This is always a fascinating subject. When we talked about this a few years ago, we weren’t sure how loudnesspenalty knows exactly how the various algorithms work on each of the streaming platforms, or how accurate their readings really are. Further, we don’t know if the platforms change those algorithms to combat people trying to beat the system. Still, it’s a useful tool to know more than just guessing.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.