Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator
Comparing two processing chains or masters? Enter both LUFS values to get the exact trim that makes the A/B fair — louder always sounds 'better' until you match level.
Even a 0.5 LU advantage makes a version sound subjectively better in blind tests — the 'louder wins' bias is the single biggest trap in mastering decisions. Always level-match before you A/B a plugin, a master, or a reference track. This is the arithmetic; do it before you trust your ears.
Rule / Formula
Comparing two processing chains or masters? Enter both LUFS values to get the exact trim that makes the A/B fair — louder always sounds 'better' until you match level.
About Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator
Comparing two processing chains or masters? Enter both LUFS values to get the exact trim that makes the A/B fair — louder always sounds 'better' until you match level. Even a 0.5 LU advantage makes a version sound subjectively better in blind tests — the 'louder wins' bias is the single biggest trap in mastering decisions. Always level-match before you A/B a plugin, a master, or a reference track. This is the arithmetic; do it before you trust your ears.
How to use Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator
- 1Enter your values into the fields in Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator.
- 2The result and any pass/fail verdict update instantly as you type — no button to press.
- 3Check the substituted formula and worked example to see exactly how the result was derived.
- 4Copy or note the result for your spec, delivery or planning.
Why use Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator?
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser with instant, private results — no data leaves your device.
- ✓Built on a published reference: Katz, B., 'Mastering Audio' (level-matched monitoring).
- ✓Shows the governing formula and a worked example, so you can trust and check every result.
- ✓100% free with no sign-up, no watermark and no usage limits.
- ✓Works on any device — desktop, tablet or phone — and keeps working offline once loaded.
Frequently asked questions
What does Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator do?+
Comparing two processing chains or masters? Enter both LUFS values to get the exact trim that makes the A/B fair — louder always sounds 'better' until you match level. Even a 0.5 LU advantage makes a version sound subjectively better in blind tests — the 'louder wins' bias is the single biggest trap in mastering decisions.
Is my data private?+
Yes. Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never uploaded, stored or logged.
What standard or source is Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator based on?+
It follows Katz, B., 'Mastering Audio' (level-matched monitoring); AES research on loudness bias. Always confirm against the current official document, as specifications and rates can change.
What formula does it use?+
Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator uses: trim = −|A_LUFS − B_LUFS| applied to the louder version before auditioning. The tool shows this formula with your own numbers substituted so you can verify the result.
Is Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator free to use?+
Yes — it is completely free with no account, no sign-up and no usage limits. There is no watermark and no paywall.
Embed Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator on your website
Want Loudness-Matched A/B Calculatoron your own site? Paste this snippet into any HTML page — it's free, with no API key or sign-up. The tool loads in an iframe and keeps working exactly as it does here.
<iframe src="https://tooljolt.com/tools/loudness-matched-ab-calculator" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px;max-width:680px" title="Loudness-Matched A/B Calculator — ToolJolt" loading="lazy"></iframe>Related Broadcast tools
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