Cobalt Digital COMPASS 9085 Loudness Processor - Manual (Page 98)

Appendix A
Measurement Techniques For Various Program Material Forms
A-6 9085 PRODUCT MANUAL 9085-OM (V4.3)
Specific Measurement Techniques for Various Material Forms
Described below are specific techniques and suggestions for various settings
and program material which can be assessed using the Audio LKFS Monitor
function.
Live Production. The Audio LKFS Monitor function can be used in live
production to guide the mixing operator to maintain audio level at an LKFS
reasonably close to that specified by the dialnorm. Where aural activity is
significant (i.e., some sort of anchor element clearly exists), the LKFS
measurement provides a good baseline of target loudness compliance.
Observing LKFS over a 10-second period (appr.) will typically suffice.
Note that in this setting, audio may not be always be compressed/limited; very
wide swings in dynamic range are possible. Again, only segments that are
realistically viable in terms of content density, anchor element, and level
amplitude/consistency should be considered for measurement. If repeated or
sustained
LKFS “high” violations are noted, it may be indicative of an overall
“hot” level on the channel or overall mix.
Post-Production. The guidelines for this settings are similar to that used for
live production, except that a LKFS measurement should be observed for
representative segments by cueing and rolling tape, thereby circumventing
quiet segments from influencing the measurement.
Long-Form Finished Material. LKFS observation should be run for as long
a segment as possible, however restricting the observation to representative
portion(s) within an act. A representative segment should of course contain an
anchor element or the next reasonable equivalent. Only absent a
representative anchor element should the unrestricted length of the piece be
observed and considered.
Short-Form Finished Material (e.g., “Commercials”). Typically, this
material will have a clearly discernible anchor element and relatively
consistent loudness density. As long as the material does not have loudness
pauses exceeding half the overall run time (which is typically unlikely), a
simple observation over the course of the material will typically provide a
very reliable LKFS measurement.