In the last decades, the loudness level of TV and radio commercials has seen a dramatic increase — a phenomenon that is often referred to as loudness war. In order to harmonize audio levels, the European Broadcast Union (EBU) has introduced the R 128 recommendation, a loudness measurement approach based on the new Loudness Unit Full Scale (LUFS). As of August 31, 2012, many broadcasters will only accept EBU R 128-compliant audio signals.

“That’s why we decided to create a loudness metering tool in the very short-term, which enables our customers to create R 128-compliant mixes,” says Timo Wildenhain, product marketing manager at Steinberg.

SLM 128 features

• EBU R 128-compliant loudness measurement.
• Momentary, Short Term and Integrated methods.
• True Peak and Range display.
• Classical metering.
• VST 3 plug-in (unsupported).

The SLM 128 Loudness Meter is now available as free download (unsupported) from the Steinberg website.

Visit: SLM 128 Loudness Meter