Integrated Loudness -19 LUFS
True Peak Max -1 dBTP

About this Target

A mono stream duplicated across two playback channels measures about 3 LU higher unless channel metadata or the player compensates for it.

The -19 LUFS mono convention aims to align a raw single-channel file with common -16 LUFS stereo playback. It is not a universal platform requirement. AES TD1008 documents the 3 LU change caused by duplicating mono into two channels and recommends correct channel-mode metadata or player compensation; actual behavior therefore depends on the distribution and playback chain.

Reference type: Playback-equivalent working convention

Guide: Loudness Leveler

Load the Narration - Podcast Episode (Mono) preset from the Purpose category. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn over the complete program to lock the final correction.

Adjust Target Tolerance for the amount of movement you want around -19 LUFS, then use the built-in limiter for the -1 dBTP ceiling.

APU Loudness Leveler showing Podcast (Mono) target at -19 LUFS
Fig 1. Real-time Podcast (Mono) target tracking using APU Loudness Leveler.

Guide: Loudness Compressor

Workflow:
1. Load the Narration - Podcast Episode (Mono) preset from the Purpose category.
2. To have the compression range follow your material, use Source Range Learn while playing the complete program.
3. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn in the Limiter tab over the complete program.

APU Loudness Compressor showing Podcast (Mono) target at -19 LUFS
Fig 2. Real-time Podcast (Mono) LUFS targeting using APU Loudness Compressor.
APU Loudness Compressor showing Podcast (Mono) target at -1 dBTP
Fig 3. Real-time Podcast (Mono) dBTP targeting using APU Loudness Compressor.

Guide: Loudness Limiter

Load the Narration - Podcast Episode (Mono) preset from the Purpose category. It configures both ceilings. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn over the complete program.

APU Loudness Limiter showing Podcast (Mono) target at -19 LUFS
Fig 4. Real-time Podcast (Mono) LUFS and dBTP targeting using APU Loudness Limiter.

Guide: Dynamics Optimizer

Load the Narration - Podcast Episode (Mono) preset from the Purpose category, open the complete file, then analyze and optimize it. Review the result, then measure the exported file before delivery.

APU Dynamics Optimizer showing Podcast (Mono) target at -19 LUFS
Fig 5. Offline Podcast (Mono) LUFS and dBTP targeting using APU Dynamics Optimizer.

Metering for Podcast (Mono)

Measure the complete mono file with Integrated LUFS and keep the channel format explicit. Use -19 LUFS only when the intended distribution path follows the mono playback-equivalent convention; otherwise follow the destination's published recommendation.

Load the QC - Podcast Episode (Mono) preset from the Purpose category. It configures the target range, True Peak threshold, Short-term history, and Integrated output for this reference.

APU Loudness Meter showing Podcast (Mono) target at -19 LUFS
Fig 6. Real-time metering of the Podcast (Mono) reference using APU Loudness Meter.

Sources

Platform behavior and delivery requirements can change. Check the linked source and the destination's current specification before final delivery.