Dialogenvolume

Dialogenvolume refers to the relative loudness of spoken dialogue within an audio mix. In Dutch-language media production, the term is used to describe the target level at which dialogue should be heard, balanced with music and sound effects across different formats.

Practically, dialogue loudness is measured with loudness meters following standards such as ITU-R BS.1770 and the EBU R128 recommendations. Broadcast often targets an integrated loudness around -23 LUFS for the overall program, with dialogue-level strategies intended to keep speech clearly intelligible even when background music swells.

Techniques include compression and limiting on dialogue tracks to stabilize level, spectral shaping to avoid masking by music, de-essing to reduce sibilance, and careful equalization to preserve intelligibility. Editors and mixers may automate dialogue levels scene by scene and use a dedicated dialogue stem to ensure consistent delivery.

In production practice, dialogenvolume interacts with the overall mix and mastering process. In streaming and on-demand services, loudness normalization can change perceived dialogue level, so engineers optimize dialogue relative to music under the service's target loudness.

The concept also touches on accessibility, as clearer dialogue benefits listeners with reduced hearing or in noisy environments. While technology provides standards, actual dialogenvolume must balance artistic intent, intelligibility, and platform requirements.