Volumeholding

Volumeholding is a term used in audio engineering to describe a practice aimed at maintaining a consistent playback level within a piece of music, a broadcast, or a streaming playlist. It encompasses approaches from loudness normalization standards to real-time dynamic control to keep perceived loudness within a target range.

In production and mastering, volumeholding uses automation and dynamic processors such as compressors and limiters to stabilize levels between sections or tracks, ensuring transitions are not jarring. In broadcast and streaming, it aligns with industry standards like LUFS targets and true-peak limits to produce uniform loudness across content.

Methods include setting a target loudness (for example, around -14 LUFS for streaming; variable for radio), applying compression with appropriate ratio and release times, gain staging to prevent clipping, and using limiters at the final stage. Metering tools (LUFS meters, true peak meters) guide decisions.

Criticism and considerations: over-application can reduce dynamic range and dull the sound; inconsistent playback systems can still reveal issues; listeners may perceive loss of liveliness. It is important to balance technical targets with artistic intent.

Etymology and usage: The phrase is not universally formalized in standard reference works but appears in industry discussions and some workflow documentation as a shorthand for the discipline of maintaining consistent loudness.