What is Loudness?

Loudness is the perceived volume of a sound as experienced by a listener. It is known for describing how strong or intense a sound feels, rather than just its measured level.

The concept typically relates to sound pressure level but is also influenced by frequency, duration, and human hearing sensitivity, which can make some sounds seem louder than others at the same level.

Loudness emphasizes perception, meaning it is not always directly proportional to amplitude or decibel measurements.

It is often measured using standards such as LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) to better reflect how humans perceive sound.

Today, Loudness is a key consideration in mixing, mastering, and broadcasting, valued for its role in ensuring consistent listening experiences across different playback systems and platforms.