Creative audio tools

In my previous blog post about LUFS, we delved into some details of the LUFS algorithm. One of the key elements of the algorithm is the calculation of the sum of all amplitudes within the audio waveform. For the purpose of this discussion, we'll refer to this sum as the energy of the waveform.

When measuring LUFS, we typically focus on a continuous stream of measurements. This approach allows us to observe the loudness fluctuations over time, providing insights into the audio's dynamic range.

When working with audio, there often arises a fundamental need for an objective way to measure loudness. Historically, RMS (Root Mean Square) has served this role, providing a good first-order approximation. This style of measurement quickly became ubiquitous across audio tools of all sorts. Even though it has limitations, which we'll get into, it is a whole lot better than nothing.

Technology has advanced over time and more accurate forms of measurement have become feasible. One of the leading algorithms for this purpose today is LUFS. Its use is becoming increasingly common, especially given its adoption by many popular streaming platforms.