Music Technology 5MS504: Loudness War and the Art of Mastering

This report delves into the 'loudness war' and its effects on music mastering, particularly focusing on the debate around over-compression. It aims to research methods for achieving loudness in tracks through professional mastering techniques, while avoiding detrimental over-compression. The report analyzes the history and evolution of loudness levels in music, considering both the perspectives of those who support and critique the trend. It also explores the role of technology and digital signal processing in exacerbating the loudness war, while acknowledging improvements in music equipment. The research aims to provide insights for music producers and sound engineers to enhance their understanding and practice of mastering for optimal sound quality.

Running head: LOUDNESS WAR- MASTERING CW2
Loudness War – Mastering CW2
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Authors Note:

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LOUDNESS WAS- MASTERING CW2
Introduction:
The method of recording sound and music has changed over the years. With modern technology
the sound recording process has undergone a revolutionary changed over the last decade and
more. The ever increasing audio levels to record music refers to the loudness war which many
criticize due to the adverse effects of the trend on sound quality. With the objective of providing
an in-depth discussion on the loudness war also referred to as the loudness race between the
musicians a descriptive study is provided in this document.
An honest effort shall be made to provide the perspectives of both sides in this document. Thus,
arguments of those in favor of loudness war and those who are staunch critic of the ever
increasing loudness war shall be provided to maintain the neutral perspectives to allow the
readers to make their mind on the effects of loudness war on sound quality and music in general.
Research question:
The research is centered around the effects of loudness war on the music and sound quality.
Thus, the document will focus on assessing the effects that the sound quality has endured
subsequent to the loudness war that has started between sound technicians.
Literature review:
The trend of loudness war was first reported as early as in 1940. In respect to the mastering
practice for 7 singles in 1940 the trend of increasing sound levels was noticed. Since then the
music world has been divided into two as far as the effects of loudness war on the quality of
sound and music are concerned. Many critics believe that the ever increasing loudness in music
has reduced the quality of sound and music to a large extent. In fact the critics also believe that

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the enjoyment of the listeners has also adversely affected subsequent to the ever increasing
loudness in music.
There have been huge improvement in the musical equipment and technology which were used
earlier to record sound and music. Often the loudness war debate does not consider the huge
improvement that the technology and innovation have made on the quality of sound and music.
The varying specifications available with different music equipment and machines have changed
the maximum peal level of analog recordings. The peak levels in music changed with vinyl and
compact cassette recordings only to garner renewed attention to the loudness war by the
beginning of 1990s as the digital signal processing was introduced. The introduction of digital
signal processing meant further increase in the levels of loudness in music and sound.
However, with the passage of time compact disc was invented which have specific limits
regarding the maximum possible levels of amplitude allowed in such disc. However, the option
to increase the loudness even further than the maximum allowed limit of amplitude in compact
disc was possible by using signal processing techniques. Signal processing techniques include
compression of dynamic range and equalization to enhance the loudness of sound even further
than allowed as per the maximum amplitude limit.

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