Evaluation of the Momentary Time Scale for Live Loudness Metering

• Different ballistic definitions for the momentary time scale used in live loudness measurement were evaluated. Definitions from the ITU and EBU were compared as well as a faster version of the ITU version, two asymmetric time scales and the deprecated ballistics, defined in EBU Tech 3205-E, for peak program meters. The goal was to identify the ballistics definition that would function as the best complementary tool to a short-term time scale. Engineers within the broadcast industry and students in audio technology performed an audio alignment task in a simulated live broadcast environment using one ballistics definition per trial. Fader movements and output levels were recorded. After each trial, a set of assessment scales were rated by the subjects. Some results were: a decay time constant of 250 ms yielded better representation of the low-level parts of the dynamics in the signal compared to a 400-ms time constant; the present ITU version of the momentary time scale yielded an estimated less eye fatigue; effects on the resulting output levels, related the gate in ITU-R BS.1770 in conjunction with live compensation of unadjusted audio material were shown.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Annan humaniora -- Övrig annan humaniora (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Other Humanities -- Other Humanities not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

Keyword

loudness

loudness meter

loudness metering

live loudness metering

audio level alignment

perceived audio intensity

R 128

loudness

loudnessmätning

loudnessmätare

hörstyrka

mätning av hörstyrka

hörstyrkemätare

ljudnivåmätning

upplevd ljudnivå

upplevd hörstyrka

R 128

Audio Technology

Ljudteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)