Audio normalization

Audio normalization is the application of a constant amount of gain to an audio recording to bring the amplitude to a target level (the norm). Because the same amount of gain is applied across the entire recording, the signal-to-noise ratio and relative dynamics are unchanged. Normalization is one of the functions commonly provided by a digital audio workstation and is used in broadcast and streaming media delivery.

Two principal types of audio normalization exist. Peak normalization adjusts the recording based on the highest signal level present in the recording. Loudness normalization adjusts the recording based on perceived loudness.

Normalization differs from dynamic range compression, which applies varying levels of gain over a recording to fit the level within a minimum and maximum range. Normalization adjusts the gain by a constant value across the entire recording.

Peak normalization

One type of normalization is peak normalization, wherein the gain is changed to bring the highest PCM sample value or analog signal peak to a given level – usually 0 dBFS, the loudest level allowed in a digital system.[1]

Since it searches only for the highest level, peak normalization alone does not account for the apparent loudness of the content. As such, peak normalization is generally used to change the volume in such a way to ensure optimal use of available dynamic range during the mastering stage of a digital recording. When combined with compression/limiting, however, peak normalization becomes a feature that can provide a loudness advantage over non–peak-normalized material. This feature of digital recording systems, compression and limiting followed by peak normalization, enables contemporary trends in program loudness.[2][3]

Loudness normalization

Another type of normalization is based on a measure of loudness, wherein the gain is changed to bring the average loudness to a target level. This average may be approximate, such as a simple measurement of average power (e.g. RMS), or more accurate, such as a measure that addresses human perception e.g. that defined by EBU R128 and offered by ReplayGain, Sound Check and GoldWave.

For example, YouTube's preferred loudness level is −14 LUFS, so if an audio program is analyzed to be −10 LUFS, YouTube will lower the loudness by 4 dB to bring it to the preferred level.

Loudness normalization combats varying loudness when listening to multiple songs in a sequence. Before loudness normalization, one song in a playlist might be quieter than the rest, so the listener would have to turn a volume knob up to adjust the playback volume.[4]

Depending on the dynamic range of the content and the target level, loudness normalization can result in peaks that exceed the recording medium's limits, causing clipping. Software offering loudness normalization typically provides the option of dynamic range compression to prevent clipping when this happens. In this situation, signal-to-noise ratio and relative dynamics are altered.

Loudness standards

Standardised normalized loudness levels vary by territory and application.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Des (20 April 2008). "10 Myths About Normalization". Hometracked. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  2. ^ Shelvock, Matt (2012). Audio Mastering as Musical Practice. London: University of Western Ontario: EDT. p. 26.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  3. ^ Katz, Bob (2007). Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science. Focal Press. pp. 168. ISBN 978-0-240-80837-6.
  4. ^ "What are the "loudness wars" and loudness normalization?". Hybrid Studios. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d Tépper, Allan (23 March 2018). "How many LUFS for ideal audio loudness? Why can't we be friends?". Pro Video Coalition. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  6. ^ BeatsToRapOn (17 July 2025). "The Ultimate Guide to LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)". BeatsToRapOn Blog | Hip-Hop, Rap & AI Music Tools. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  7. ^ "Formatting Audio Files for Broadcast". PRX – Help Desk. PRX. Retrieved 21 March 2022. Loudness at -24 LUFS, ± 2 LU (recommended)
  8. ^ Recommendation ASWG-R001: Average Loudness and Peak Levels of Audio Content on Sony Computer Entertainment Platforms (PDF), August 2013, retrieved 8 July 2026
  9. ^ "How should I format my audio files for Publish?". PRX – Help Desk. PRX. Retrieved 21 March 2022. Set your loudness between -16db LUFS and -19db LUFS. There is no set industry standard, [...]
  10. ^ Recommendation ASWG-R001: Average Loudness and Peak Levels of Audio Content on Sony Computer Entertainment Platforms (PDF), August 2013, retrieved 8 July 2026

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