expressed using PLR (Program Loudness Range) or DR rating

    Dynamic range in mastering refers to the variation in loudness within a program — the difference between the softest and loudest passages. It is quantified by PLR (Peak-to-Loudness Ratio = max true peak − integrated loudness) or the Crest Factor. The DR (Dynamic Range) database uses RMS-based measurements.

  5. What loudness target does Spotify use for its normalized playback level?

    Answer: -14 LUFS

    Spotify normalizes playback to approximately -14 LUFS integrated loudness. Masters significantly louder than -14 LUFS are turned down on Spotify; masters quieter than -14 LUFS are turned up. Mastering to -14 LUFS ensures no loudness penalty and preserves dynamic range.

  6. What is the primary function of a 'brickwall limiter' in mastering?

    Answer: To prevent any sample or true peak from exceeding a set ceiling (typically -0.1 to -1 dBTP) without allowing any overshoot

    A brickwall limiter applies infinite ratio gain reduction to ensure no output peak exceeds the set ceiling. In mastering it is used as the final safety net to prevent clipping during format conversion and streaming codec processing, typically set at -0.1 to -1 dBTP true peak.