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Streaming Normalization: What It Does To Your ‘Loud Master’

Streaming Normalization: What It Does To Your ‘Loud Master’

A loud master used to impress listeners. But now streaming services can, and do, turn tracks up or down for more consistent listening (normalization). A master can still be loud, but loudness alone does not guarantee that it will feel bigger once normalization is active. Spotify explains that loudness normalization is applied during playback, not by changing the submitted audio file. Its current normal setting adjusts tracks to -14 dB LUFS, while also giving true peak recommendations for reducing distortion during encoding. Apple’s Sound Check is another version of the same listener-facing idea: it adjusts loudness between songs so they... More.

About Dume41

Dume has been producing, recording, and mixing hip hop records since 1996, and mastering them since 2005. He is the founder of the record label Fresh Chopped Beats, where he has worked on music featuring artists such as Abstract Rude, Afu-Ra, Gabriel Teodros, Geologic/Prometheus Brown, Jeru The Damaja, Khingz, King Khazm, Macklemore, Percee P, Sean Price, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Sizzla, Specs Wizard, Vitamin D, and many, many others. His mastering chain is built around a high-end analog hardware setup designed to add depth, warmth, and polish while keeping the artist’s intent intact. To work with Dume on music contact him here.