CEA Mastering and Loudness Standards

Question 1

What is the target integrated loudness standard specified by the EBU R 128 specification for broadcast content?

Accepted Answer

-23 LUFS

Answer

-16 LUFS

Answer

-14 LUFS

Answer

-18 LUFS

Question 2

What does 'true peak' measurement differ from standard 'sample peak' measurement in digital mastering?

Accepted Answer

True peak detects intersample peaks that occur during digital-to-analog conversion and can exceed 0 dBFS, while sample peak only measures the highest discrete sample value

Answer

True peak measures perceived loudness while sample peak measures instantaneous amplitude

Answer

True peak applies A-weighting while sample peak uses flat frequency response measurement

Answer

True peak is measured over the entire program; sample peak is measured per individual transient

Question 3

What is 'dithering' and when should it be applied in mastering?

Accepted Answer

The addition of a shaped low-level noise signal when reducing bit depth (e.g., 24-bit to 16-bit) to minimize quantization distortion artifacts

Answer

A stereo widening technique applied during the final mastering EQ stage

Answer

A limiting algorithm used to prevent true peak clipping above -1 dBTP

Answer

A noise-reduction process that removes dither noise added during mixing

Question 4

What is 'dynamic range' in the context of mastering and loudness?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the quietest and loudest levels in a program, often expressed using PLR (Program Loudness Range) or DR rating

Answer

The frequency range reproduced by the mastering system from lowest bass to highest treble

Answer

The ratio of wet to dry signal in the mastering reverb chain

Answer

The available headroom between -18 dBFS nominal level and 0 dBFS clipping

Question 5

What loudness target does Spotify use for its normalized playback level?

Accepted Answer

-14 LUFS

Answer

-23 LUFS

Answer

-16 LUFS

Answer

-9 LUFS

Question 6

What is the primary function of a 'brickwall limiter' in mastering?

Accepted Answer

To prevent any sample or true peak from exceeding a set ceiling (typically -0.1 to -1 dBTP) without allowing any overshoot

Answer

To compress the dynamic range throughout the entire program at a fixed ratio

Answer

To apply mid-side processing to widen the stereo field

Answer

To remove DC offset introduced by analog-to-digital converters