The so-called "Loudness War" is based on a modern myth - a fairy-tale full of nonsense
that has somehow hypnotised the entire music industry for the last ten years
- and is permanently damaging the music we listen to as a result.

 
The Loudness War is a sonic "arms race" where every artist and label feel they need to crush their music up to the highest possible level, for fear of not being “competitive” – and in the process removing all the contrast, all the light, shade and depth – potentially ruining the sound.

This short video quickly and simply demonstrates the effect of the Loudness War - and how pointless it is - using a real-world example.

In order to achieve these super-high levels, the music has to be squashed up against the digital maximum level "ceiling" - reducing the difference between the peak and average levels in the music. In the process, the contrast between loud and soft moments (often referred to as the dynamic range) is often also reduced.

(Strictly speaking, this terminology isn't quite correct - the "Loudness War Sound" typically suffers most from crushed micro-dynamics, meaning lack of depth, space and life, and in the worst cases distortion. But 'limited dynamic range' is a common and intuitive way to describe all this. For a more rigorous technical analysis, click here.)

The "Loudness War" is built on the idea that "louder is always better". However this concept is fatally flawed, especially when most people listen online and the loudest songs are reduced in level for over 80% of listeners.

The goal of Dynamic Range Day is to spread an alternative message:

Balanced dynamics sound better

You don't need to compete in the "Loudness War". In fact in the 21st Century your music can gain a competitive advantage - not by being "louder", but more dynamic. To hear this simple secret in action, click here.

In a nutshell: it doesn't sound good.

• Research shows there is no connection between “loudness” and sales
• People don’t notice loudness when comparing songs
• Dynamic music sounds better on the radio - here's the proof
• Modern music playback methods make loudness irrelevant
• Most listeners just turn loud music down !

So - "loud" music on CD has no benefit on the radio, online, on a mobile player, or even in your CD player. That's why I call it a legend - the "Loudness War" makes no sense, in the 21st Century.

And yet almost every new release is crushed to within an inch of it's life.

So why do people do it ? Great question ! One possible answer is here: The Loudness War's dirty little secret

Sign the Streaming Loudness Petition! Click here for more info

Join in with Dynamic Range Day. Here are some ideas:

• Click to “Like” the Facebook page
• Accept the Dynamic Range Day Challenge !
• Follow the event on Facebook or Instagram - use the #DynamicRangeDay hashtag
• Put a post on your site or blog telling people about the day – include a link to this page
• Host your own Dynamic Range Day get-together - all you need is good company and a sound system that goes to eleven !

Dynamic Range Day is organised by Mastering Engineer Ian Shepherd, a long-standing opponent of the "Loudness Wars". DRD is also supported by Allen Wagner from TurnMeUp.org, as well as our wonderful supporters.

You can read more about the original idea for Dynamic Range Day here.