What is Gain Matching, and how does it impact my track?

We are currently running a test with Gain Matching. Gain Matching allows you to compare your original track with the mastered version at a similar loudness level. This helps you focus on the tonal and dynamic changes made during mastering rather than just the increase in volume.

How does Gain Matching work in the test group?

If you are in the test group, you’ll notice that we’ve moved the original vs. master comparison to the top right. Additionally, we've introduced a toggle to increase the loudness of the original track to match the master. This adjustment allows for a fair comparison of the sound quality and dynamic changes, rather than just comparing loudness.

What is the LUFS readout, and why is it important?

LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is a standard for measuring loudness in audio. The original track's LUFS is what we measure during processing, and the target LUFS for mastering is set to -14dB. While your final LUFS after mastering will be near -14dB, it may not match exactly every time due to variations in track characteristics.

How does the Gain Matching feature improve the mastering process?

Gain Matching helps you evaluate the true impact of the mastering process by ensuring that any perceived improvement in sound quality isn’t just due to an increase in volume. This feature enhances your confidence in the tonal and dynamic changes applied to your track.

Additional Explanations:

• Gain Matching is particularly useful for genres and track types where dynamic range and tonal balance are more critical than sheer loudness.
• By focusing on the sound quality rather than volume, Gain Matching helps maintain the integrity of genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music, where dynamics are key to the listening experience.