Normalize Audio Online for Free
Normalize your audio to any LUFS target directly in your browser. Upload your file, pick a platform preset (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music), and download the normalized result. Processing runs locally on your device. No account, no server upload, no watermark.
Try It FreeWhat Does Audio Normalization Mean?
Normalization adjusts the overall loudness of an audio file to hit a specific target level. There are three common types. Peak normalization finds the loudest sample in your file and scales everything so that peak hits a target (like 0 dBFS). RMS normalization measures the average power of the signal and scales to that. LUFS normalization measures perceived loudness the way human ears actually hear it, accounting for frequency weighting and time. LUFS is what streaming platforms use. If you are preparing audio for Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, or any broadcast standard, LUFS is the measurement that matters.
- Peak normalization: scales audio so the loudest sample hits a target
- RMS normalization: scales based on average signal power
- LUFS normalization: scales based on perceived loudness (human hearing model)
- Streaming platforms use LUFS to measure and enforce loudness standards
- LUFS stands for Loudness Units relative to Full Scale
Why Platforms Normalize Your Audio
Every streaming platform applies its own loudness normalization. The reason is listener experience. Without normalization, a quiet jazz track followed by a loud rock song would force you to grab the volume knob between every track. Platforms fix this by turning down loud tracks and (in some cases) turning up quiet ones so everything plays at a similar perceived volume. If your audio is louder than the platform target, the platform turns it down. You lose the loudness you worked for, and any distortion or artifacts from aggressive mastering stay in. If your audio is quieter than the target, some platforms leave it alone while others boost it. The safest approach is to match the target yourself before uploading.
- Platforms normalize so listeners get consistent volume between tracks
- Loud audio gets turned down, wasting any loudness you pushed for
- Quiet audio may be left alone or boosted depending on the platform
- Matching the target yourself gives you the most control over the final sound
- Normalization happens automatically on playback, not on your uploaded file
LUFS Targets by Platform
Each platform has its own loudness target. Spotify normalizes to -14 LUFS by default, though users can change this in their settings. YouTube targets -14 LUFS as well. Apple Music and iTunes use -16 LUFS, which is slightly quieter. Broadcast standards (EBU R128 for Europe, ATSC A/85 for US TV) typically target -23 or -24 LUFS. Podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for Podcasters sound best around -16 LUFS. If you only want one target to remember, -14 LUFS covers Spotify and YouTube, the two biggest platforms.
- Spotify: -14 LUFS (default playback normalization)
- YouTube: -14 LUFS
- Apple Music / iTunes: -16 LUFS
- Broadcast (EBU R128): -23 LUFS
- Podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify): -16 LUFS
- When in doubt, target -14 LUFS for general online distribution
How to Normalize Your Audio
The process takes a few seconds. Upload your file, choose a target, and download. The tool measures the integrated LUFS of your entire file, calculates the gain adjustment needed, and applies it. You can also type in a custom LUFS target if your platform or spec is not in the presets. Everything runs in your browser. No server involved.
- Open the Orec LUFS normalizer at /tools/lufs-normalizer
- Upload your audio file (MP3, WAV, or any browser-supported format)
- Select a platform preset or type a custom LUFS target
- The tool measures your file's current LUFS and shows the required gain change
- Preview the normalized result
- Download as a lossless WAV file
Peak Limiting and True Peak
When you normalize a quiet file upward, the loudest peaks get louder too. If those peaks exceed 0 dBFS (the maximum for digital audio), you get clipping, which sounds like harsh distortion. A peak limiter catches those peaks and holds them at a safe ceiling, usually -1 dBTP (decibels true peak). True peak accounts for the signal between samples. A waveform can exceed 0 dBFS between samples even when every individual sample is below it. True peak measurement catches these inter-sample peaks. Setting your true peak ceiling to -1 dBTP gives you a safety margin that prevents distortion on any playback system.
- Clipping happens when audio exceeds 0 dBFS, causing harsh distortion
- A peak limiter prevents clipping by catching peaks before they exceed the ceiling
- True peak measures the signal between samples, not just at sample points
- -1 dBTP is the standard safety ceiling for streaming and broadcast
- Always check true peak after normalizing, especially when boosting quiet audio
LUFS Normalizer
Measure loudness and normalize to platform standards. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
How do I normalize audio online for free?
Use the free LUFS normalizer at /tools/lufs-normalizer. Upload your file, pick a platform target (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music), and download the normalized audio. No signup, no server upload.
What LUFS should I target for Spotify?
Spotify normalizes to -14 LUFS by default. Mastering your audio to -14 LUFS with a true peak ceiling of -1 dBTP gives you the best result on Spotify playback.
What is the difference between LUFS and dB?
dB (decibels) measures signal level. LUFS measures perceived loudness using a model of human hearing that accounts for frequency sensitivity and time. Two files at the same dB can sound very different in loudness. LUFS tells you how loud they actually sound.
Will normalization change the quality of my audio?
Normalization applies a gain adjustment, which is a simple volume change. It does not add compression or change the dynamic range. Quality stays the same. The output exports as lossless WAV.
Does this tool upload my audio to a server?
No. All processing runs locally in your browser. Your audio file never leaves your device.
Can I normalize to a custom LUFS target?
Yes. The presets cover Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and broadcast standards. You can also type any custom LUFS value for specialized requirements.