Hi there technical forum members! I am aiming for a LUFS-I reading of between -13 to -14 on my new project.
The Reaper JS Loudness Meter says LUFS-I is -19.5 (too low - see my next paragraph) whereas a Render to mp3 dry run with no change in settings gives me -15.6! (see first attachment)
I changed the limiter on the master to a ceiling of -0.3 and the JS Loudness Meter= LUFS-I -18.2 whereas the render dry run gives me a LUFS-I=-14.3 but 7 instances of clipping despite the limiter on the master set with a ceiling of -0.3! (See second attachment)
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but I'm trying to understand how two meters on the same pass can generate a different LUFS-I. Can anyone guide me on this, or have you had similar experience - and which did you use?
I just worked out what I was doing wrong - with the very helpful assistance of Copilot AI - I had the loudness meter on the master track when it should have been on Monitoring FX - which would be post master fader and therefore measure the same as the render dry run.
In the process though, I got a real chuckle out of Copilot - it referred to ‘expert’ experience of a user who had detected the same variance between loudness meter and render dry run as posted on a pgmusic forum. So much for AI - it was quoting my own question back at me as expert evidence such a variation in readings could occur. It feels like I dug the rabbit hole and went down it! Ha ha!
So much for AI - it was quoting my own question back at me as expert evidence such a variation in readings could occur. It feels like I dug the rabbit hole and went down it! Ha ha!
Andrew
That seems to happen an awful lot with AI.
I've had instances where I've pointed out it's error, which it acknowledges, then goes on to make the same mistake again. Sometimes it's like talking to a six year old who doesn't understand what's correct and what isn't.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Thanks heaps for posting your solution. I watched the Kenny Gioia video on Monitoring FX a few years ago and as I didn't have a need for it back then, I promptly forgot about this feature in Reaper.
I recently bought a collection of plugins from Waves that allow modelling three world famous studios when mixing in headphones.
The Monitoring FX location seems like the ideal spot to add these effects since they are not meant for the mix.
I really appreciate learning about this, today. Your timing is perfect --Noel
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.