Intersample Peaks, Normalization, and Limiting …
When preparing to encode MP3 files we need to be aware of the possibility of Intersample Peaks (ISP) that may be introduced in the output, especially when targeting low bit rates. This results from the filtering present in lossy encoding. We alleviate this risk by leaving at least 1 dB of headroom b
Loudness Meters: Absolute/Relative Scales …
Professional audio Loudness Meters display Program (Integrated) Loudness using an Absolute scale measured in LUFS. For example the EBU R128 Program Loudness target is -23.0 LUFS (Loudness Units Relative to Full Scale). In 2006 when the ITU defined new audio loudness measurement guidelines, the gener
Podcast Loudness Processing Workflow …
Below is Elixir by Flux. This is an ITU-R BS.1770/EBU R128 compliant multichannel True Peak Limiter. It’s just one of the tools available that can be used in the workflow described below. In this post I also mention the ISL True Peak Limiter by Nugen Audio. If you have any questions about these to
Loudness Meter Descriptors …
In the recent article published on Current.org “Working Group Nears Standard for Audio Levels in PRSS Content”, the author states: “Working group members believe that one solution may lie in promoting the use of Loudness Meters, which offer more precision by measuring audio levels numerically.
Podcast Loudness: Mono vs. Stereo Perception …
Consider the following scenario: Two copies of an audio file. File 1 is Stereo, Loudness Normalized to -16.0 LUFS. File 2 is Mono, also Loudness Normalized to -16.0 LUFS. Passing both files through a Loudness Meter confirms equal numerical Program Loudness. However the numbers do not reflect an obvi
iZotope Ozone 6
iZotope has released a newly designed version of Ozone, their flagship Mastering processor. Notice I didn’t refer to Ozone [6] as a plugin? Well I’m happy to report that Ozone [6] is now capable to run independent of a DAW as a stand-alone desktop processor. Besides the stand-alone option and st
Intermediate File Format for New Media Producers: MP2
If you are in the audio production business or involved in some sort of collaborative Podcast effort, moving large lossless audio files to and from various locations can be challenging. Slow internet speeds, Hotel WiFi, and server bottlenecks have the potential to cripple efficient file management a
Asymmetric Waveforms: Should You Be Concerned?
In order to understand the attributes of asymmetric waveforms, it’s important to clarify the differences between DC Offset and Asymmetry … Waveform Basics A waveform consists of both a Positive and Negative side, separated by a center (X) axis or “Baseline.” This Baseline represents Zero (�