EBU R 128 sets -23 LUFS as the broadcast target for integrated programme loudness

EBU R 128 is the European Broadcasting Union’s recommendation that defines how to measure and normalise audio loudness for broadcast. Its central mandate: programme loudness (the integrated loudness over the duration of an entire programme) should be normalised to a Target Level of -23.0 LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale). This replaced older peak-normalisation workflows that caused wide perceived loudness differences between programmes and channels. Where the target cannot be attained practically (for example, live programmes) a tolerance of +/-1.0 LU is permitted; for loudness workflows in QC environments a +/-0.2 LU tolerance is allowed to account for measurement error.

Examples

A broadcast radio piece measured at -24.5 LUFS integrated is 1.5 LU below target and should be turned up. A talk-show segment at -21.8 LUFS is 1.2 LU above target — outside the +/-1.0 LU live tolerance — and should be corrected before delivery.

Assessment

A programme measures -21 LUFS integrated. Is it in EBU R 128 compliance? By how many LU does it deviate? What is the specific tolerance permitted for live broadcasts?