I think there are a lot of variables in how "loud" a certain LUF target will be. Particularly the compression variable. I use Logic Pro X's loudness meter (comparable in function and results to Youlean) and I master at around 12 LUFs plus or minus one. This almost always gives me a less than 1 db +/- differential on the loudnesspenalty site.

FWIW I always use a four or five band multiband compressor when mastering which adds to or at the least does not distract from the more open feel that I aim for. I cannot technically explain this very well. But I know that the more single band compression I use with the same output on my limiter and the same LUF metered reading the louder the song sounds - and loudnesspenalty agrees with this. That's what drove me toward multi-band compression.

Sorry to further confuse the issue!

Bud

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