What is Audio average volume / Audio Loudness?
The Audio average volume, also called Audio Loudness, is the overall level of the audio track. It is measured in LKFS or LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale). Our QA process checks the LKFS/LUFS value of the audio track against a pre-determined reference level while allowing for a set deviation.
Unlike Peak measurement, the audio level is calculated over the duration of the ad. For example, the audio can begin loudly and end quietly (or visa versa), as long as the average level is within an accepted range over the length of the ad.
It's important to have a strictly defined overall loudness level to ensure good-sounding audio and to avoid annoying dynamic bumps between commercials and programme audio.
Reference level
In Advalidation you can select from 3 standard reference levels which are used throughout the world of media (TV, Digital, Radio, etc...):
- -24 LKFS (US ATSC/85, Japan TR-B32) - Most NSTC Countries, as well as Italy, Australia & New Zealand adhere to -24LKFS.
- -23 LUFS (EU EBU R128, Australia OP-59) - Most PAL countries adhere to -23LUFS (+/- 0.5 LU). Please refer to the EBU R128 documentation for full technical details.
- -16 LUFS (Radio/podcast)
Allowed deviation from reference: ± (LU)
It is possible to deviate from these above Reference Levels. You may chose to do so be because your target level is not part of the Reference Level list, or simply to factor in a margin of error.
For example, you can choose -23 LUFS, and allow for 1 LU of deviation which will allow files with audio average volumes from -24 LUFS to 22 LUFS.
Advalidation's recommendation
Enabling this setting ensures a uniform and confortable listening experience for users.
This setting should be used in conjunction with Audio true peak volume to ensure no advert you are running will exceed a certain limit which can be an annoyance for viewers.
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