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Normalize Audio Loudness Online — EBU R128 & Peak Normalisation

Automatically adjust audio loudness to a target level. Essential for podcasts, broadcasting, and streaming.

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Max file size: 60MB. Files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).
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What Is Audio Normalisation?

Audio normalisation is the process of automatically adjusting the volume of an audio file to a target loudness level. Unlike simply boosting or reducing volume by a fixed number of decibels, normalisation analyses the audio first and then calculates the exact gain required to hit the target. This ensures consistent loudness without the guesswork.

Types of Normalisation

There are two main types of audio normalisation:

  • Peak Normalisation — Finds the loudest single sample (peak) in the file and adjusts the overall gain so that peak reaches a target level, typically -0.1 dBFS (just below the maximum digital level). This prevents clipping. The most common basic normalisation method.
  • Loudness Normalisation (EBU R128 / LUFS) — Analyses the entire file and adjusts the gain to reach a target integrated loudness measured in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale). This is the professional broadcast standard used by Spotify (-14 LUFS), YouTube (-14 LUFS), Apple Podcasts (-16 LUFS), and broadcast television (-23 LUFS EBU R128).

Why Loudness Normalisation Matters

When your listeners switch between different podcasts, songs, or videos, inconsistent loudness is jarring. Streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube normalise all content to a target loudness before playback. If your audio is too quiet, the platform boosts it (potentially adding noise). If it is too loud, it is turned down. By normalising your audio to the platform target before upload, you ensure it plays at its intended quality without platform-side processing.

Recommended LUFS Targets by Platform

  • Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music — -14 LUFS integrated
  • Apple Podcasts — -16 LUFS integrated
  • Broadcast TV (Europe) — -23 LUFS EBU R128
  • Broadcast TV (USA) — -24 LUFS ATSC A/85
  • Podcast general standard — -16 to -18 LUFS integrated

After Normalisation

After normalising, always listen through the file to check for any clipping or artefacts. Loudness normalisation can sometimes introduce inter-sample peaks (peaks between samples that exceed 0 dBFS when converted to analogue). Use a true peak limiter at -1 dBTP if you are delivering to broadcast.

How it works

  1. Upload your audio file (MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AAC, or M4A).
  2. Choose normalisation type: Peak (-0.1 dBFS) or Loudness (LUFS target).
  3. If using loudness normalisation, enter the target LUFS value (e.g. -14 for Spotify/YouTube).
  4. Click Normalize to process the file.
  5. Download your normalised audio file.

FAQ

What is the difference between peak and loudness normalisation?
Peak normalisation sets the loudest single sample to a target dBFS level. Loudness normalisation adjusts the average perceived loudness (LUFS), which is more accurate for human hearing.
What LUFS should I target for Spotify?
Spotify normalises to -14 LUFS. Target -14 LUFS for optimal playback without platform-side adjustment.
What LUFS should I target for podcasts?
The podcast industry standard is -16 LUFS integrated. Apple Podcasts specifies -16 LUFS.
What is EBU R128?
EBU R128 is the European broadcast loudness standard. It specifies a target integrated loudness of -23 LUFS with a true peak limit of -1 dBTP.
Will normalisation affect quality?
For WAV and FLAC, normalisation is applied losslessly. For MP3, a re-encode at the original bitrate is needed with negligible quality impact.
What if my audio is already normalised?
If the audio is already at the target level, minimal or no gain change is applied. The file is returned unchanged or with very minor adjustment.
Is the tool free?
Yes, completely free with no registration required.
Can normalisation cause clipping?
Loudness normalisation can cause inter-sample peaks. For broadcast use, apply a -1 dBTP true peak limiter after normalisation.
How does this differ from the Volume Booster?
Volume Booster applies a fixed dB gain you specify. Normalisation automatically calculates the correct gain to reach a target level.

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