What is EBU R128 and why does it matter?

EBU R128 is the loudness standard for European broadcast, specifying an integrated loudness target of -23 LUFS and a maximum true peak of -1 dBTP. Audio that doesn't meet this standard will either be rejected by the broadcaster or automatically normalised, potentially affecting how it sounds.

What's the difference between loudness and volume?

Volume is the amplitude of the audio signal at a given moment. Loudness is a psychoacoustic measurement of how loud audio sounds to a human listener over time, integrated across the duration of the content. Broadcast standards specify loudness rather than peak volume because it more accurately reflects the perceived experience.

What loudness target should I use for Spotify?

Spotify normalises to -14 LUFS integrated. Audio mastered louder than this will be turned down; audio quieter than this will be turned up. We deliver streaming masters at -14 LUFS so the normalisation has no negative effect.

What if my audio doesn't meet the broadcast spec?

We identify the specific issue, correct it — adjusting loudness, applying true peak limiting, converting formats — and deliver a compliant version. We run a QC measurement before delivering to confirm compliance.

What is a true peak and why does it matter for broadcast?

A true peak is the actual peak level in a reconstructed audio signal, which can be higher than the sample peak visible in a waveform editor. Broadcast standards require the true peak to stay below -1 dBTP to prevent distortion in the broadcast chain. Standard peak limiting alone may not catch true peak violations.

Can I send you audio that's already been mastered for streaming to make it broadcast-ready?

Yes, but it depends on what was done in the streaming master. A loudness-limited streaming master at -14 LUFS will need to be adjusted significantly to reach -23 LUFS for broadcast. In many cases it's better to work from the unmastered mix. Send us the file and we'll advise.

Do you deliver for Dubai and UAE broadcasters specifically?

Yes. UAE and regional broadcasters typically follow EBU R128 standards. We're familiar with the specific technical requirements of regional broadcast and can deliver to the spec your broadcaster requires.

Broadcast Audio Delivery in Dubai | Voiceover & Corporate

What Broadcast Audio Delivery Involves

Broadcast audio delivery is the final technical step before audio goes to air, to a platform, or to a distribution system. It covers the measurement and correction of loudness levels to meet broadcast standards, true peak limiting to prevent digital distortion on the broadcast chain, format conversion to the container and codec required by the receiving platform, and quality control checks to verify that the audio passes technical validation before submission.

Many content producers — whether they're delivering a commercial to a broadcaster, a podcast episode to a network, or audio content to a video platform — find that their audio is rejected or automatically adjusted by the receiving system because it doesn't meet the technical spec. Broadcast delivery at StudioToGo prevents that from happening.

Loudness Standards We Work To

EBU R128 (-23 LUFS, -1 dBTP true peak limit) is the standard for European and most Middle Eastern broadcast. ATSC A/85 is the US broadcast standard. ITU-R BS.1770 is the underlying measurement recommendation. Platform-specific targets include -14 LUFS for Spotify and Apple Music, -14 LUFS for YouTube, -16 LUFS for podcasts on most platforms. We deliver to whichever standard the receiving system requires.

Not just loudness: Broadcast delivery also involves checking for clipping and true peak violations, verifying sample rate and bit depth, confirming channel format (stereo, mono, 5.1), and ensuring the file is free from artefacts that would cause it to be rejected. We run a full QC pass before delivering.

Who This Is For

Broadcast delivery is relevant for anyone delivering audio to a broadcaster, platform, or distribution system with technical requirements. This includes TV and radio commercial audio, podcast audio delivered to broadcast networks, music submitted to radio airplay, branded content delivered to platforms, and corporate audio delivered to internal broadcast or streaming systems.

What You Get

Loudness-compliant master — at the target standard specified
True peak compliance — no clipping on the broadcast chain
Format conversion — to the container and codec required
Technical QC report — confirming compliance before delivery

Pricing

Broadcast delivery is often included as part of our mastering, commercial voiceover, and audio cleanup services. As a standalone service, it's quoted per file or per project based on the spec requirements and number of deliverables. Message us with your delivery spec and file count.

Broadcast Audio Delivery in Dubai

What Broadcast Audio Delivery Involves

Loudness Standards We Work To

Who This Is For

What You Get

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Audio Broadcast-Ready