Feature Request: Dynamic LUFS Adjuster (Mastering Plugin)
Overview
Develop a mastering plugin designed to dynamically adjust Loudness Units Full Scale (LUFS) levels to achieve consistent perceived loudness across audio tracks. The plugin must prioritize preserving the original sound quality, avoiding common issues such as distortion, pumping, or loss of dynamic range, while ensuring seamless and transparent loudness normalization suitable for various playback systems (e.g., streaming platforms, broadcast, and consumer audio devices).
Key Features
Dynamic LUFS Adjustment:
Automatically adjusts audio to a user-defined LUFS target (e.g., -14 LUFS for streaming platforms like Spotify, -23 LUFS for broadcast).
Real-time analysis and adjustment to maintain consistent loudness without abrupt changes.
Supports both integrated LUFS (average loudness over time) and short-term LUFS (momentary loudness) for precise control.
Preservation of Audio Integrity:
Prevents distortion, clipping, or unwanted artifacts during loudness normalization.
Maintains the dynamic range of the original audio to avoid over-compression or pumping effects.
Employs high-quality algorithms to ensure transparent processing, preserving transients and tonal balance.
Adaptive Processing:
Intelligently adapts to the input signal’s characteristics, such as genre, instrumentation, or dynamic range.
Provides customizable settings for attack and release times to fine-tune the plugin’s response to different audio material (e.g., classical music vs. electronic dance music).
User-Friendly Interface:
Intuitive controls for setting target LUFS, threshold, and dynamic range preferences.
Visual feedback, including real-time LUFS metering, gain reduction display, and waveform visualization.
Preset options for common standards (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, EBU R128, ATSC A/85).
Compatibility and Flexibility:
Supports multiple plugin formats (VST, VST3, AU, AAX) for integration with major digital audio workstations (DAWs).
Operates in both real-time and offline processing modes for mastering and live sound applications.
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS).
Advanced Features:
Sidechain input for external reference tracks to match loudness levels.
True Peak limiting to prevent inter-sample peaks and ensure compliance with broadcast standards.
A/B comparison mode to toggle between processed and unprocessed audio.
Batch processing support for applying consistent LUFS adjustments across multiple tracks.
Technical Requirements
Algorithm Quality: Utilize 64-bit floating-point processing for maximum precision and minimal noise.
Latency: Low-latency performance for real-time applications, with an option for zero-latency mode in live scenarios.
Metering Accuracy: Conforms to industry standards (e.g., ITU-R BS.1770-4, EBU R128) for accurate LUFS measurement.
CPU Efficiency: Optimized to minimize CPU load, enabling use in complex mixing and mastering sessions.
Use Cases
Music Production: Ensure tracks meet streaming platform loudness standards without sacrificing quality.
Broadcast and Film: Achieve consistent loudness for dialogue, music, and sound effects in compliance with regional standards.
Podcasting: Normalize episode loudness for a consistent listening experience across platforms.
Live Sound: Maintain consistent loudness in real-time for live performances or streaming events.
Quality Assurance
Conduct extensive testing to ensure no audible artifacts (e.g., distortion, phasing, or pumping) across various audio types (e.g., vocals, orchestral, electronic).
Validate compatibility with major DAWs (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio).
Perform A/B testing with professional audio engineers to confirm transparency and effectiveness.
Deliverables
Fully functional plugin with documentation (user manual, quick-start guide).
Demo version with limited features for user evaluation.