LUFS, -1dB TP cosa?!? Il loudness spiegato semplicemente - TUTORIAL

Summary

The transcript discusses the concept of Loudness Unit (LUFS) and its importance in audio production and broadcasting. It explains the difference between Real-time Measurement (RMS) and LUFS, emphasizing that LUFS is a more accurate measure of perceived volume over the entire track, accounting for silent parts. The speaker also touches on the issue of dynamic range compression and its impact on audio quality, as well as the use of Orbán Loudness Meter for measuring LUFS. The conversation highlights the need for proper loudness standards to ensure consistent volume levels across different media platforms.

Takeaways

• 📊 The acronym LUX stands for Loudness Unit in Reference Scale, which is a measure of perceived audio volume.
• 🔊 Loudness (Loudness Unit) is subjective and represents the perceived volume of audio, while Peak Level is the maximum point reached by the audio signal.
• 📉 The RMS (Root Mean Square) value defines the average level between the maximum and minimum values, effectively representing the perceived volume.
• 📈 The Dynamic Range, also known as the Loudness Factor or Crest Factor, has been flattened in modern audio to trick the ear into perceiving a higher volume.
• 📌 The 'Loudness War' refers to the trend of reducing dynamic range to achieve a louder perceived volume, which can lead to audio quality degradation.
• 🚫 To control volume changes, especially in broadcasting, a new measurement unit called LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) has been introduced with a standard limit of -23 LUFS.
• 🔄 LUFS is different from RMS in that it is a real-time measurement, while LUFS is an average calculated over the entire piece of audio.
• 🔇 The Orbán Loudness Meter is a free tool that can measure the LUFS of an audio file, providing a more accurate representation of perceived volume.
• 🎚️ Equalization and other audio processing can significantly affect the LUFS measurement, not just the volume level.
• 📉 True Peak levels are important to consider when distributing music, as they can affect how audio is perceived on different platforms and can lead to volume reduction or compression.
• 🔍 Sample rate conversion and interpolation can introduce small errors in digital-to-analog conversion, which should be monitored to maintain audio quality.

Q & A

What does the acronym LUX stand for in the context of audio?

LUX stands for Loudness Unit in Reference to Full Scale. It is a measure of perceived audio volume.

What is the difference between Loudness and Peak level in audio?

Loudness is the subjective perception of volume, while the Peak level is the maximum point that the audio signal reaches. The RMS (Root Mean Square) value defines the average level between the maximum and minimum, which is essentially the perceived volume.

What is the Dynamic Range and its significance in audio?

Dynamic Range, also known as the crest factor, is the difference between the loudest and softest parts of an audio signal. It is significant because it affects the perceived quality and depth of the audio.

What is the Loudness War and how does it affect audio quality?

The Loudness War refers to the trend of increasing the average volume of audio recordings to make them stand out, which leads to a flattened dynamic range. This can result in audio that sounds overly compressed and lacking in dynamic contrast.

What is the purpose of the LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) measurement?

LUFS is a standardized unit of measurement for audio loudness, which helps to ensure consistent volume levels across different media, improving the listening experience and preventing volume surprises.

How does the Orbán Loudness Meter work?

The Orbán Loudness Meter is a tool that measures the integrated loudness (LUX) of an audio file. It calculates the average loudness over the entire piece, taking into account the settings that ignore very low levels in the calculation.

What is the relationship between LUFS and RMS measurements?

While LUFS and RMS are related, they are not the same. RMS is a real-time measurement of the current audio level, whereas LUFS is a calculated average over the entire audio piece, which can provide a more realistic representation of perceived volume.

How does equalization affect loudness measurements?

Equalization can significantly influence loudness measurements because it alters the balance of frequencies within the audio. This can affect how the overall loudness is perceived and measured.

What is the True Peak level and why is it important?

True Peak level refers to the highest point of the audio waveform, which can exceed the digital 0 dB level due to sample interpolation. It is important because exceeding true peak levels can cause distortion and is a factor in meeting the loudness standards for various platforms.

What is the purpose of the 'interpolation of samples' measurement in audio?

The 'interpolation of samples' measurement helps to identify any distortion that occurs during the conversion from digital to analog signals. It is crucial for maintaining audio quality and ensuring that the audio does not clip or distort during playback.

How can one ensure their audio meets the loudness standards for distribution?

To ensure audio meets loudness standards, one can use tools like the Orbán Loudness Meter or other LUFS meters to measure and adjust the audio levels accordingly. It's also important to be aware of the specific loudness requirements of the platforms where the audio will be distributed.