Yes Noel there is quite a lot to learn. I will write more later, but your post is spot on--except I think they are taking more about the news standard of "loudness unit" gating and not db reduction, per se. But your numbers are accurate in the RMS realm, and I guess we leave it up to broadcasters to do their thing should we get so lucky.

There is SO much to learn. If you click on the attachment on the first post you will see a meter strip that is very helpful to me to improve dynamics, presence, and perceived loudness. I am learning from engineers that you have to set the vocals precisely first, then gradually add in other stuff, keeping an eye on ALL meters, to see which instrument suddenly flips the switch and throws the mix out of whack. It can be as simple as a bright acoustic pushed too high--or anything. One misstep and you lose control of the dynamics.

Quite fascinating actually.

David Snyder
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