Recommended Tools
Loudness Leveler
Maintain -23 LUFS with steady real-time target tracking.
Loudness Compressor
Shape dynamics toward -23 LUFS with built-in True Peak control.
Loudness Limiter
Drive audio to -23 LUFS while respecting -1 dBTP.
Dynamics Optimizer
Analyze offline for precise -23 LUFS delivery.
Loudness Meter
Verify -23 LUFS and -1 dBTP targets.
About this Target
EBU R 128 recommends average programme loudness of -23 LUFS and the use of Loudness Range and Maximum True Peak descriptors.
EBU R 128 version 5.0 recommends an average programme loudness of -23 LUFS. The normal tolerance is +/-0.5 LU, while +/-1.0 LU is permitted for live programmes where the normal tolerance is not practical. EBU production guidance recommends a -1 dBTP ceiling for generic linear audio and commonly -2 dBTP before data-reduction codecs. Broadcaster and distribution specifications can impose different delivery limits.
Guide: Loudness Leveler
The APU Loudness Leveler is a strong fit when you want to hold a program close to the EBU R128, Broadcast target continuously rather than force it there with conventional compression or hard limiting.
Instead of mapping one loudness range onto another, the Leveler follows a target zone in real time and applies correction only when the program drifts away from where you want it.
Load the Broadcast - EBU R 128 Programme preset from the Purpose category.
From there, adjust Target Tolerance to control how tightly the audio is held around -23 LUFS. Present tends to work well for general-purpose material, while Deep is useful when you want the correction to follow the larger contour of the audio instead of every phrase-level change.
The built-in Tail Guard mode helps prevent the leveler from amplifying breaths and other relatively quiet moments at the end of phrases, which can lead to a more natural sound. When Tail Guard is enabled, the leveler holds gain correction during these moments, allowing them to sit more naturally in the mix.
The built-in limiter then handles final peak containment at -1 dBTP, which makes the Leveler especially useful for podcasts, dialog-heavy material, streams, and other sources that benefit from steady loudness tracking instead of obvious peak chopping.
Once the other settings are finalized, enable Compensation Learn and play the complete program from start to finish. Turn Learn off when playback finishes to lock the final correction. Run Learn again after any further processing changes.
Guide: Loudness Compressor
The APU Loudness Compressor is a complete loudness solution that combines dynamic range control with a built-in True Peak limiter.
This allows you to achieve the EBU R128, Broadcast target by increasing density and "glue" rather than just chopping off peaks.
Workflow:
1. Load the Broadcast - EBU R 128 Programme preset from the Purpose category.
2. To have the compression range follow your material, use Source Range Learn while playing the complete program.
3. Make any remaining compression and target-range adjustments. Hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) while dragging the middle of the target range to expand or contract it around the center.
4. Once the rest of the setup is finalized, enable Compensation Learn in the Limiter tab and play the complete program from start to finish. Turn Learn off when playback finishes to lock the final pre-limiter gain correction.
Guide: Loudness Limiter
For direct loudness and peak containment, the APU Loudness Limiter can be used as a standalone maximizing solution.
It simultaneously targets the EBU R128, Broadcast LUFS loudness and True Peak references.
Load the Broadcast - EBU R 128 Programme Ceiling preset from the Purpose category. It configures the loudness and True Peak ceilings for this target.
Soften up the limiter some more by switching to Short term loudness mode for a slower, more musical response. Short term is based on
a 3 second average and is less sensitive to transient spikes, making it ideal for transparent music mastering.
Once the other settings are finalized, enable Compensation Learn and play the complete program from start to finish. Turn Learn off when playback finishes to lock the final correction. Run Learn again after any further processing changes.
Guide: Dynamics Optimizer
If you prefer an automated, offline approach, the APU Dynamics Optimizer analyzes your entire audio
file and applies optimal normalization and limiting to meet the EBU R128, Broadcast target in one pass.
Because it can see the entire file before processing, the Optimizer can calculate the gain adjustments needed while preserving the dynamics of the original material.
Load the Broadcast - EBU R 128 Programme preset from the Purpose category, open the complete file, then analyze and optimize it. Review the result, then measure the exported file before delivery.
Metering for EBU R128, Broadcast
Reset at programme start and measure the complete programme with EBU Mode Integrated loudness. Monitor Loudness Range and Maximum True Peak as separate descriptors, and apply the destination broadcaster's own tolerance, codec-headroom, metadata, and file-delivery requirements.
Load the QC - EBU R 128 Broadcast preset from the Purpose category. It configures the target range, True Peak threshold, Short-term history, and Integrated output for this reference.
Short-term loudness is useful for seeing how individual sections move, while Integrated loudness shows where the complete program finishes.
The APU Loudness Meter provides real-time feedback on your audio's loudness levels, allowing you to make informed adjustments
during the mastering process.
The statistics panel gives quick access to Integrated LUFS, LRA, and other useful measurements.
