Online Audio Normalizer — LUFS Targets for Streaming & Broadcast

Normalise any audio file to the correct loudness target for its destination — −14 LUFS for Spotify and Apple Music, −16 LUFS for YouTube and SoundCloud, −23 LUFS for broadcast (EBU R128) or peak normalisation to 0 dBFS. Furthermore, the analysis panel shows input peak, input RMS, gain applied and output peak — giving full transparency on exactly what the tool did. Download as lossless WAV.

How to use the Online Audio Normalizer

Normalisation targets by platform

Every major audio platform applies loudness normalisation to submitted content. Furthermore, understanding the target for each platform helps you prepare audio that sounds as intended.

How audio normalisation works

Normalisation multiplies every sample by a constant gain factor to bring the level to a target. Furthermore, for peak normalisation, the gain is the reciprocal of the current peak level. For loudness normalisation, the gain is calculated from the difference between the current RMS level and the target LUFS.

Worked example: normalising a podcast to −16 LUFS for YouTube

A podcaster records an episode that measures −22 dBFS RMS at the current level. Normalising to −16 LUFS for YouTube:

What is audio normalisation?

Audio normalisation adjusts the overall volume level of a recording to a target value. Furthermore, it ensures that audio is neither too quiet (listener has to turn up) nor too loud (listener is startled or forced to turn down). Normalisation is one of the final steps in professional audio mastering before distribution.

Two types of normalisation exist. Furthermore, peak normalisation raises the level so the loudest single sample reaches a target (typically 0 dBFS or −1 dBFS). Loudness normalisation (LUFS-based) raises or lowers the level so the perceived loudness over the entire file matches a target. Moreover, LUFS-based normalisation is the modern standard because it reflects how humans perceive loudness — which correlates better with average energy than with peak values.

What is LUFS?

LUFS stands for Loudness Units relative to Full Scale. Furthermore, it is a perceptually weighted loudness measurement specified in the ITU-R BS.1770 international standard. LUFS accounts for the frequency sensitivity of human hearing — bass-heavy content can sound louder than high-frequency content at the same peak level. Moreover, streaming platforms use LUFS targets to ensure consistent perceived volume across all tracks in their catalogues.

Why normalisation matters for distribution

Streaming platforms normalise all uploaded audio to their target level automatically. Furthermore, if your track is louder than the target, the platform turns it down — but this normalisation also reveals any clipping or distortion baked into the over-loud master. If your track is quieter than the target, the platform turns it up — which is fine but means the original mastering was unnecessarily conservative. Moreover, submitting audio at the correct target level means it arrives at the platform as intended.

Podcast hosts vary in their loudness targets. Furthermore, Apple Podcasts recommends −16 LUFS. Many other platforms normalise to −14 LUFS. Inconsistent loudness across episodes annoys listeners — an episode that forces them to adjust their volume disrupts the listening experience. Moreover, normalising all episodes to a consistent target before upload creates a professional, uniform experience across the back catalogue.

Broadcast loudness standards

Broadcast television and radio use strict LUFS standards to protect listener hearing and ensure consistent cross-channel experience. Furthermore, the European Broadcasting Union standard EBU R128 mandates −23 LUFS integrated loudness for broadcast content. The US equivalent ATSC A/85 specifies −24 LUFS. Moreover, content creators submitting audio for broadcast placement must meet these targets or risk rejection from post-production facilities.

Frequently asked questions

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