EBU R 128

EBU R 128
Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals
StatusPublished
Year started2012
First published2010
Latest version4.0
August 2020
OrganizationEuropean Broadcasting Union
Related standardsITU-R BS.1770
Websitehttps://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128/

EBU R 128 is a recommendation for loudness normalisation and maximum level of audio signals. It is primarily followed during audio mixing of television and radio programmes and adopted by broadcasters to measure and control programme loudness.[1] It was first issued by the European Broadcasting Union in August 2010 and most recently revised in August 2020.[2]

R 128 employs an international standard for measuring audio loudness, stated in the ITU-R BS.1770 recommendation and using the loudness measures LU (loudness units) and LUFS (loudness units referenced to full scale), specifically created with this purpose.[3] The EBU Tech 3341 document further clarified loudness metering implementation and practices in 2016.[4]

  1. ^ "R 128 – Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals" (PDF). tech.ebu.ch. Geneva: European Broadcasting Union. June 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Change log R 128 v3.0" (PDF). tech.ebu.ch. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  3. ^ "Recommendation ITU-R BS.1770-2 – Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level" (PDF). International Telecommunication Union. March 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  4. ^ "Tech 3341 – Loudness Metering: 'EBU Mode' metering to supplement Loudness normalisation" (PDF). tech.ebu.ch. Geneva: European Broadcasting Union. January 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2020.