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Loudness Penalty Checker

Estimate how much Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and TIDAL may adjust your track at their reference playback levels.

  • Free - no account
  • Nothing is uploaded
  • Runs in your browser

Drop a track to check its loudness penalty

WAV, MP3, FLAC, AIFF, OGG, AAC or M4A - up to 150 MB

Choose a file

Your file is processed on your own device - it is never uploaded.

What the Loudness Penalty checker does

Many streaming services offer loudness normalisation. A louder track may be turned down during playback; this does not change your delivered audio file. What you hear depends on the listener’s settings and device.

This tool measures integrated loudness using the ITU-R BS.1770 / EBU R 128 approach, then compares that reading with reference levels used by major services. The per-platform decibel figure is an estimate, not the precise adjustment every listener will hear. Some platforms raise quieter tracks when headroom permits.

Analysis is offline. The file is decoded and measured by your browser's audio engine, so results appear in seconds and your unreleased master never touches a server.

  • Integrated LUFS measurement to the EBU R 128 standard
  • Estimated playback adjustment for Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TIDAL, Amazon Music and Deezer
  • Instant visual comparison chart
  • Works with WAV, MP3, FLAC, AIFF, OGG and AAC
  • No account, no upload, no processing queue

How to use the Loudness Penalty

  1. 1

    Drop your master

    Add the bounce you are about to release. A full-length track gives the most accurate integrated reading.

  2. 2

    Read the penalty

    See the estimated dB difference from each reference level. Actual playback may include positive gain or limiting, depending on the service and listener settings.

  3. 3

    Adjust and re-check

    If you make a new version, measure it again and compare both versions at matched listening volume.

Who the Loudness Penalty is for

For artists

Get a useful reference before distribution, then listen at matched volume rather than guessing from a single number.

For producers

Sanity-check every master against the platforms your clients release on, and back up your loudness decisions with data.

For labels

Keep a consistent loudness standard across a catalogue so playlists and compilations flow without volume jumps.

Platform normalisation targets

Spotify
-14 LUFS integrated
Apple Music
-16 LUFS (Sound Check)
YouTube
-14 LUFS integrated
TIDAL
-14 LUFS integrated
Amazon Music
-14 LUFS integrated
Deezer
-15 LUFS integrated
Measurement standard
ITU-R BS.1770 / EBU R 128
Where it runs
Entirely in your browser

Loudness Penalty - frequently asked questions

What is a loudness penalty?

It is an estimated playback gain difference from a reference level. A -8 LUFS track compared with -14 LUFS suggests roughly 6 dB of reduction, but actual playback depends on settings and the service’s processing.

What LUFS should I master to for Spotify?

Spotify’s Normal setting aims for -14 LUFS, but it is not a mastering requirement. Louder tracks are reduced; quieter tracks may be raised within the available headroom.

Does a loudness penalty damage my audio?

No - it is a simple gain reduction, so nothing is distorted. What you lose is the trade you made to get loud: the dynamics you compressed and limited away are gone, but the loudness advantage is not.

Is louder still better on streaming?

Not necessarily. On supported playback modes with normalisation enabled, louder files may be turned down. Compare at matched listening volume; some players and settings behave differently.

Why do different platforms show different penalties?

Reference levels differ between services, and device settings matter. The same file can therefore show different estimated adjustments; this checker does not simulate each service’s complete playback chain.

Should I turn normalisation off when I check my mix?

Comparing with normalisation off lets you hear the file without a playback-level adjustment. Listeners may have different settings; do not assume normalisation is on everywhere.

Does this measure true peak as well?

This tool focuses on integrated loudness and per-platform penalties. For true peak, short-term and momentary readings, use the LUFS Meter.

Which file should I test?

The final master, in its highest-quality form - a WAV or FLAC bounce. Testing an MP3 preview gives a close but not identical reading.

Related free tools

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LUFS Meter

Measure integrated, short-term and momentary loudness plus true peak - instantly, in your browser.

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Edit title, artist, album, ISRC-ready credits and cover art on MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A and AIFF - without re-encoding.