Loudness adjustment

Loudness normalization is performed in this dialog. In this process, the object level is adjusted so that its loudness corresponds to a loudness standard.

For more information on loudness standards (e.g. EBU R128), refer to Loudnessmeter.

The loudness calculation is based on the values defined in the program settings under Effects > Loudness. You can reach the settings via the button Settings.

Settings

Loudness standard: Select here the standard between EBU R128 or ITU-R BS.1770/1771 in its current version. By selecting user you can set your own measurement parameters and your own overload threshold (Maximum True Peak Level).

Here you can also set the Target value in LUFS for the program loudness and specify the tolerance range. These values are used in the Loudness Adjustment dialog and in the Loudness meter.

You have the following Save options:

  • Write loudness values when saving to files (BWF - EBU Tech 3285v2): The loudness values are written to the BWF chunk.

  • Create XML protocols and save parallel to file: With this option XML files are created during exporting, bouncing, batch processing or calculating loudness values. You can name these XML files like audio files, e.g."file.wav.xml" or "file.mp3.xml".These files contain separate data for stereo and Surround streams.

    The loudness values for Max Momentary and Max Short-Term progressions can be saved as XML files with the additional option Save Momentary and Short-Term Progression.

  • Display Calculated Values in Open Loudness Meter

  • Don't calculate loudness data after recording.

  • Loudness normalization for export to database

  • Display loudness values in level analysis.

Dynamic Limiting (Loudness Range Normalization)

Dynamic limiting is a part of the dialog for loudness normalization and enables the limiting of object dynamics in order to even out loudness variation within the audio material.

Activating the check box Limit dynamics turns the algorithm on.

Set the Maximum value for the dynamic range. The target value for the loudness range depends on the listening environment. For example, a loudness range of approximately 6 LU is good for a car whereas a setting of more than 20 LU can be used for a movie theater.

You can choose between two procedures:

  • Loudness Range Dynamics: This setting calculates an automation curve that dampens loud material and boosts quiet material. The automation points can also be adjusted manually. The „Loudness Range Dynamics“ plug-in is inserted into the Object Editor and can be used to control the loudness range (LRA).

    Loudness Range Dynamics in the Object Editor

  • Leveler (Advanced Dynamics): The "Advanced Dynamics" plug-in is inserted into the Object Editor. Here the dynamics are automatically set to achieve the target loudness range.

If the option Matching the loudness target level by the using dynamic limiter instead of the object volume is active, the adjustment of the loudness range to the target value is performed by the leveler or the loudness range dynamics. In this case the object volume is not changed.

Action when clipping occurs

When the clipping threshold for the maximum peak level (Maximum True Peak Level) is exceeded, you have the following the options:

  • Show warning
  • Decrease level
  • Activate sMax11 (Master)

Short Program: The term "short programs" is used in broadcasting to describe short pieces such as trailers or commercials.

  • Maximum duration of a short program: Here you can select or enter the length of time for the short program. You can also shut the maximum duration off (0.0 Off).
  • Threshold Max. Momentary (Mmax): Maximum value for the momentary loudness of the short program. If this value is exceeded, the loudness normalization will compensate by decreasing the loudness of the piece.
  • Threshold Max. Short-term (Smax): Maximum value for the Short-term loudness of the short program. If this value is exceeded, the loudness normalization will compensate by decreasing the loudness of the piece.
  • Apply to normal programs: This option applies the Mmax and Smax settings globally and not just for short programs.

Uniform normalization of selected objects: This option corrects all selected objects using the same value. This retains the level ratio between the objects. Note that the loudest object co-determines the value for all others. This could cause the loudness of the other objects to be below the target value for the program loudness.

Effect calculation

  • Off: Only the audio material of the object is used for loudness analysis.

  • Objects only: This means that the object effects only are taken into account during the calculation of the loudness value.

  • Including master: Object, track and master effects are included in the loudness calculation.