Posted on by Rudy Gaskins and Joan Baker

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Demystifying Audio Meters:

A Voice Actor’s Guide to

Levels & Loudness

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By Frank Verderosa, 2025

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I’m often asked: “What’s the right level for my voiceover files?” The simple answer is: deliver what’s been specified. But let’s be real; most auditions and everyday projects don’t come with detailed level and loudness specs.
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As someone who regularly listens to audition submissions, I can tell you, it’s the Wild West out there! I’ve received everything from whisper-quiet recordings to overly processed audio that’s been pushed to its limits. And to be honest, both extremes are equally problematic.
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That’s where understanding levels and metering comes in. Let’s talk audio levels for voice actors!

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For mixers to stay compliant, the WLM Loudness Meter from Waves makes it easy to set and hit targets.

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Understanding Audio Meters: What They Show
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Audio meters are tools that help you monitor and control the loudness and quality of your recordings. Here’s a simple explanation of the most common terms:

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LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)

– What it measures: Perceived loudness over time, considering human hearing sensitivity.

– Why it matters: Ensures consistent loudness across different platforms and media.

– Where it’s used: Streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.

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LKFS (Loudness, K-weighted, relative to Full Scale)

– What it measures: Similar to LUFS; used interchangeably in some standards.

– Why it matters: Standard for U.S. television broadcasts.

– Where it’s used: U.S. TV content, following the ATSC A/85 standard.

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Waves did a great job modeling the ubiquitous Dorrough loudness meters.

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RMS (Root Mean Square)

– What it measures: Average power or loudness of an audio signal.

– Why it matters: Helps ensure your audio isn’t too quiet or too loud.

– Where it’s used: Audiobook production, such as ACX submissions.

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dBTP (Decibels True Peak)

– What it measures: The highest level your audio reaches, including inter-sample peaks.

– Why it matters: Prevents distortion by ensuring peaks don’t exceed digital limits.

– Where it’s used: Streaming platforms and broadcast standards.

 

 

 

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Insight from Izotope is a comprehensive audio measurement tool.

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Why Different Standards Exist
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Different platforms and media have varying requirements to ensure optimal listening experiences:
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– U.S. Television (ATSC A/85): Requires an average loudness of -24 LKFS to maintain consistent volume levels across programs and commercials.

– Spotify: Targets an integrated loudness of -14 LUFS and a true peak limit of -1 dBTP to provide a balanced listening experience.

– ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange): Requires RMS levels between -23 dB and -18 dB, peak levels no higher than -3 dB, and a noise floor below -60 dB to ensure clarity and comfort for listeners.

–These standards exist because each platform has unique playback environments and audience expectations. Adhering to these ensures your recordings sound professional and are accepted without issues.

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Practical Tips for Voice Actors

  1. 1. Know Your Target Platform: Before recording, identify where your audio will be published and familiarize yourself with its standards.

  2. 2. Use Reliable Metering Tools: Software like iZotope RX or plugins with LUFS and dBTP metering can help you monitor and adjust your levels accurately.

  3. 3. Maintain a Clean Noise Floor: Aim for a noise floor below -60 dB to prevent background noise from distracting listeners.

  4. 4. Avoid Over-Processing: Excessive compression or normalization can lead to unnatural-sounding audio. Strive for a natural and clear sound.

  5. 5. Test Your Audio: Use tools like the ACX Audio Analysis Tool to check if your recordings meet the necessary specifications.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Too Quiet: Your file might get lost in a mix, or the client might boost it (and all your room noise).

– Too Loud/Overprocessed: You risk distortion, loss of dynamics, and sounding unnatural.

– No Target at All: Guessing leads to inconsistent results, and unhappy clients.

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Final Thoughts: Audio Levels for Voice Actors- Find the Sweet Spot

Once you understand what these meters are telling you, things get a whole lot easier. You don’t need to memorize every broadcast standard, but being able to check your LUFS, RMS, and peaks means you can confidently deliver clean, professional audio every time. Your voice matters. Make sure it’s heard clearly, and at the right level.
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And remember, consistency is key. Regularly monitor your recordings, stay updated with platform requirements, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback. Your dedication to quality will set you apart in the voice acting industry. ♦♦♦

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Frank Verderosa is a 34 year veteran of the audio industry. Currently on staff at Digital Arts in NYC, he continues to ply his trade for ad agencies, production companies, most major animation, film studios, and more. Having met early success as a music engineer, Verderosa shifted to the world of post production. In those years, he’s worked for some of the biggest companies in the industry, as well as his own boutique shop. In addition to a full time career, he continues to be a valued resource for the audio and voice over community as a blogger, consultant, teacher, writer, and speaker.
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Disclaimer: Shared with permission from frankverderosa.com
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