QC Central is now monitoring audio loudness in the LKFS scale as well as dbfs. Loudness levels are a more accurate way to discern a show or movies audio average, monitoring loudness is also mandated by law. President Obama recently signed into law the Calm Act. The purpose of this is so that all television program and commercials are being broadcast at the same audio levels. The law is designed to stop commercial content from being played louder than television programming. You may have noticed this at some point, you are watching a show with the volume low, and when a commercial comes on it is much louder, this is no longer allowed. The Calm Act is in force, throughout North America and Europe.
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We are using the Dolby LM-100 Broadcast Loudness Meter to achieve the most accurate possible measurement. The LM-100 is a dedicated piece of hardware that measures many things including Loudness in the LKFS scale. It works by analyzing the entire audio content of a show and figuring out the dialogue average using algorithms. The acceptable range under the Calm act is -24LKFS +/- 2 LKFS, so a range of -22 to -24 LKFS.
Great answer @Shaun. FYI, The CALM Act is currently going through its paces of government approval to make the BS1770 -24LKFS measurement a standard across all US television, both programming and commercials. Karol wrote an article about it for the Spring CAS Quarterly bit.ly/d9IftG It's page 15 of the pdf, 29 if you have the issue. The OP-59 Standard states that the adopted target for loudness in Australia is -24LKFS. OP-59 also states two different ways to monitor the loudness value of the audio being used. It suggests monitoring the dialogue audio only then monitoring all of the components of the full mix ie, music, sound effects, dialogue etc. Find a -24Lkfs material and play through, tweak the monitors until you feel is the right loudness for your room. I monitor at 78db SPL in my room for a -24 LKFS mix (Medium size room). I don't need to look at my meters (Nugen or Insight) while mixing.
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Some networks and distributors have adopted the loudness specification as part of their audio production, and many more will soon follow. Many QC facilities are not reporting loudness levels as part of their reports, we are. Don’t risk getting a job kicked back due to inadequate Audio reporting on a quality control report. Call QC Central or the latest and most up to date QC’s in the industry.
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Would someone be able to explain to me, in layman's terms, the loudness meters on the Fairlight page? I've been using them since v14 and am now using the newest release of v15. I've read the manual but I still feel very confused as to the two different meters, and what they are telling me and the blue number above the two meters. I think I understand the numerical read outs to the right of the meters but if anyone has a good understanding of the whole thing, could someone please give me a run down? Thanks so much for your time!