Deliver audio too loud and it gets rejected by broadcasters. Too quiet and it sounds amateur. Loudness normalization ensures your mix meets platform standards every time.
Understanding LUFS
LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) is the broadcast standard for measuring perceived loudness. Unlike peak levels, LUFS accounts for how humans actually perceive volume. Key targets: -24 LUFS for broadcast TV (EBU R128 / ATSC A/85), -14 LUFS for YouTube and streaming platforms, -16 LUFS for podcasts.
Measuring in Premiere Pro
- Open Audio Track Mixer (Window > Audio Track Mixer)
- On the Master track, add the Loudness Meter effect
- Play your sequence — watch the Integrated LUFS reading
- This number should match your delivery target
Normalizing
- Tag all dialogue in the Essential Sound panel as Dialogue
- Click Auto Match — normalizes all dialogue to consistent level
- Set music 12-18 dB below dialogue level
- SFX and ambience fill the gap between
- Check final integrated LUFS against your target
Quick Fix Method
If your mix is close but slightly off, select all clips in the timeline, right-click audio, and choose Audio Gain > Normalize All Peaks. Then use a limiter on the Master track to catch any peaks above -1 dBTP (True Peak).