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What is LUFS?

LUFS

Loudness Units relative to Full Scale — average perceived loudness

LUFS measures integrated loudness, not peak voltage. Streaming platforms often normalize around −14 LUFS, which is why a brickwalled master can still sound small after normalization. HiFi Score stores preview-measured integrated LUFS from 30 s lossy excerpts alongside PLR.

Also called integrated loudness, loudness units.

Why LUFS matters after normalization

If two albums are normalized to the same target, the one with more peak headroom (higher PLR) often still sounds more alive. A hot LUFS number on the file does not guarantee a more impressive listen after the streamer turns it down.

Our measurement

ffmpeg ebur128 on public 30 s previews. Labeled Preview-measured. Not a substitute for a mastering engineer’s meter on the distributed master.

Methodology →

Questions listeners ask

What is LUFS?
LUFS measures integrated loudness, not peak voltage. Streaming platforms often normalize around −14 LUFS, which is why a brickwalled master can still sound small after normalization. HiFi Score stores preview-measured integrated LUFS from 30 s lossy excerpts alongside PLR.
What LUFS do streamers use?
Targets vary (often around −14 LUFS integrated). HiFi Score does not claim a platform’s exact policy. We report preview-measured LUFS from short excerpts when we have them.
Is louder better on hi-fi?
Usually not. After loudness normalization, a crushed master often just sounds denser and more fatiguing. Look at PLR and edition notes, then listen.
Where do I see LUFS on HiFi Score?
Album evidence chips and listening notes when a preview measurement exists. The methodology page explains the honesty labels.

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