AuditionPerfecto

Ever noticed how one podcast episode sounds louder than the next?
Inconsistent loudness is one of the most common audio issues that turns off listeners — especially when switching between platforms or episodes.
With Adobe Audition’s Match Loudness panel, you can ensure every episode meets professional broadcasting standards, so your show always sounds polished and balanced.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to set and maintain a consistent loudness standard across all your podcast episodes.

1. What Is Loudness and Why It Matters

Unlike raw volume, loudness measures perceived sound intensity over time, factoring in human hearing sensitivity.
It’s expressed in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) — the global standard for consistent listening levels.

🎧 Recommended Loudness Targets:

• Podcasts & Streaming: –16 LUFS (stereo) / –19 LUFS (mono)
• YouTube: –14 LUFS
• Broadcast Radio: –23 LUFS

💡 Pro Tip: For podcasts, aim for –16 LUFS with peaks not exceeding –1 dB.

2. Open the Match Loudness Panel

1. Go to Window → Match Loudness to open the panel.
2. You’ll see columns for File Name, Peak Level, and Integrated Loudness.

This panel helps you analyze and adjust loudness across multiple files automatically.

3. Add Your Podcast Episodes

1. Click Add Files (or drag-and-drop your audio).
2. Each episode will appear in the list, showing its current loudness values.

💡 Tip: You can batch-adjust entire seasons of your podcast using this method.

4. Set the Loudness Standard

At the bottom of the Match Loudness panel:

1. Select “Match To” → ITU-R BS.1770-3 Loudness Standard.
2. Set your target level to –16 LUFS.
3. Check the box for True Peak Limiting and set it to –1.0 dB.

🎙️ Pro Tip: True Peak Limiting prevents distortion during encoding (especially to MP3 or AAC).

5. Run Loudness Matching

Once your settings are in place:

1. Select all files in the panel.
2. Click Run.
   Adobe Audition automatically analyzes and adjusts each file to meet your target loudness.

✅ All episodes will now play at the same perceived volume, making for a professional, listener-friendly experience.

6. Apply Loudness Correction During Export

For single-session edits or final masters:

1. Go to Multitrack → Mixdown Session to New File.
2. Then go to Favorites → Match to –16 LUFS.
3. Export your mix as MP3 (192 kbps) or WAV (48 kHz).

💡 Pro Tip: This ensures even quick mixes meet your show’s loudness requirements.

7. Automate Future Episodes

To save time for future episodes:

1. Click the Presets Menu in the Match Loudness panel.
2. Choose Save Current Settings as Preset (e.g., Podcast –16 LUFS).
3. Apply it with one click to all new episodes.

🎧 Combine with Batch Processing (from Article #37) for full automation.

8. Use Loudness Radar for Visual Feedback

For precise visual monitoring:

1. Go to Window → Amplitude Statistics.
2. Analyze your mix and confirm that Integrated Loudness = –16 LUFS.
3. Review Loudness Range (LRA) — ideally between 6–10 LU for natural dynamics.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the LRA moderate; too low sounds flat, too high sounds inconsistent.

9. Double-Check on Multiple Devices

Always listen to your mastered file through:

• Headphones
• Car speakers
• Smartphone
• Studio monitors

This ensures consistent perceived loudness across playback systems.

10. Keep Your Loudness Standard Documented

Include your chosen LUFS, limiter ceiling, and workflow steps in your podcast production notes.
If you work with editors or freelancers, this ensures everyone masters to the same quality level.

Conclusion

A consistent loudness standard is what separates amateur podcasts from professional productions. By mastering your workflow around –16 LUFS in Adobe Audition, you’ll deliver a comfortable listening experience on every platform — every time.

Next up: “How to Create Podcast Intros and Outros That Sound Studio-Quality in Adobe Audition.”