Izotope insight dbspl
Metering tools such as Insight 2 & Tonal Balance Control can equip us with a better picture of the overall sound of our masters (frequency response, tonal balance, stereo imaging, loudness, etc.) Although metering is absolutely crucial, it can only be effective insofar as we allow our ears to make accurate, informed decisions through an optimal listening environment. This also ensures that the loudness we’re aiming for in mastering translates effectively into the marketplace and to the listeners’ ears. We rely on the accuracy of our listening environment and metering tools for us to make conscious, effective mastering decisions that best serve the music. Understanding Loudness in Audio Masteringįactors that directly influence loudness in mastering Monitoring & meteringĪccurate monitoring and metering are fundamental to mastering. Let’s go explore several factors that can directly affect loudness at the mastering stage. It opens a lot more doors for the mastering engineer to employ creative strategies for making impactful, loud-sounding records that go beyond simply pushing the limiter. Ultimately, loudness, as we seek to assess it, is not a concept that exists purely in a vacuum as a simple numerical value.Įspecially in mastering, understanding loudness in this context of human perception can be powerful. It occurs in our heads based on the perception of how music hits us. When we think of loud sounds, we often associate them with high sound pressure levels, such as an aircraft taking off roughly measures 110 dB SPL, for example.īut in reality, loudness in music has more to do with how sound is received by our ears and brain. Loudness is a concept that’s often misconstrued as a purely numerical value. Tips and best practices for louder, great-sounding masters In this article, written by iZotope contributor and mastering engineer Jett Galindo with iZotope’s Director of Education Jonathan Wyner, as they share their insights into every facet of loudness in mastering and we will be linking to other mastering related articles that will enable you to explore every topic we cover in greater detail.įactors that directly influence loudness in mastering But the good news is, you can constantly achieve optimal loudness through a healthy combination of critical listening, practice, and an understanding of the key factors that directly influence loudness in mastering.
The simple answer is that there is no ONE recipe for making all masters loud, it really depends on the music. There is an age-old question that has dominated every mastering discussion through the decades…Īlthough at one level, it’s a deceptively simple concept, it can be as complex as music itself.