Definition
LUFS (also written LKFS) was standardized in ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R128 to fix a problem older peak measurements couldn't: two clips with identical peaks can sound very different in loudness. LUFS uses K-weighting to approximate how the ear responds and measures loudness over time. It is measured over windows — momentary (~400ms), short-term (~3s), and integrated (the whole program, the number platforms use). Because streaming platforms apply loudness normalization, mastering artificially loud no longer wins — it just gets turned back down to the target, so the goal is the right loudness (near the platform target) with true peak controlled at -1 dBTP, not maximum loudness. This ended the 'loudness war' for streaming.
How Loopdesk Uses This
Loopdesk handles the full loudness chain automatically — leveling dialogue, ducking music under speech, and normalizing the final mix to a platform-appropriate LUFS target on export. Because it already knows when each person is speaking from the transcript and speaker detection, ducking and dialogue leveling are accurate, and you direct it in plain English.
Consistent, platform-ready audio automatically
Loopdesk levels dialogue, ducks music under speech, and normalizes loudness per platform — no meter required.
Try LoopdeskFrequently Asked Questions
What LUFS should I use for YouTube?
YouTube normalizes to around -14 LUFS integrated, so master near -14 LUFS with true peaks at -1 dBTP. Master much louder and it gets turned down; much quieter and it may stay quiet.
Why does my audio get quieter after uploading?
Loudness normalization: the platform measures your integrated LUFS and lowers it to hit its target. If you mastered louder than the target, it gets turned down. Mastering near the target avoids the surprise.
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Related Terms
Silence Removal
Automatically detecting and removing silent pauses, dead air, and awkward gaps from video and audio recordings.
Export Presets
Pre-configured export settings optimized for specific platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) including resolution, aspect ratio, bitrate, and format.
Auto-Generated Captions (Auto Subtitles)
AI-powered speech-to-text technology that automatically generates synchronized captions and subtitles for video content.
Post-Production
The entire phase of video production that occurs after recording, including editing, color grading, sound design, captioning, visual effects, and final delivery.