There is more to streaming readiness than hitting a specific LUFS number.
A good pre-release check should examine several characteristics of the finished master.
1. Check integrated loudness
Measure the overall loudness of the complete track using LUFS.
This gives you useful information about how the recording compares with typical programme loudness levels.
2. Check True Peak
True Peak measurement helps identify potential inter-sample peak problems that ordinary sample peak meters may not reveal.
3. Check dynamics
Look at Loudness Range and Peak-to-Loudness Ratio to understand whether the master has retained an appropriate amount of dynamic contrast.
4. Check for clipping
Digital clipping can introduce unwanted distortion. Make sure clipping is intentional rather than the result of excessive gain.
5. Check frequency balance
A master can measure correctly for loudness and still sound unbalanced. Look at the distribution of low, mid and high-frequency energy and, more importantly, listen carefully.
6. Check stereo balance
Large left-right differences can create problems on some playback systems and may become more noticeable when played back in mono.
7. Listen at matched levels
Measurements are useful, but your ears remain essential. Compare your master with suitable reference tracks at matched playback levels.
Use measurements to make decisions
A streaming-ready master is not defined by one magic number.
The goal is predictable translation, controlled peaks, appropriate dynamics and a master that still sounds the way you intended.
LoudCheck combines loudness, True Peak, dynamics, clipping, frequency and stereo analysis to provide a pre-release audio assessment.