Free audio tools
PRE-PUBLISH PODCAST CHECK
Podcast Loudness Checker
Test a finished episode, trailer, interview, or ad before upload. The report compares estimated loudness with common podcast targets and flags clipping, excess silence, uneven dynamics, and noise risk.
Your audio stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Browser workspace ready0 files uploaded Local analysis
Podcast loudness report
Check an episode or mix
Compare estimated loudness with common mono and stereo podcast targets.
Local processing Detailed measurements MP3, WAV, M4A and more
Choose audio or drop it hereProcessed privately in this browser · Up to 200 MB
LISTEN · ANALYZE · COMPARE
Explore the demo studio
Four original mixes, each built around a different audio condition.
Building your audio health report…Decoding the file
Analysis complete
0/ 100
Waveform overview
SIGNAL MAP
Level over time
ActiveQuietRisk
0:00
What the analyzer found
File details
- Duration
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- Sample rate
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- Channels
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- File size
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Measurements are browser-based estimates, not a certified broadcast compliance report. Browser codec support varies by device.
Podcast loudness targets explained
Many podcast workflows aim near -16 LUFS for stereo programs and -19 LUFS for mono programs. These are common practical targets rather than universal laws. Your network, ad platform, or hosting service may specify a different level, peak ceiling, channel format, or delivery codec.
The checker automatically reads the channel count and compares the estimated loudness with the relevant common target. A difference of one loudness unit is usually small; a larger difference can make an episode feel noticeably quieter or louder beside other shows.
Why peak level is not enough
Two podcast episodes can reach the same peak and still sound very different in average loudness. A short consonant, click, or music transient may create the highest peak while most dialogue remains quiet. Integrated loudness considers the active program over time, which is why it is more useful for matching episodes.
Clipping is a separate problem. Raising a quiet mix until peaks hit the digital ceiling can add harsh distortion without producing a balanced result. Check loudness, clipping, and dynamics together.
A practical pre-publish checklist
- Compare estimated LUFS with the target for mono or stereo delivery.
- Check that clipped samples are absent or extremely rare.
- Listen to the local preview for edits, clicks, and abrupt transitions.
- Review silence percentage for unexpectedly long empty sections.
- Confirm the final requirements with your podcast host or network.
FAQ
Questions about this tool
What loudness should a podcast be?+
A common delivery target is around -16 LUFS for stereo and -19 LUFS for mono. Publishers can use different specifications, so always check the requirements of your host or network.
Does this checker measure true peak?+
It measures decoded sample peak and clipping risk, not certified inter-sample true peak. Leave reasonable headroom and use a professional meter for strict broadcast delivery.
Can I check an unpublished episode privately?+
Yes. The file is decoded and analyzed on your device. It is not uploaded to the site.
Will the checker normalize my podcast?+
No. It reports likely loudness and quality issues without modifying the episode. That keeps the tool separate from audio editing and exporting software.
