The practice of increasing the loudness of a track has been around for decades, with jukeboxes in noisy bars and clubs featuring vinyl records. In today’s music industry, where songs are often consumed in noisy environments, a mixdown that doesn’t stand out in terms of loudness may not receive as much attention. As a result, many artists and producers now opt for two masters: a streaming master that prioritizes dynamics, and a downloadable/CD master that is maximized for loudness. This article explores the ongoing loudness debate and discusses whether there will ever be a resolution.
- The loudness war has been a topic of concern for many years. It involves the use of techniques like compression and limiting to make recordings sound louder.
- The practice of focusing on loudness in audio mastering can be traced back to the introduction of the compact disc (CD) era.
- Extreme loudness levels in music recordings have been criticized for negatively impacting audio quality and listener experience.
- There have been efforts to raise awareness about the potential harm caused by excessive loudness, including research linking it to hearing loss.
- Some mastering engineers and industry professionals have advocated for a more balanced approach to loudness, prioritizing dynamic range and audio fidelity.
The Demands for Louder Mixes
In recent experiences, the majority of clients have requested significantly louder mixes. To achieve this, engineers have started utilizing tools like clipping plugins to push the loudness boundaries. However, it is important to strike a balance between loudness and maintaining the integrity of the mix. While some genres benefit from a squashed sound, it becomes problematic when applied to classical and jazz records.
Serving the Client’s Needs
As an engineer, it is essential to remember that you are a creative problem solver serving the client’s vision. If the goal is to create a loud record, it is your responsibility to find creative, musical solutions. If the source material lacks strength, communicate with the producer to provide stronger sounds or consider supplementing the mix with additional samples. However, if the client insists on heavy compression and limiting, and it goes against your artistic integrity, it’s best to communicate your concerns and recommend finding another engineer who aligns with their vision.
The Loudness War and Streaming Services
Although the loudness war persists, it is important to acknowledge that music is now primarily consumed through loudness-normalized streaming services. This shift in consumption habits calls for a reevaluation of the loudness standards in mastering. An album that may sound quieter than top 40 songs on traditional platforms can sound more full and dynamic on streaming platforms. This highlights the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of music consumption.
The Impact of Dynamic Range
Recent observations reveal that older songs from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s often have more impact than modern songs, especially in live settings. This suggests that the wider dynamic range of older recordings resonates with audiences. Furthermore, the emergence of Atmos mixing brings hope for a future where wider dynamic ranges are embraced. However, Atmos mixes must adhere to specific loudness standards to ensure compatibility and consistency across platforms.
The Role of Quality and Perception
Ultimately, the general public, the majority of music listeners, do not prioritize quality unless it is exceptionally poor. As an engineer, it is crucial to strike a balance between meeting the client’s demands for loudness and preserving the integrity of the music. It is essential to keep in mind that personal preferences may not align with the tastes and expectations of the target audience.
Conclusion
The loudness debate will likely continue in the future as music consumption habits and technology evolve. Engineers must adapt to the demands of the industry while maintaining their artistic integrity. Striking a balance between loudness and dynamics, and considering the perception of the target audience, will be key to achieving loudness peace in the future.